Operations & Maintenance Technician IV - (Motor-Grader)

About the role

At the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, we deliver reliable water to a region with 19 million people—and to accomplish this, we rely on a team of Talented Employees: innovators, problem-solvers, and collaborators who make it all possible. The O&M Technician Operator IV (Motor-Grader) functions as a journey-level professional who leverages extensive field experience and technical knowledge to manage both light and heavy machinery. This role requires the precise operation and safe highway transportation of a diverse fleet, ranging from standard vehicles and multiple-axle trucks to complex earthmoving gear. Operators routinely operate excavators, dozers, backhoes, loaders, tractors, dump trucks, water trucks, tanker trucks, vac trucks and cranes to facilitate large-scale infrastructure projects. The O&M Technician Operator IV (Motor-Grader) focus centers on the construction, improvement, and preventative maintenance of expansive water treatment, distribution, and hydroelectric systems. Operators execute construction techniques to repair and fortify critical water utility assets, assemblies, and supporting infrastructure. Daily tasks include operating equipment with constant attention to safety while servicing large gates, valves, pipelines, specialized vaults, and drain cover. Beyond direct equipment operation, the position demands proficiency in fleet logistics and field maintenance. In this role, you're responsible for the safe loading, securing, and transport of heavy machinery using specialized trucks and trailers, alongside performing routine minor maintenance to ensure equipment readiness. The O&M Technician Operator IV (Motor-Grader) will build and improve vital roadways, structures, and assets that guarantee long-term water and power reliability for our customers.

Schedule

4/10 - (Monday - Thursday 6:00am - 4:30pm). Employees in this position may be required to work off-shift hours and/or stand-by service to address operational needs and emergencies as required. May be required to work extended periods away from the normal reporting location.

Responsibilities

• Operate motor-graders for precision grading and leveling.
• Drive dump trucks, water trucks, and stake bed trucks.
• Facility Maintenance including vegetation removal, grading of patrol roads and other repairs on MWD infrastructure.
• Build and maintain access roads and rights-of-way.
• Load and transport equipment using multiple-axle trucks and trailers.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school equivalency certificate in addition to a minimum of 6 years in a heavy construction equipment operation position.
• OR High school diploma or high school equivalency certificate and attainment of journey level skills through a recognized equipment operator trade training program and/or applicable related experience within a industrial environment.

Required Experience & Skills

• Experience and knowledge as demonstrated by journey-level practical application of techniques and practices specific to heavy equipment operations.
• The necessary skills include effective, legal and safe operation of a variety of motorized equipment including light and heavy construction equipment.
• Also requires journey-level skills in preventive and corrective maintenance practices related to general construction that are normally associated with equipment operation and are generally obtained through applicable training and experience.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Driver's license from a state of residency equivalent to a California Class A (Manual Transmission) with a tanker endorsement and medical certification is required at the time of application. This position will require the successful candidate to obtain and maintain.
• Crane certification
• Forklift Certification
• Hazardous Materials Certification
• Manlift Certification
• Respirator Certification

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Excellent medical, dental, life, vision plans.
• Deferred compensation in the form of a 401(k) plan (with matching contribution) and a 457 plan.
• Retirement benefits under the California Public Employees' Retirement System
• Tuition reimbursement
• Training and advancement opportunities
• Excellent working environment
• Public transportation reimbursements

About MWD

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provides water for 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.