Water Systems Operator I-III

Under immediate supervision progressing to general supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled to highly skilled activities and functions related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water system, including production, treatment, storage and distribution facilities and related appurtenances; performs related duties as assigned.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

Water System Operator I/II:

• Performs semi-skilled and skilled work in the operation and maintenance of facilities and equipment utilized in the production, treatment, and distribution of water including storage facilities.

• Inspects wells, storage facilities, pumps, motors, generators, chemical feeders, valves, electrical and electronic controls, recording and measuring devices, and related equipment; performs preventative maintenance as required.

• Maintains pumping stations and performs preventative maintenance on motors, pumps, gauges, and related equipment.

• Collects and records flow, pressure, gauge readings, well levels, and sample test results; performs field testing such as chlorine, pH, temperature, and turbidity with portable measuring devices.

• Controls proper chemical dosage rates for groundwater and distribution system requirements.

• Responds to and documents water quality complaints in the water distribution system.

• Maintains landscape and performs maintenance around reservoirs, wells, and associated facilities; keeps sites in a clean and orderly condition including painting facilities and equipment on a regular basis.

• With supervision, makes decisions as shift operator controlling the flow and pressure of the water system and storage facilities manually or using SCADA (system control and data acquisition); maintains or adjusts system flow and pressure to meet consumer and fire flow demands and maintains minimum pressure requirements.

• Performs bacteriological water sampling and prepares collected samples for shipping; collects water samples as required for maintaining water quality compliance with State and Federal regulatory agencies.

• Reports unusual conditions and notifies supervisor of the need for any repairs.

• Excavates to install, maintain, and repair water pipelines using proper methods.

• Replaces or repair meters as required.

• May perform construction activities such as repair and replace asphalt or concrete, and minor carpentry.

• Assists with repairs and tests City backflow prevention devices and with administration of the City’s backflow prevention management-software.

• Works in confined space environments such as vaults and pits; uses air monitoring equipment to detect unsuitable air quality.

• Reads and interprets plans and specifications; maintains associated records as required.

• May assist construction and maintenance crews on a relief or emergency basis.

• Utilizes safe work practices, including safety precautions for operating power equipment, working in traffic and under hazardous conditions.

• Frequently uses a personal computer, tablet, phone or related electronic equipment to assist with the logging and/or tracking of daily work assignments; maintains other work-related records as needed. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Google Sheets, Google Forms and other software related to record keeping and communication.

• Standby 24-7 rotation shifts to responds to all water related emergencies.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Water System Operator III/IV:

• Provides lead direction and training as required on assigned projects related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of facilities and equipment utilized in the production, treatment, and distribution of water including storage facilities.

• Inspects wells, storage facilities, pumps, motors, generators, chemical feeders, valves, electrical and electronic controls, recording and measuring devices, and related equipment; performs preventative maintenance as required.

• Maintains pumping stations and performs preventative maintenance on motors, pumps, gauges, and related equipment.

• Collects and records flow, pressure, gauge readings, well levels, and sample test results; performs field testing such as chlorine, pH, temperature, and turbidity with portable measuring devices.

• Controls proper chemical dosage rates for groundwater and distribution system requirements.

• Responds to and documents water quality complaints in the distribution system.

• Provides specialized support in the planning and implementation of the City’s cross-connection control program; inspects, tests, and repairs City backflow devices as needed; assists with the administration of the City’s backflow prevention software program.

• Maintains landscape and performs maintenance around reservoirs, wells, and associated facilities; keeps sites in a clean and orderly condition including painting facilities and equipment on a regular basis.

• Makes independent decisions as shift operator controlling the flow and pressure of the water system and storage facilities manually or using SCADA (system control and data acquisition); maintains or adjusts system flow and pressure to meet consumer and fire flow demands and maintain minimum pressure requirements.

• Performs bacteriological water sampling and prepares chain of custody for shipping; collects water samples as required for maintaining water quality compliance with State and Federal regulatory agencies.

• Reports unusual conditions and notifies supervisor of the need for any repairs.

• Excavates to install, maintain, and repair water pipelines using proper methods.

• Replaces or repairs meters as required.

• May perform construction activities such as repairing and replacing asphalt or concrete, minor carpentry, electrical, and plumbing.

• Works in confined space environments such as vaults and pits; uses air monitoring equipment to detect unsuitable air quality.

• Reads and interprets plans and specifications; maintains associated records as required.

• May assist construction and maintenance crews on a relief or emergency basis.

• Utilizes safe work practices, including safety precautions for operating power equipment, working in traffic and under hazardous conditions.

• Works in confined space environments such as vaults and pits; uses air monitoring equipment to detect unsuitable air quality.

• Frequently uses a personal computer, tablet, phone or related electronic equipment to assist with the logging and/or tracking of daily work assignments; maintains other work-related records as needed. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Google Sheets, Google Forms and other software related to record keeping and communication.

• Ensures proper safety precautions and that the worksite is maintained in a safe and orderly condition; installs shoring as required and sets up traffic control to maintain a safe worksite.

• Operates and/or drives a variety of light and heavy-duty equipment and vehicles typically used in water system maintenance and construction activities.

• Provides timely and responsive corrective actions to citizen’s questions, concerns, and claims.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Examples of Duties Performed:

Knowledge of: Safe practices in handling various chemicals used in water treatment and using a variety of mechanical and power tools and equipment in constructing, maintaining, and repairing a variety of City facilities and infrastructure; traffic laws, ordinances, rules and regulations involved in the operation of vehicle and heavy equipment operations; safe practices in handling chemical chemicals used in water treatment and using a variety of mechanical and power tools and equipment in constructing, maintaining, and repairing a variety of City facilities and infrastructure; basic electrical principles; techniques for working with concrete, welding, plumbing, carpentry, and public landscape; arithmetic sufficient to calculate volumes, areas, lengths, percentages and conversions; safe work practices, including safety precautions for operating power equipment, working in traffic and under hazardous conditions; construction and maintenance materials, methods, standards, and terminology; techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff; the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar; modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination; computers and software programs to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to: Operate a variety of mechanical and power tools and equipment used in the production, treatment, and distribution of water including storage facilities; perform varied and complex mechanical maintenance and repair work; diagnose problems and determine appropriate action; interpret and work from sketches, drawings, plans and specifications; learn and utilize new technology; perform heavy, manual labor under adverse working conditions; understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed; effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals; learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities; independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments; effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability and/or strength to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 90 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff. Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Water System Operator I: This is the entry-level position in the Water System Operator class series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic maintenance experience learn City infrastructure, systems, and facilities, use of tools and equipment, and a wide variety of practices and procedures. Because employees at this classification level may be in a training capacity, such position does not require significant previous work experience in the applicable field. Employees in this classification are typically supervised while performing limited, well-established or routine duties. As experience is gained, assignments become incrementally more varied and complex requiring greater independence. Incumbents are required to advance to the minimum Water System Operator I certification level (Grade D1) issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board within one year of appointment and a Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (T1) within two years.

Water System Operator II: Employees in this classification are considered to be in an apprentice-level capacity until the necessary certification experience requirement for a more advanced Water System Operator is met. Incumbents are sufficiently competent to independently perform assigned tasks skillfully and safely and will have achieved the minimum shift operator certification required to operate the City’s water treatment facilities (Grade T-1) and water distribution system (Grade D-2) with supervision. Positions at this level receive instruction or assistance from more experienced operators until journey-level understanding of water system operations and procedures is achieved.

Positions in the Water System Operator class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Water System Operator II classification are normally filled by advancement from the Water System Operator I classification after gaining the required experience, meeting satisfactory performance standards, obtaining all professional certifications, and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level classes.

Water System Operator III: This is the journey-level class of the Water System Operator series. Incumbents are competent to independently perform a number of assigned tasks skillfully and safely. Positions at this classification are distinguished from the next lower classification by the performance of the full range of duties, working independently while exercising judgment and initiative and will have achieved the minimum shift operator certification required to independently operate the City’s water treatment facilities (Grade T-2) and water distribution system (Grade D-3) with little or no supervision. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Incumbents with the Water System Operator III classification are distinguished from the lower operator classifications by the ability to perform a broader range of highly skilled work and may occasionally act in a lead capacity overseeing project-specific performance of other Water Division staff.

Positions in the Water System Operator class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Water System Operator III classification are normally filled by advancement from the Water System Operator II classification after gaining the required experience, meeting satisfactory performance standards, obtaining all professional certifications and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher classes.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

Water System Operator I: Six (6) months of experience performing manual labor in general construction or maintenance.

Water System Operator II: One (1) year of experience as a Water System Operator I or an equivalent level of increasingly responsible experience in the construction, maintenance, and/or repair of utility systems, facilities, and related appurtenances. The incumbent must possess the required licenses and certifications.

Water System Operator III: Two (2) years of experience as a Water System Operator II or three (3) years of an equivalent level of increasingly responsible experience in the construction, maintenance, and/or repair of utility systems, facilities, and related appurtenances. The incumbent must possess the required licenses and certifications.

License:

Water System Operator I/II: Possession of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.

Water System Operator III/IV: Possession of a valid California Class “A” Driver’s License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.

Certificates:

Water System Operator I: Ability to obtain a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate (D1) issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board, within one year of appointment and a Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (T1) within two years. Incumbents will remain in probationary status until certification requirement is met.

Water System Operator II: Possession of a Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate (D2) Grade II and a Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (T1) issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board, by date of appointment.

Water System Operator III: Possession of a Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate (D3) a Grade II Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (T2) issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board, by date of appointment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.75 - $37.21 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Santa Paula, CA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28 - $37