Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution Operator

Woodard and Curran in; Adelanto (CA); On-site; USD 71,635,000 - 128,943,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

On-call stipend

Job summary

Woodard & Curran seeks a Water Treatment & Distribution Operator to support the Adelanto Public Utility Authority in Adelanto, CA. You’ll operate a large drinking water system, monitor water quality, and perform preventive maintenance as part of a five-person team.

You’ll gain hands-on experience across water treatment and distribution, with opportunities for licenses and certifications, and a rotating on‑call schedule including a $200 weekly stipend when assigned.

Qualifications

• California Grade T1 Treatment Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
• Grade D1 Distribution Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
• Ability to obtain Grade T2 and D2 within two years
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid California driver’s license
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and work outdoors
• Emergency response readiness when needed

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain drinking water treatment and distribution facilities
• Monitor system performance and water quality
• Conduct inspections, testing, and preventive maintenance
• Utilize SCADA and maintenance management systems
• Maintain accurate operational records and reports
• Assist in troubleshooting equipment and system issues
• Support regulatory compliance and reporting
• Participate in emergency response and on‑call coverage

Skills

Water treatment operations

Water distribution operations

SCADA systems

Regulatory compliance

Technical troubleshooting

Education

CA Grade T1 Operator-in-Training Treatment Certificate

CA Grade D1 Operator-in-Training Distribution Certificate

Ability to obtain CA Grade T2 Treatment within 2 years

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

SCADA

Maintenance management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Woodard & Curran is an employee-owned engineering, science, and operations firm dedicated to clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. We foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports professional growth, flexibility, and meaningful work, empowering our employees to make a lasting impact on our clients, communities, and the planet.

Join a Team That Protects One of Our Most Valuable Resources

Woodard & Curran is seeking a Water Treatment & Distribution Operator to join our team supporting the Adelanto Public Utility Authority in Adelanto, California. If you're looking for a career where your work has a direct impact on public health, environmental stewardship, and community well-being, we'd love to hear from you.

As part of a collaborative team of five professionals, you'll help operate and maintain a large and complex drinking water system that serves thousands of residents. Reporting to the Project Manager and Chief Operator, you'll gain hands‑on experience across all aspects of water treatment and distribution while building a rewarding career in the water industry.

The Adelanto system includes:

• 12 groundwater wells
• 2 purchased water interconnections
• 165 miles of water transmission and distribution pipelines
• Nearly 10,000 service connections
• 6 reservoirs
• 3 booster pump stations
• 1 drinking water treatment plant
• A 3-zone distribution system

No two days are the same. You'll have opportunities to learn new skills, solve operational challenges, and contribute to maintaining regulatory compliance and reliable water service for the community.

Why Join Woodard & Curran?

At Woodard & Curran, we’re committed to helping our employees build meaningful, long-term careers. We offer:

• Competitive hourly pay: $25 - $45 per hour (depending on if you are new to the industry, or an experienced professional)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement benefits
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
• Flexible spending account options
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Company support and reimbursement for industry licenses and certifications
• Bonus opportunities for achieving higher levels of certification
• A collaborative team environment focused on safety, growth, and career advancement

Whether you’re early in your career or looking to continue growing within the water industry, we’ll support you every step of the way.

Work Schedule

• Standard schedule: Four 10-hour days per week, typically Monday – Thursday, with rotating operator coverage on Friday – Sunday, allowing for some three day weekends.
• Participation in a rotating 7-day on‑call schedule
• $200 weekly on‑call stipend when assigned
• Occasional weekend work, overtime, and emergency response may be required to support system operations

What You’ll Do

• Operate and maintain drinking water treatment and distribution facilities
• Monitor system performance and water quality
• Conduct routine inspections, testing, and preventive maintenance
• Utilize SCADA, maintenance management systems, and other operational software
• Maintain accurate operational records and reports
• Assist in troubleshooting equipment and system issues
• Support regulatory compliance and reporting efforts
• Participate in emergency response activities and on‑call coverage

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• California Grade T1 Operator-in-Training Treatment Certificate and Grade D1 Operator-in-Training Distribution Certificate
• Ability to obtain California Grade T2 Treatment and Grade D2 Distribution certifications within two years of hire
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid California driver’s license
• Ability to regularly lift and move up to 40 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors and respond to emergency situations when needed

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in water treatment and/or distribution operations
• Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting drinking water systems
• Familiarity with SCADA systems, Microsoft Office, maintenance management software, and related technology
• Understanding of drinking water regulations, compliance requirements, and reporting processes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with team members, regulatory agencies, and the public
• Experience with laboratory testing, recordkeeping, and facility maintenance

Successful candidates must pass a background check, pre-employment physical, and drug screening prior to employment.

$25 - $45 an hour

Woodard & Curran offers a comprehensive benefits package.

For more information about our benefits & workplace policies visit Benefit & Policy Information - Woodard & Curran

E-Verify Participation

Woodard & Curran participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. As part of this process, we provide access to Right to Work & E-Verify postings.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility

Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non-discrimination and make employment decisions based on job-related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer.

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