Distribution Operator I/II

City of San Clemente; San Clemente (CA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Clemente is seeking a dependable Distribution Operator I/II to maintain and repair the water distribution system including lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and pump stations. This role supports public health and reliable water service through hands-on field work in a four-day, 10-hour schedule.

Operators may perform more advanced tasks at the II level, require certifications, and contribute to safety, data recording, and capital projects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• CA Grade I/II Water Distribution Operator Certificate or ability to obtain.
• Class B Driver License within 18 months.

Responsibilities

• Maintain water distribution system components (lines, valves, hydrants, meters, pump stations, reservoirs).
• Read, inspect, repair, and replace water meters.
• Perform leak detection surveys and utility mark-outs.
• Support fire hydrant inspection, repair, and flushing activities.
• Operate construction and maintenance equipment and vehicles.
• Generate and update work orders in CMMS-Lucity.
• Assist with capital improvement projects and field maintenance.
• Respond to public inquiries with professional service.

Skills

Water distribution systems

Meter reading

Safety procedures

Equipment operation

Public service

Education

High School Diploma

Operator Certification

Tools

CMMS-Lucity

Valve exercising equipment

Job description

The City of San Clemente is excited to announce we are currently accepting applications for the position of:

Distribution Operator I/II (Public Works, Utilities/Water)

Distribution Operator I: $36.85-$44.79/hourlyDistribution Operator II: $39.67-$48.20/hourly

The City of San Clemente is looking for a dependable, safety-minded, and hardworking individual to join our Utilities team as a Distribution Operator I/II.

This is an exciting opportunity to perform meaningful, hands-on work that directly supports public health, reliable water service, emergency readiness, and the daily operations of our community.

Distribution Operators help maintain the City’s water distribution system, water lines, valves, hydrants, meters, pump stations, reservoirs, and related facilities.

If you enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, solving problems, learning technical skills, and being part of a team that provides an essential public service, this may be a great opportunity for you.

This position works a four (4) day workweek, 10 hours each day. Enjoy a 3-day weekend, every weekend!

What You’ll Do:

• Maintaining and repairing water lines, valves, hydrants, meters, pump stations, reservoirs, and related facilities
• Reading, inspecting, repairing, and replacing water meters
• Performing leak detection surveys and utility mark-outs
• Supporting fire hydrant inspection, repair, and flushing activities
• Operating construction and maintenance equipment, vehicles, hand tools, and power tools
• Creating and updating work orders in the City’s maintenance management system
• Assisting with capital improvement projects and field maintenance activities
• Responding to public inquiries and providing helpful, professional service
• Following safety procedures and supporting safe working conditions in the field

At the Distribution Operator II level, employees may perform more advanced assignments, work more independently, operate specialized equipment, assist with training lower-level staff, explain work methods and procedures, and help support operational decisions to water system performance, water quality, flows, pressures, and system reliability.

Essential and other important functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with the maintenance and repair of the City’s water distribution system and water filtration plant including water lines, valves, and hydrants; ensure safe working conditions of system; make recommendations for improvements.
• Read water consumption meters; turn on and off meters as needed; inspect meters to ensure accurate readings; repair and replace faulty meters.
• Assist with the maintenance and operation of pump stations; record data; generate work orders for maintenance and repairs.
• Operate various construction and maintenance equipment, including high velocity cleaning equipment, skid steer, front end loader and backhoe tractor equipment, dump trucks; use and maintain hand and power tools and assigned equipment; perform preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Maintain fire hydrant inspection program; inspect fire hydrants; ensure water quality and proper fire hydrant operation; make repairs as necessary.
• Utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed.
• Assist in the construction of capital improvements projects.
• Perform leak detection surveys using various sound sensitive leak detection equipment.
• Perform Utility mark-outs related to water in accordance with Common Ground Alliance best practices and California law.
• Generate preventive and corrective work orders using the City’s CMMS-Lucity to document and track the work performed.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Participation in the City’s on-call rotation is required, including responding to after-hours water system emergencies, nights, weekends, and holidays.

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Takes pride in providing reliable public service
• Enjoys hands-on field work and working outdoors
• Is dependable, safety-focused, and willing to learn
• Has experience with water systems, construction, maintenance, utilities, or related field work
• Can operate tools, vehicles, and equipment safety and effectively
• Communicates well with coworkers, supervisors, and members of the public
• Can stay organized, follow procedures, and document work accurately
• Is interested in building a career in water utilities and obtaining required certifications

Minimum qualifications

Distribution Operator I

Experience: One (1) year of responsible experience performing field maintenance work, construction, plumbing or related work is desirable.

License/Certification Requirements:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 12 months of employment, a valid Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issue by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class B Driver License within 18 months from date of appointment.

Distribution Operator II

Experience: Two (2) years of responsible experience performing field maintenance work, construction, or related work on water distribution facilities or similar systems is desirable.

License/Certification Requirements:

• Possession of a valid Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of a valid Grade I Water Treatment Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class B Driver License within 18 months from date of appointment.

(Both Distribution Operator I and II)

Education/Training: High School Diploma, or equivalent, supplemented by specialized training in maintenance, construction, water distribution, utilities, or a related field.

For more information, you can review the full Classification Specification: here.

Prior to employment, the prospective candidate must successfully complete a background review, medical examination, including drug screen, and be fingerprinted, all at City expense. If selected, acceptable identification showing entitlement to legally work in the United States will be required.

Selection Process

• Applications and Supplemental Questions will be reviewed and evaluated for relevant education and experience.
• Candidates considered to have the best qualifications will be invited to participate in the selection process.
• The selection process will consist of an Oral Interview weighted at 100%.
• An eligibility list will be established and may be used to fill future vacancies.

Working Conditions

Work Environment:

Work involves working within an indoor office, laboratory environment, water treatment plants, and water operations facilities. Work involves exposure to water, mud, sewage, noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, traffic, chemicals, machinery, dirt, vibration head, cold and dampness; exposure to biological hazardous environments. Work may take place in inclement weather conditions; at elevated heights on scaffolding and/or ladders; within confined spaces, underground, on slippery or uneven surfaces; and/or around heavy construction equipment.

Physical Requirements:

• Strenuous and manual tasks for prolonged periods of time
• Operating motorized vehicles and heavy equipment
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavy items
• Standing, walking, or sitting for prolonged periods of time
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment, handle files and documents.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone
• Visual acuity to see/read documents and computer screen and to read instrumentation dials, measures devices, or other related components

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Cara Morin at [phone] or [e-mail].

As an equal opportunity employer, the City strongly encourages people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.