Senior Water Distribution Operator

Overview

Senior Water Distribution Operator role at Sacramento County. This is a continuous filing exam with next filing cut-offs: 5:00 pm on 9/11/25, 9/25/25, 10/24/25, 11/24/25, 12/26/25, 1/26/26, 2/26/26 (final).

Senior Water Distribution Operators perform the most complex duties in connection with the operation, maintenance, construction, and repair of water distribution systems, hydraulic power systems and hydro-pneumatic systems. Positions in this class also serve as a lead worker over one or more Water System Operators.

• Operate, maintain, construct, and repair water distribution systems and related hydraulic and hydro-pneumatic systems.
• Serve as lead worker over one or more Water System Operators.

Knowledge of

• The California Safe Drinking Water Act
• EPA standards, rules and regulations ensuring safe drinking water and protecting groundwater
• Construction, inspection, troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of water distribution systems and understanding interrelationships of equipment and systems
• Safety regulations and procedures for working with hand tools, light equipment, and vehicles
• Underground utilities and potential excavation conflicts
• First aid and CPR
• Computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, SCADA, and CMMS
• Welding techniques and practices
• Procedures and actions for emergency and special operating conditions

Ability to

• Provide lead direction and training to personnel
• Construct, inspect, troubleshoot, repair and maintain water distribution systems
• Perform strenuous physical labor and use a variety of hand, precision, and power tools
• Operate mobile equipment (e.g., dump trucks, water trucks, backhoes, tractors, vacuum vehicles, utility trucks, forklifts) on varied terrain
• Read and interpret manufacturer specifications, operations manuals, piping schematics, maps, plans, and blueprints
• Perform operational mathematics
• Maintain courteous relationships with County employees and the public, and communicate effectively in writing and verbally
• Work collaboratively in a team environment
• Provide first aid and CPR
• Use computer equipment to enter and extract information

Either:

• One year of full-time experience in the class of Water System Operator or Assistant Underground Construction and Maintenance Specialist in Sacramento County service performing duties including construction, repair, maintenance and operation of water distribution systems, water treatment facilities, water wells, water booster pumping stations, water storage facilities, and storm water pumping stations; OR
• Two years of full-time experience in the construction, repair, and maintenance of one or more of the following: underground pipeline, wastewater collection, storm water collection, or underground water distribution.

Note:

If the word “experience” is referenced, it means full-time paid experience unless stated otherwise. Part-time paid experience may be pro-rated to meet requirements.

Licenses:

• Valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, required prior to appointment. Some positions may require Class A and/or Haz Mat endorsements.

Certifications:

• Water Distribution Grade 2 (D2) certificate: must possess and maintain a valid Water Distribution Operator Grade 2 (D2) certificate issued by the California DHS at time of appointment.

Criminal History Check:
The County may access criminal history information for candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment. A fingerprint-based check will be conducted. The County will not consider candidates with certain disqualifying convictions unless mitigating circumstances exist.

• Perform strenuous manual labor and tasks requiring dexterity
• Climb ladders with equipment up to 300 pounds maximum weight capacity
• Lift and carry heavy equipment and tools up to 50 pounds and work in restricted spaces and varied terrains
• Wear respiratory protection as needed
• Work in positions such as bending, kneeling, crouching, and standing for extended periods

• Work in enclosed areas, trenches, and hot or inclement weather
• Work around dust, noise, and odors; uneven terrain; and in confined spaces

Shift, Weekend and Holiday Work:
This is a 24/7 operation; employees may work shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime and standby.

Age Requirement:
Candidate must be at least 18 years old prior to appointment.

Six (6) months.