PIPEFITTER APPRENTICE

About the Role

Under supervision, you will perform increasingly skilled work assisting journey level workers in the construction, maintenance, repair, and operation of a water distribution system while fulfilling the training and educational requirements of a formal apprentice training program. You will perform work with increasing independence as knowledge and skills develop, operate construction and maintenance tools and equipment, and handle related tasks as required.

Responsibilities

• Assists in cutting, fitting, laying, repairing, cleaning, and flushing of water mains and services.
• Assists in performing all allied construction or maintenance work in the installation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of the water system.
• Assists in the repair and installation of valves and hydrants.
• Assists in the repair of meters and detector check mechanisms, including disassembling, cleaning, inspecting, replacing worn parts, reassembling, and testing for accuracy and leaks.
• Assists in meter installations.
• Learns to operate trucks, backhoes, and other heavy construction equipment, as well as a variety of hand tools and air and electric power tools (e.g., jackhammers, tampers, pumps, air compressors).
• Cleans and maintains hand and power tools.
• Performs minor servicing to assigned vehicles and equipment, reporting mechanical or other problems.
• Keeps trucks stocked with materials and supplies.
• Completes after-hours classes and receives on-the-job instruction and training to become progressively more skilled and able to work independently.
• Works under emergency conditions when called at any time during a 24-hour period, subject to provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding.
• Drives on City business.

Requirements

• Knowledge of repair and care for small hand tools and mechanical equipment related to the water utility.
• Ability to operate small hand tools and mechanical equipment related to the water utility.
• Ability to learn the operation of a variety of construction equipment in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water facilities.
• Ability to perform strenuous manual work under varying weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and follow both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical functions.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent at the time of appointment.
• A valid California Class “C” driver’s license or equivalent at the time of appointment and a valid California Class “A” driver’s license within one year of appointment.
• A valid Grade 1 (T1) Water Treatment Operator certificate and a valid Grade 1 (D1) Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State of California Department of Public Health within 18 months of appointment.
• A valid Grade 2 (D2) Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State of California Department of Public Health prior to completion of the Apprentice Training Program.
• A crane certification may be required based on job assignment.

Schedule

Tentative examination dates for this recruitment:

• Week of 09/21/26 – Written examination
• Week of 10/12/26 – Performance examination

Work may include emergency conditions requiring availability at any time during a 24-hour period.