Water Utility Crew Leader - Distribution

The City of Pomona has an exciting opportunity for one Water Utility Crew Leader to join the Water Resources team. Under direction, this position leads, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work associated with the Water Distribution section, including the maintenance, repair, installation, and construction of the water distribution pipeline system and related appurtenances. The role also involves operating light, medium, and heavy equipment and performing a variety of technical tasks within the assigned area of responsibility.

The City currently has one vacancy in the Distribution section of the Water Resources Department. This recruitment will also establish an eligible list for future vacancies in the Distribution section. 

The Ideal Candidate 

The ideal candidate is a skilled leader with extensive experience in maintaining and repairing water production and distribution systems. They excel in supervising teams, operating heavy equipment, and ensuring all work adheres to safety standards. Proficient in interpreting blueprints and estimating resources, they ensure projects are completed efficiently and to high-quality standards. With strong technical expertise and a commitment to excellence, they are an effective communicator and problem-solver who takes pride in serving the community.

Why Pomona

The City of Pomona offers a rewarding career opportunity for individuals dedicated to water systems and ensuring the reliable delivery of this vital resource to the community. This role is ideal for those who take pride in hands-on work, value safety and teamwork, and wish to contribute to the sustainable operation of essential infrastructure. Join a team that plays a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of the Pomona community.

This position has an excellent benefits package that includes a 4/10 work schedule with Fridays off and medical, dental, and vision coverage. The position offers participation in CalPERS, the option to join a deferred compensation plan, tuition reimbursement plan, and medical flex spending account program. In addition, the City of Pomona offers Water Certification Pay. Qualifying employees in this position who hold a certificate which surpasses the minimum certificate requirements of the job classification will receive additional payment after education verification. 

This position provides a path for continued professional advancement and financial stability. The City of Pomona maintains a competitive compensation structure with a 5% scheduled salary increase on October 1, 2026.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO APPLY:

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

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalency, supplemented by training in skilled heavy equipment operation.
• Four years of experience as a Water Utility Worker which includes three years of experience operating heavy equipment.                 

 License or Certificate

• Must possess a valid drivers license with a good driving record. 
• Must possess or obtain a valid CA Class “B” driver’s license with air brake and tanker endorsements within six (6) months of employment.
• Must possess a Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate at the time of application.
• Must possess or obtain CPR, First Aid, Respirator, Confined Space, Trench Shoring, Forklift, and Hazwoper certificates within one (1) year from date of employment.
• Must possess or obtain a Leak Detection, Pressure Regulating Valve, and Buried Infrastructure Locating Certificates of Competency within six (6) months of employment.

Core Competencies:

To excel in this position, one must possess a set of core competencies. These competencies include, but are not limited to the following:

• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Developing Others: Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities
• Leadership: Guiding and encouraging others to accomplish a common goal
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Lead, plan, and review the work of staff responsible for the maintenance, repair, installation, and construction of the water production and distribution pipeline system, associated appurtenances, and operating light, medium, and heavy equipment. 
• Supervise the use of and operate a wide variety of light, medium and heavy equipment including backhoes, cranes, skiploaders, dump trucks, semi-tractor trailers, water wagons, forklifts, welding trucks, hammers and compressors. 
• Install, renew, and disconnect water services; repair service leaks; install and repair mains, laterals, valves, and fittings; install and repair hydrants; read, replace, repair, and rebuild water meters; turn on and off main line valves, hydrants, and fire service lines; install tanker meters to hydrants; exercise valves and hydrants. 
• Raise vault lids and value caps; form, pour, and finish concrete around hydrants in alleys and sidewalks and around meter boxes; lay asphalt; install and repair fences and gates; install shoring in ditches. 
• Operate a variety of technical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or motorized equipment used to maintain or operate water systems. 
• Monitor, analyze, evaluate, and maintain mechanical operation of equipment used to produce, distribute, or treat potable and recycled water. 
• Read and work from maps, blueprints, and sketches; draw maps and record measurements.
• Estimate time, material, and equipment required for assigned jobs; requisition materials as required; order parts as necessary and ensure parts ordered are received in a timely fashion.
• Observe safety precautions regarding traffic control, confined space, trenching, excavating, and power equipment operation. 
• Maintain records and logs; complete reports as necessary. 
• Train assigned employees including in the areas of work methods, techniques, and the use and operation of equipment. 
• Verify work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, and techniques. 
• Ensure the adherence with applicable standards and specifications; maintain cleanliness of work area and tools. 
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures. 
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner. 
• Perform the full range of duties in the assigned area of work.
• Repair and patch streets by sweeping surfaces, loading asphalt, and raking, shoveling, and rolling asphalt. 
• Remove concrete with front loader and jack hammer. 
• Perform emergency work such as road closures, street failures, and drain work. 
• Set up traffic control equipment; direct traffic in the street during construction projects.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs., and wear protective apparel; exposure to heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and traffic hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations; availability for on-call, stand-by, and emergency call. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisors or by law.