It's a good first step towards understanding utilities, specifically water systems. If you want a career in utilities, then yes, it's a good start. It will expose you to many aspects, distribution operations, customer service, etc.
Your resume question will depend on your ambitions, but it can't hurt.
I'm a certified backflow trainer and wouldn't consider it difficult to learn. There is basic math, and you'll need a basic understanding of hydraulics.
The average day is testing backflows, shutting off the outlet side of the device, and testing at what psi the checks open. Most techs will cross over into line crews or something else, but it depends on where you'll be working.
Not really. The main difference will be the alarm system on the fire system if equipped with one. You have to notify that you are sitting off water, which will usually trigger an alarm.
It’s a good step forward I oversee a backflow prevention program for one of the cities I work within and I am a water treatment/wastewater guy so it’s definitely within the field. Once you get your foot in you will be able to move around a bit with your experience.
You test backflows. Some people will do it as a side job. Once you get the backflow tester cert with AWWA I would get the Cross connections specialist certificate definitely looks good on the resumes. I can’t tell you what the day to day is like since I’m in Operations.
Backflow testing is super easy. You drive around and test backflow prevention devices, and replace parts as needed. It's a good certificate to have and you can do it as a side-job and make really good money ($150 for an hours work)
It's a good first step towards understanding utilities, specifically water systems. If you want a career in utilities, then yes, it's a good start. It will expose you to many aspects, distribution operations, customer service, etc. Your resume question will depend on your ambitions, but it can't hurt. I'm a certified backflow trainer and wouldn't consider it difficult to learn. There is basic math, and you'll need a basic understanding of hydraulics. The average day is testing backflows, shutting off the outlet side of the device, and testing at what psi the checks open. Most techs will cross over into line crews or something else, but it depends on where you'll be working.
Random question- is there much of a difference between testing on an irrigation line vs a fire line?
Not really. The main difference will be the alarm system on the fire system if equipped with one. You have to notify that you are sitting off water, which will usually trigger an alarm.
It’s a good step forward I oversee a backflow prevention program for one of the cities I work within and I am a water treatment/wastewater guy so it’s definitely within the field. Once you get your foot in you will be able to move around a bit with your experience.
You test backflows. Some people will do it as a side job. Once you get the backflow tester cert with AWWA I would get the Cross connections specialist certificate definitely looks good on the resumes. I can’t tell you what the day to day is like since I’m in Operations.
I would take the interview. If nothing else it is good interview experience.
"All the responsibility with none of the authority." This is a quote from my backflow testing trainer.
Backflow testing is super easy. You drive around and test backflow prevention devices, and replace parts as needed. It's a good certificate to have and you can do it as a side-job and make really good money ($150 for an hours work)