Water Systems Operator III

The Position

This is the Crew Leader Level Class in the Water System Operator Series. The Water Systems Operator III is responsible for the daily field supervision of crews performing maintenance and repair of the City’s water distribution system. This includes leading, planning, and actively participating in the work of the crews to ensure proper upkeep and operation of water distribution facilities. Duties also involve performing the more technical and complex tasks related to the water distribution system and operating heavy construction equipment as required.

This position reports to the Utilities Superintendent and is under General Supervision by the Water Distribution Supervisor.

Note: This recruitment will be utilized to establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill other current or future vacancies in this classification.

City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Employees work a 4/10 schedule. The schedule for this position will be Monday through Thursday, 6:00AM – 4:30PM (schedule may change based on the needs of the division). This position will also be required to work non-traditional hours including nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays while on On-Call duty and/or emergency response.

Essential Duties:

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed by employees in this classification. Functions may be added, modified or removed to meet the needs of the city.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to perform the following essential tasks and duties: 

•Layout, assign, lead and participate in the relocation, maintenance, and repair of water mains, water services, hydrants, valves, and related appurtenances.

•Estimate quantities and order materials and equipment.

•Maintain work time, equipment, and material records; make reports of work performed.

•Operate heavy equipment and perform minor maintenance to assigned tools and equipment.

•Inspect work in progress; assist crews in resolving complex work problems; instruct crew members in work techniques, use of equipment, and safety precautions and requirements.

•Complete work orders entering time and equipment usage information.

•Explain the effect of work projects to adjacent property owners.

•Prepare sketches of new installations and maintain a variety of project records.

•Contact customers concerning complaints.

•Assist in locating utility lines and appurtenances. Lead and train subordinates.

•Respond to emergency situations.

•Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

•Methods, materials, practices and equipment generally used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems.

•Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in the work. Principles and methods of plumbing and hydraulics related to the work.

•Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

Skills/Ability to:

•Keep records and prepare reports.

•Safely operate a variety of heavy construction and maintenance equipment with proficiency and efficiency.

•Estimate costs and determine personnel and equipment needs.

•Understand and interpret engineering plans and work orders.

•Work effectively with employees and the public.

•Assign and schedule work in a proficient and effective manner.

•Work under emergency conditions.

•Lead, train, and evaluate subordinates.

Education/Training/Experience

Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: A high School diploma or GED certificate is required.

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of Distribution Operator Grade II (D2) level work in a D3 Water System is required.

Additional Required Working Conditions:

• Certified operators are required to perform “on-call” duty and must be within 40 miles of City Water service area, or worksite while on-call.
• Required to perform emergency work assignments.
• Irregular or extended work hours: Occasionally required to work overtime.

 Licenses and Certifications:

• A valid California Driver’s License is required and must be maintained throughout the course of employment. (City employees are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Employee Pull Notice Program.)
• Possession of a State Water Resources Control Board, Water Distribution Operator (D-3) and Water Treatment Operator (T-1) certificate is required.

FINAL FILING DATE:  This recruitment will close by 11:59 p.m., April 12, 2026.