Equipment Operator

SALARY                  $39.92 – $48.53 Hourly                                   

                                  $83,042 – $100,938 Annually

 LOCATION             Vista Irrigation District Headquarters (in-person)

 DEPARTMENT        Operations and Field Services/Construction

 CLOSING DATE      Open Until Filled

 

Overview of Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Construction Supervisor, acts as a lead worker in a crew engaged in construction and maintenance of District structures, mains and appurtenances. Applies all standard safety practices.

 

Essential Functions:

1.        Performs hard physical labor and works as a member of a crew in the construction, maintenance and repair of water mains, service laterals, fire hydrants and other appurtenances within the District’s potable water system.

2.        Acts as a lead worker overseeing the work of assigned personnel at construction sites in the absence of the Construction Supervisor. Instructs and leads others in construction methods and in equipment and vehicle operation.

3.        Operates and maintains all types of heavy and light equipment including, but not limited to, backhoes, excavators, dump and boom trucks, wheel loaders, skid steers, asphalt grinders and rollers, jackhammers and soil compactors.

4.        Transports equipment between District yard and various work sites as needed.

5.        Assists in the layout of jobs at construction sites.

6.        Reads and interprets all grade stakes and improvement plans.

7.        Coordinates Basic Inspection of Terminals and/or valve maintenance with Geographic Information Systems.

8.        Assists with water distribution related tasks such as emergency and scheduled shutdowns, the notification of customers and other affected parties or agencies and ensuring the District complies with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. Investigates, troubleshoots and reports leaks in the water distribution system.

9.        Standby and work as an emergency crew (duty) person on a rotating basis covering nights, holidays and weekends. Emergency crew personnel are required to be able to report to the District’s headquarters facility within 45 minutes. Employees on standby may not consume alcoholic beverages. 

10.      Maintains daily activities log and prepares other reports as required.

11.      Performs related work as assigned.

Qualifications:

1.        Education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school. Must have at least one year of experience operating equipment related to the installation or maintenance of underground utilities and two additional years of experience either operating equipment, performing water industry maintenance/construction, welding or any combination thereof. Lead experience is desirable.

 2.        Must have a valid Class A California driver’s license; and must be acceptable to the District’s automobile liability insurance carrier. Must pass the Department of Motor Vehicles medical exam every two years and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

 3.        Must establish and maintain effective working relations with other personnel and promote good relations with the public.

 4.        Must obtain a Water Distribution Operator D2 certification administered by the California Drinking Water Operator Certification program within one year of start of employment.

5.        Must pass fit testing for an air purifying respirator (APR).

 

Benefits Package (it includes but is not limited to):

 •      Health: Medical (employee and dependents); Dental and Vision (employee and dependents – employee contribution required)

•      Retirement/Pension: Participation in the California Public Employees Retirement System (employee contribution required)

•      Paid Leave: 15 days of vacation and seven days of sick leave earned in the first year

•      Holidays: 13 paid holidays

•      Life Insurance (two times annual salary)

•      Deferred compensation match

•      Education reimbursement: up to $3,200 for qualifying coursework after one-year probationary period

•      Pre-tax spending accounts for medical and dependent care.

•      Alternative work schedule (every other Friday off – optional).

 

Additional Position Information:

 Regular employees in this position may join the Teamster Union.

The Equipment Operator is a non-exempt position and eligible for overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act and in accordance with District Policy.

 

About us:

Vista Irrigation District (District) is a public water agency located in northern San Diego County. Established in 1923, the District provides water service to about 29,000 customers and over 132,000 people living and working in the City of Vista and portions of the cities of Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos and unincorporated areas of the county. The District receives local water from Lake Henshaw, which it owns, imported water from northern California and the Colorado River via the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority) and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and desalinated seawater from the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant via the Water Authority. The District currently employs 87 people.

The District is “an equal opportunity employer” and will consider reasonably accommodating qualified disabled persons. Reasonable accommodation can include, but are not limited to, changing job duties, changing the work shifts, accommodating schedules, relocating the work area, and providing mechanical or electrical aids.

 

About the Recruitment Process:

The most appropriately qualified applicants will be invited to continue in the selection process which may consist of competency testing (including a practical exam), a written exercise and oral interviews by District personnel or qualified individuals from other public agencies or any combination thereof. The District expressly reserves the right to change the selection process in order to identify the most qualified candidates as required by federal and state law.

To help streamline the application and hiring process, we have implemented recruiting software. All applicants will apply via our website at www.vidwater.org under the “careers tab”. We will no longer accept paper applications. You will need to upload your resume and cover letter on the application portal. 

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.