Water System Operator II (Distribution)
City of Downey · Downey, CA · 2 wk ago
Information TechnologyFull-time
About The Position
Note: This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice. First review of the applications will occur on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Please thoroughly review the entire job flyer including the application instructions. Failure to submit a completed application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration.
- Compensation: Currently there is one (1) opening in the Water Distribution Section. Under direct supervision an incumbent performs semi-skilled work in the operation and maintenance of assigned section. This position may be assigned to the Water Distribution, Sewer and Storm Water, Water Supply, or Customer Service sections of the Utilities Division of the Public Works Department.
Examples Of Essential Functions
- Perform tasks related to the basic operation and maintenance of assigned section.
- Utilize adequate and appropriate tools, equipment, and materials for each task assigned; implement necessary changes in work methods, practices, and priorities as directed.
- Respond to service requests, issues of regulatory compliance and complaints from the public; respond to emergency calls, including after hour calls from the public and other agencies, coordinating with other City staff as necessary; notify customers of interruption of services; explain priorities, programs and policies to the public; provide appropriate follow-up.
- Participate in required training; perform work in a safe and efficient manner including proper and safe operation and maintenance of equipment.
- Collect and input data into spreadsheets and/or databases using desktop and mobile computers and equipment for compliance and infrastructure management programs.
- Document material inventory, field safety, construction activity, operational and infrastructure management data.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
When Assigned to the Water Distribution Section:
- Conduct water distribution operation and preventative maintenance projects and programs including but not limited to: water valve exercising and rehabilitation, water service line, meter, and box replacement, fire hydrant maintenance and rehabilitation, water system flushing, and air release valve maintenance and rehabilitation.
- Conduct timely repair of water distribution system and service line leaks.
- Assist in the coordination and inspection of City-owned water distribution construction activities including City contract and developer work.
- Conduct Underground Service Alert (USA) markings for City-owned utilities.
Qualifications
- Education: High school graduate or equivalent. Recently completed college level coursework in Water, Sewer, Storm Water, and/or Environmental Science, Engineering, or other related field is desired. Completed college level coursework in Water, Sewer, Storm Water, and/or Environmental Science, Engineering, or other related field may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to six (6) months of the experience requirement.
- Experience: One (1) year of full-time equivalent work experience in Water Distribution, Sewer and Storm Water, Water Supply, or Customer Service utilities construction, operation, and maintenance with experience performing the essential functions listed above is required. Work experience within a municipal water, sewer, or storm water agency or district is preferred.
- Knowledge of: Various aspects of water, sewer, and storm water system operations; general construction and maintenance procedures; equipment capabilities, limitations and safe operating characteristics; traffic laws, ordinances and regulations relating to the operation of assigned equipment; operation of water, sewer, and storm water facilities; operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of pumps/motors; rehabilitating groundwater wells; performance and coordination of electrical and electronic work; operation, maintenance, and analysis of SCADA systems; water meter reading and repair; pipe laying and pipe fitting; tools and equipment used in the installation, maintenance and repair of water/sewer/storm water mains, water services, water meters, water valves, sewer and storm water manholes and associated facilities; state laws and regulations related to water, sewer, and storm water; the safety precautions and procedures used in water, sewer, and storm water service work; current computer technology, modern office practices, methods, and equipment.
- Ability to: Work with minimum supervision in the performance of field assignments; present ideas and communicate effectively in oral and written form; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relations with those contacted in the performance of duties including the public and co-workers; meet schedules and time lines; perform work using a personal computer and mobile computerized equipment with proficiency in Microsoft Office program, utilizing Word and Excel; knowledge of general municipal computer software programs; follow City work rules and Department policies and procedures.
Certification
- When assigned to the Water Distribution or Customer Service sections: A State of California Grade One (1) Water Distribution Operator Certificate is required within twelve (12) months of appointment.
Licenses
- Due to the performance of field duties which requires operation of a City vehicle, a valid California Class C Driver's License to carry out the essential functions of the position and an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
Special Requirements
- A Commercial License Driver (Class A or B) is subject to the alcohol and drug testing requirements of the Department of Transportation, Federal Highways Administration. Upon hire, drug and alcohol testing will be administered as follows: post accident; reasonable suspicion; random testing under the DOT; return to work; and follow up testing.
PHYSICAL TASKS/ABILITIES
- Physical mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties assigned.
- Ability to drive a City vehicle or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to travel to different work sites and locations to carry out job-related duties.
- Ability to stand for long periods and/or walk long distances.
- Some walking may occur on sloping, slippery and/or uneven surfaces.
- Mobility to sit, stand, kneel, crawl, climb, crouch, stoop, reach, twist, and bend.
- Ability to twist at the lower body, at the waist, and at the upper body.
- Mobility of both arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small and large objects or tools, from overhead to the ground positions.
- Perform work, which involves hand/arm and upper/lower body dexterity to grasp, lift, push, pull, move and drag objects, which may weigh approximately 75 pounds and up to 100 pounds.
Environmental Conditions/Exposures
- Work is primarily performed outdoors in the field with exposure to the weather.
- Based on job assignment, exposures may also include: contact with hot and cold surfaces, loud noises and exhaust fumes from equipment and vehicle engines, vibrations, working in close proximity to moving mechanical parts (mechanical hazards), electrical current (electrical hazards), vehicular traffic and confined spaces; and, contact with potential natural irritants such as vegetation, dust, soil, tree pollens, sawdust, etc.
- The incumbent stands and walks on level and uneven/slippery surfaces.
- Other work is performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels.
- Based on job assignment, may be exposed to chemicals including but not limited to: gasoline, diesel, motor oil, grease, paint thinner, strippers, solvents, ammonia, bleach, cleansers, volatile organic compounds, fertilizers and non-restricted pesticides.
Selection/Testing Process
- For consideration, an employment application and supplemental questionnaire must be thoroughly completed. Failure to complete the application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration.