Water Systems Operator 3

Water Systems Operator III

Advanced Operations • Technical Leadership • System Reliability

La Cañada Irrigation District is seeking a highly skilled Water Systems Operator III (WSO-3) to serve as a senior-level operator and technical leader within the District’s water distribution and treatment system.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining system reliability, operational continuity, water quality, and regulatory compliance while providing mentorship and leadership to operational staff.

Position Highlights

• Senior-level operational authority
• Lead complex field operations and emergency response
• Advanced SCADA and system controls management
• Technical mentorship and crew development
• Asset reliability and preventative maintenance leadership
• Independent decision-making in dynamic environments

Key Responsibilities

System Operations & Control

• Operate and optimize pump stations, reservoirs, pressure zones, and distribution flows
• Utilize SCADA, telemetry, and field diagnostics for system monitoring and control
• Lead system isolations and operational planning for repairs and capital projects
• Monitor water quality and regulatory compliance programs

Technical Leadership

• Train and mentor WSO-1 and WSO-2 staff
• Develop operational procedures and safety guidance
• Serve as a technical resource during emergencies and complex operations
• Conduct after-action reviews and operational debriefs

Field Operations & Reliability

• Lead advanced repairs, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities
• Diagnose hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, and control system issues
• Coordinate with contractors, engineers, and vendors
• Support preventative maintenance and asset lifecycle programs

Emergency Response

• Serve in leadership roles during emergencies, outages, and disaster response events
• Support continuity of operations and system redundancy planning
• Participate as a designated Disaster Service Worker (DSW)

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible water operations experience
• Minimum two (2) years equivalent to a WSO-2 level
• SWRCB Distribution Operator Grade 3 required (Grade 4 preferred)
• SWRCB Treatment Operator Grade 2 required

Desired Expertise

Experience in:

• SCADA & telemetry systems
• Pump stations & motor controls
• Water quality sampling & reporting
• Emergency generators
• Valve exercising & hydrant maintenance
• Cross connection & backflow programs
• System isolation planning
• Asset reliability & preventative maintenance

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate demonstrates:

• Strong technical judgment and operational leadership
• Calm decision-making under pressure
• Advanced troubleshooting and analytical skills
• Commitment to safety, professionalism, and accountability
• Ability to lead crews during high-risk operations and emergency events

Join Our Team

Help protect and operate critical public infrastructure while serving your community through technical excellence, leadership, and operational readiness.