Water System Operator

About the role

This is a continuous filing exam. The next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 6/8/26, 9/8/26, 12/8/26.

The Water System Operator class performs work in connection with the operation, maintenance, construction, and repair of water distribution systems, water treatment facilities, water wells, water booster pumping stations, water storage facilities, and storm water pumping stations. Positions in this class also operate, maintain and repair chemical handling systems, hydraulic power systems and hydro-pneumatic systems, and operate diesel driven electrical generation systems. Incumbents may be required to perform routine tasks independently when they work alone in the field.

Responsibilities

• Under direction, perform work in connection with the operation, maintenance, construction, and repair of water distribution systems, water treatment facilities, water wells, water booster pumping stations, water storage facilities, and storm water pumping stations.
• Operate, maintain and repair chemical handling systems, hydraulic power systems and hydro-pneumatic systems, and operate diesel driven electrical generation systems.
• Operate, maintain and repair mechanical components of equipment in one or more of the following facilities: wastewater treatment plants, potable water pump stations, water treatment plants, lift stations, storm drain pumping stations, or other mechanical facilities with similar systems and equipment.
• Operate and maintain a variety of hand, precision, and power tools, drive a variety of mobile equipment such as dump trucks, water trucks, backhoes, tractors, vacuum vehicles, utility trucks, step vans, and forklifts on paved and/or uneven terrain such as hills, slopes, rocky or wet ground.
• Operate and maintain a variety of laboratory equipment to analyze domestic and reclaimed water.
• Operate and maintain a variety of computer software such as Computer Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).
• Perform strenuous physical labor, stand on a ladder while performing tasks with both hands, lift and carry heavy equipment and tools weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance; lift heavier items with assistance, frequently bend, stoop, squat, kneel, crouch and reach above the shoulder, work for extended periods of time in a bent, stooped, kneeling or prone position, work in areas with unsteady footing, enter and exit through restricted entrances of 24 and 36 inches in diameter, work in trenches up to 23 feet in depth, work outside in all types of climatic conditions including inclement or very hot weather, work around dust, dirt, noise, and odors, work on uneven terrain, work in hip boots during muddy conditions, work often at heights of 40 feet and may work occasionally at greater heights up to 100 feet.
• Perform tasks requiring manual dexterity, demonstrate color vision sufficient to distinguish the colors on a computer screen that indicate equipment status and conditions.

Requirements

• One year of full-time experience performing duties which have included the repair, maintenance, or construction of one or more of the following systems: underground pipeline, wastewater collection, storm water collection, or underground water distribution.
• One year of full-time experience in maintenance, construction, operation, or repair of mechanical components of equipment in one or more of the following facilities: wastewater treatment plants, potable water pump stations, water treatment plants, lift stations, storm drain pumping stations, or other mechanical facilities with similar systems and equipment.
• A certificate of completion from a two-year mechanical-electrical technology program.
• Completion of two-years of a stationary engineer, plumbing, or similar trade apprenticeship program.

Qualifications

• Age Requirement: Candidates must be 18 years of age prior to appointment because of the hazards of the job, as defined in the Fair Labor Standard Act.
• Driver's License: A valid California Driver License, Class C or higher is required prior to appointment to this class. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Certificates/licenses: Water Distribution Grade 1 (D1) certificate: All incumbents must possess and maintain a valid Water Distribution Operator Grade 1 (D1) certificate issued by the State of California, Department of Health Services (DHS) within one year after the date of appointment to this class or within two consecutive DHS exam cycles after the date of appointment to this class, whichever is greater. Water Treatment Grade 1 (T1) certificate: All incumbents must possess and maintain a valid Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 (T1) certificate issued by the State of California, Department of Health Services (DHS) within two years after the date of appointment to this class or within four consecutive DHS exam cycles after the date of appointment to this class, whichever is greater.
• Physical Abilities: Perform strenuous manual labor, perform tasks requiring manual dexterity, while carrying equipment which may weigh up to 25 pounds, safely climb and work on ladders with a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds, frequently bend, stoop, squat, kneel, crouch and reach above the shoulder, work for extended periods of time in a bent, stooped, kneeling or prone position, work in areas with unsteady footing, enter and exit through restricted entrances of 24 and 36 inches in diameter, work in trenches up to 23 feet in depth, work outside in all types of climatic conditions including inclement or very hot weather, work around dust, dirt, noise, and odors, work on uneven terrain, work in hip boots during muddy conditions, work often at heights of 40 feet and may work occasionally at greater heights up to 100 feet.
• Working Conditions: Work in enclosed areas where the temperature may exceed 100 degrees F, Enter, exit, and work in enclosed and confined spaces, Work in trenches up to 23 feet in depth, Work outside in all types of climatic conditions including inclement or very hot weather, Work around dust, dirt, noise, and odors, Work on uneven terrain, Work in hip boots during muddy conditions, Work often at heights of 40 feet and may work occasionally at greater heights up to 100 feet.

Benefits

Details about benefits are not provided in the job posting.

Pay

Details about pay are not provided in the job posting.

Schedule

Details about schedule are not provided in the job posting.