Operations Technician I/II - Construction and Repair / Sewer Collections

Western Municipal Water District; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public agency in Riverside County is seeking Operations Technicians to support the Construction/Repair and Sewer Collections team. This entry-level role offers a chance to learn and grow in a dynamic environment focused on public health and environmental safety. Candidates will perform various maintenance tasks, operate equipment, and respond to emergencies while adhering to safety protocols. The position requires a high school diploma, with certifications in water distribution and collections being desirable.

Qualifications

• Entry-level role with no experience required for Technician I.
• One year of similar duties required for Technician II.

Responsibilities

• Perform grounds maintenance and heavy manual labor.
• Operate equipment, tools, and vehicles.
• Assist with emergency response and monitor SCADA system.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Customer Service

Multitasking

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Water Distribution Grade 1

Collections System Maintenance Grade 1

Tools

Computerized Work Management System

SCADA system

GPS

Job description

THE OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN POSITION SUPPORTS THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CONSTRUCTION/REPAIR AND SEWER COLLECTIONS TEAM

Who we are

Western Municipal Water District ("Western Water") is a major public agency in Riverside County, serving nearly one million residents across 527 square miles of inland Southern California. Our mission is to provide reliable water and wastewater services, ensuring long-term water resiliency and fostering trust and excellence in service.

Our vision emphasizes integrating leading processes and developing a workforce that creates value for our customers.

Our core values include:

• Service Excellence
• Efficiency
• Water Supply Reliability
• Fiscal Responsibility and Value
• Public Trust, Accountability, and Transparency
• Environmental Stewardship
• Employee Empowerment
• Innovation

If you are eager to start your career in an agency aligned with these values and are dedicated to supporting programs that maintain and improve Western's infrastructure, we invite you to apply.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Construction/Repair and Sewer Collections team, part of the Operations Department, maintains and improves Western’s facilities and infrastructure, ensuring compliance with the Sewer Sanitary Management Plan (SSMP). They conduct collections activities for SAWPA, HGSD, and Western's systems, playing a vital role in public health and environmental safety. Operations Technicians are expected to demonstrate leadership in overseeing maintenance, containment procedures, troubleshooting, and confined space rescue activities.

Members may be assigned primarily to the Construction/Repair team but assist with Sewer Collections as needed. Work hours and schedules may vary based on operational requirements.

THE POSITION

Operations Technician I is an entry-level role, where incumbents learn and perform duties under guidance, progressing to work more independently over time.

Operations Technician II is an intermediate role, capable of performing duties independently, applying thorough knowledge of systems, and exercising sound judgment. They report to the Operations Field Manager and may receive guidance from the Senior Operations Technician.

Employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed and respond to emergencies as Disaster Emergency Service Workers.

Additional Information

Western Water is accepting the first 50 applications. Duties are illustrative; similar or related tasks may be assigned as needed.

Universal Functions

• Perform grounds maintenance and heavy manual labor
• Operate communication devices and dispatch equipment
• Investigate complaints and maintain records
• Utilize and maintain the Computerized Work Management System
• Participate in safety and maintenance activities
• Operate equipment, tools, and vehicles
• Monitor SCADA system and perform surveys using GPS
• Follow safety procedures like LOTO and confined space entry
• Perform semi-skilled and skilled maintenance tasks
• Operate traffic control devices
• Assist with emergency response and possess a valid California Driver License

Construction and Repair Team

Members may be assigned primarily to this team, responsible for ensuring standards are upheld, responding to leaks, and executing capital projects. Tasks include construction, maintenance, and repairs, operating heavy equipment, performing underground markings, and responding to emergencies. Certifications in welding or crane operation are desirable.

Additional responsibilities include understanding policies, supervising crews, providing excellent customer service, and working independently.

Experience, Education, and Licensing

Job Title	Education	Experience
Operations Technician I	High School Diploma or equivalent	None required
Operations Technician II	One year performing similar duties

Licensing and Certification

Job Function	Desired Certification	DMV Class
Operations Technician I	Construction/Repair	None	C
Operations Technician II	Construction/Repair	Distribution 1 / Collections 1 (desirable)	A (or ability to obtain within 12 months)

Certifications include Water Distribution Grade 1 and Collections System Maintenance Grade 1. Other professional development coursework is also desirable.

Physical, Mental, and Environmental Requirements

Employees may need to wear respirators, work in confined spaces, and perform manual labor under various environmental conditions. Reasonable accommodations can be made for disabilities.

Physical demands include working outdoors, using repetitive motions, lifting up to 60 pounds with assistance, and operating equipment. Mental demands involve communication, multitasking, and applying policies and procedures. Environmental exposures include noise, chemicals, and biological hazards. Safety practices and PPE are mandatory.

Western is a tobacco-free campus, prohibiting smoking and nicotine products in all facilities and vehicles.