Water System Operator

This is a continuous filing exam. The next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 3/6/25, 6/6/25, 9/5/25, 12/5/25

Water System Operator is the journey level class for both the Water Distribution series and the Water Treatment series. Under direction, Water System Operators perform work in connection with the operation, maintenance, construction, and repair of water distribution systems, water treatment facilities, water wells, water booster pumping stations, water storage facilities, and storm water pumping stations. The positions in this class also operate, maintain and repair chemical handling systems, hydraulic power systems and hydro-pneumatic systems, and operate diesel driven electrical generation systems.

Incumbents may be required to perform routine tasks independently when they work alone in the field.

Knowledge of

• The California Safe Drinking Water Act
• EPA standards, rules and regulations ensuring safe drinking water and protecting ground water
• The tools, materials, equipment and methods used in the maintenance, repair and operation of complex mechanical equipment such as: pumps, motors, various valve and gate operators, hydraulic drives, chain and socket assemblies, air compressors, electric and pneumatic controls, chlorination, and pneumatically and hydraulically controlled valves, and associated equipment
• The tools, materials, equipment and methods used in the treatment of surface and ground water and in the construction of underground pipelines
• Basic safety precautions and practices required when working in a variety of working conditions using hand tools, light equipment, and vehicles
• The basic tests used in water treatment process control
• Computer software such as Computer Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)

Ability to

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Perform strenuous physical labor
• Use a variety of hand, precision, and power tools
• Drive a variety of mobile equipment such as dump trucks, water trucks, backhoes, tractors, vacuum vehicles, utility trucks, step vans, and forklifts on paved and/or uneven terrain such as hills, slopes, rocky or wet ground
• Use laboratory chemicals and equipment to analyze domestic and reclaimed water
• Read, interpret and utilize manufacturer's specifications, operations manuals, piping schematics, etc.
• Maintain courteous and effective relationships with County employees and the general public
• Read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance
• Use computer equipment and related peripheral equipment to enter and extract information

Minimum Qualifications
Either: 1. One year of full-time experience performing duties which have included the repair, maintenance, or construction of one or more of the following systems: underground pipeline, wastewater collection, storm water collection, or underground water distribution.
Or: 2. One year of full-time experience in maintenance, construction, operation, or repair of mechanical components of equipment in one or more of the following facilities: wastewater treatment plants, potable water pump stations, water treatment plants, lift stations, storm drain pumping stations, or other mechanical facilities with similar systems and equipment.
Or: 3. A certificate of completion from a two-year mechanical-electrical technology program.
Or: 4. Completion of two-years of a stationary engineer, plumbing, or similar trade apprenticeship program.
Note: The word "experience" referenced in the minimum qualifications means full-time paid experience unless the job announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.
Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please  or speak to someone in our office before the…