Water Distribution System Operator; SBP

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Thursday, February 12, 2026, so please hold that date.

The successful Water Distribution System Operator will demonstrate strong technical and mechanical aptitude, effective problem-solving, and the ability to operate and maintain water distribution systems safely and efficiently. They communicate clearly, work well independently and collaboratively, and adapt quickly to new procedures and technologies. The role requires meeting the physical requirements of the job, learning required certifications and processes, and consistently upholding professional standards and public trust in the City’s water services.

Performs a variety of skilled work associated with general oversight, construction, maintenance and emergency repair of a California State Water Resources Control Board designated D4 water distribution system. Employees in this classification perform a wide variety of operations and maintenance tasks from the semi-skilled and skilled level to journey level.

This position is part of the  Skills Based Pay  (SBP) program. Employees in this position shall have the opportunity to advance within the range. Advancement shall be based on attainment and continued demonstrated performance of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, and/or required certifications, and the approval of the department head. This job classification includes responsibility for the performance of the full range of the classification's tasks and duties, ultimately performing at a journey level of classification.

Employees in this classification receive limited supervision from the Water Distribution Supervisor within a framework of standard policies and procedures. Incumbents in this classification work independently while on mandatory standby/callout.

• Participates in all aspects and functions of construction, maintenance and emergency repair of water distribution system: maintains and repairs pump stations; installs, maintains and repairs water mains, pressure regulators, service lines, fire hydrants and valves.
• Plans, directs, monitors, reports and completes work related to the City's water distribution system.
• Responds to water related emergencies such as service leaks and main breaks; assesses situation, determines proper action, makes process control decisions, performs necessary repair work to resolve problems or requests appropriate equipment/workers needed to resolve problems.
• Operates and maintains a variety of automotive and specialized equipment including backhoe, tractor, vacuum excavator, compressor, hydraulic valve operator, loader, dump trucks, pumps and other various hydraulic systems.
• Complies with all conditions of the City's  Low Threat Discharge Permit  issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board which includes water quality sampling and analysis.
• Reviews, investigates and comments on engineering plans and specifications.
• Observes system flow and regulates system pressure requirements; inspects and reports system conditions and makes recommendations.
• Coordinates with inspectors, engineering and contractors on public and private water projects within the public right of way.
• Conducts, coordinates, and oversees new construction water line chlorination, flushing and bacteriological sampling.
• Interprets and makes required replacement/adjustments of specialized equipment and instruments such as pressure transducers, recorders, gauges, meters, charts and dials.
• Excavates City streets and easements.
• Locates and properly marks underground water system assets per USA rules and regulations.
• Maintain computerized and manual records related to service and repair work performed; tracks, reports, interpret information and adjust maintenance schedules, follow-up on required maintenance and repair and maintains program documentation.
• Operate power and hand tools such as tamper, jackhammer, electric tools, tapping machines, welders, plasma cutter and other tools as required.
• Schedules and performs routine periodic maintenance and emergency repair of pressure regulating valves.
• Operates automotive and specialized equipment.
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot computerized telemetry systems for monitoring water pump stations, storage facilities and pressure regulators.
• Participate in the mandatory standby/callout rotation that provides 24-hour coverage of all water distribution components and facilities.
• Reads and installs water meters.
• Responds to customer complaints, water quality inquiries, and water pressure concerns.
• Delineates traffic and work areas following established guidelines.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

• Methods, tools, equipment and procedures related to water distribution systems.
• Operation, maintenance and emergency repair of pumps, motors, pressure…