Limited Term Operator I/II

SALARY RANGE: (Depending Upon Qualifications)

Operator I (D1 Certificate): $32.33 – $44.56 hourly

Operator I (D1 & T1 Certifications): $34.82 – $47.98 hourly

Operator II (D3 & T2 Certifications): $38.43 – $52.96 hourly

Mesa Water District (Mesa Water) is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for a Limited Term Operator I/II to work in our Water Distribution section. This is a temporary, but fully benefitted position, with an expected duration of about two years – through June 30, 2027. The person selected for this role will work on a crew of 2-3 Operators repairing and maintaining our water distribution infrastructure.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary that is regularly reviewed (3% increase effective January 2026).
• Rich benefit package that includes $2,400/month in flex credits, enrollment in CalPERS and matching up to 3.5% into 401a plan.
• Hands on training opportunities.
• Being a part of an agency that is on the cutting edge of water technology and innovation.

Ideal Candidate:

• Experienced in repairing and installing main and service lines, hydrants and water valves.
• Likes to collaborate with others to achieve shared goals.
• Responsive, pleasant, and professional with customers.

This is a continuous recruitment with the initial filing deadline of Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 11:59 PM. Only completed online applications and supplemental questions will be considered. This is a safety sensitive position, meaning final candidates will be subject to a drug test during the pre-employment process.

The Position

Operator I: This is the entry level class in the Operator series that operates, maintains, installs, and repairs the District’s water distribution infrastructure. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine duties associated with the work. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Operator II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Operator series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment, initiative, and leadership. 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. Additionally, positions at this level may lead lover-level staff and/or take on additional duties in the absence of the Senior Operator. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Operator II level are normally filled by advancement from the Operator I level.

Representative Duties

• Performs construction, maintenance, operation, and repair of the District’s water distribution system; performs a variety of water facilities maintenance work including main line, service line, and fire hydrant installation, replacement, and repair; water main line and hydrant valve turning and flushing; pipe cutting; line tapping; water meter installation, replacement, repair, and testing; and angle stops, ball valves, and various size meter box installations.
• Cuts, breaks, and hauls asphalt and concrete; mixes and finishes concrete; prepares for and lays asphalt; operates a variety of equipment and tools including backhoes, front loaders, forklifts, skip loaders, rollers, dump trucks, boom truck, service truck, jack hammers, pavement saws, cutting torches, compressors, compactors, pneumatic tools, pumps, and hand and power tools; loads and unloads vehicles and equipment.
• Assists in performing water quality samples analyses; assists in preparing tests and analyzing distribution system well, reservoir, and treatment plant samples for a variety of items including ammonia, nitrites, chlorine, monochloramines, color, turbidity, conductivity, and related items.
• Trains other staff on minor water infrastructure repairs and meter replacement procedures.
• Maintains assigned equipment and vehicles; performs safety checks and checks fluid levels of vehicles and equipment; cleans assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Sets traffic control including safety devices, signs, and barricades; ensures safety of public and work crew.
• Performs a variety of other duties in support of department operations; cleans service yard; cleans and paints buildings and well sites; paints hydrants; repairs fences and gates; maintains grounds by planting and weeding; performs event set-up/break-down functions; assists in performing minor repairs and electrical work; may respond to public inquiries.
• Performs emergency repairs; responds to emergency calls at irregular hours.
• Maintains work, time, and material records; may prepare statistical reports and data analyses of assigned activities; may prepare daily reports.
• Attends safety and training sessions and seminars.
• Participates in mandatory standby duty based on operational needs and responds to emergencies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum & Desired Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Operator I

• Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade. Vocational training in maintenance and repair is desirable.
• One year of experience in the construction, operation, maintenance, and/or repair of water systems or related electrical or mechanical equipment or systems. Experience working with water distribution is preferred.

Operator II

• Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade, supplemented by vocational or technical training in water utility science, water distribution infrastructure maintenance and repair practices, mechanical maintenance and repair practices, or construction inspection.
• Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation, maintenance, installation, and repair of water distribution infrastructure.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Operator I: Possession of Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 Certification issued by State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
• Operator I: Valid California class A driver’s license with air brake endorsement desirable, but not required.
• Operator I: Possession of Water Treatment Operator Grade T1 issued by SWRCB desirable, but not required.
• Operator II: Possession of Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 Certification issued by SWRCB.
• Operator II: Possession of Water Treatment Operator Grade T2 issued by SWRCB.
• Operator II: Must possess a valid Class A driver’s license at time of appointment.

Other: Must reside within 25 miles of the nearest boundary to Mesa Water District in order to participate in the mandatory standby program based on operational needs and respond to emergencies.