Operator II (Water Operations)

Irvine Ranch Water District; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Irvine Ranch Water District is seeking an Operator II in the Water Operations Department. The role monitors, analyzes, and controls domestic and irrigation water systems through field devices or a telemetry control system, under minimal supervision.

Qualified candidates must hold a Grade II Water Distribution Certificate and commit to obtaining a Grade III Water Treatment Certificate within one year of hire; applications are accepted continuously until filled with deadlines for first review.

Qualifications

• Must possess a California Water Resources Control Board issued Grade II (D2) Water Distribution Certificate upon hire.
• Must obtain a California Water Resources Control Board issued Grade III (T3) Water Treatment Certificate within one (1) year at the time of hire.

Responsibilities

• Patrols the District's water system and takes corrective measures to ensure its continued efficient operation and to maintain water quality standards.
• Performs routine water quality sampling and adjusts chemicals to comply with Federal, State and local regulations.
• Performs the chlorinating and testing of pipelines and reservoirs; checks chlorine dosage rates; weighs cylinders; records daily usage.
• Reads and documents critical water system pressures, flows, reservoir elevations and water quality.
• Operates, maintains and monitors chlorination, chloramination and de-chlorination facilities, pumping stations, wells, hydro-electric pump stations, pressure regulating/flow control structures and reservoirs.
• Operates the domestic, irrigation, and treatment systems using a computer-based telemetry control, monitoring, and alarm system.
• Diagnoses complex operating problems and takes effective courses of action.
• Evaluate and interpret lab tests and implement changes indicated.

Education

Grade II Water Distribution Certificate

Grade III Water Treatment Certificate

Job description

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for an Operator IIin the Water Operations Department.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on September 9, 2026. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

The District:

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

THE POSITION

Monitors, analyzes, and controls the domestic and irrigation water systems through direct field control devices or the computer-based regional telemetry control system. Under minimal supervision, plans, implements, delegates, and monitors routine and non-routine mechanical work activities within the treatment facilities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Operator II classification is distinguished from the Operator I classification in that it is the beginning of the journey-level for the series and incumbents are required to possess a California Water Resources Control Board issued Grade II (D2) Water Distribution Certificate upon hire and must obtain a California Water Resources Control Board issued Grade III (T3) Water Treatment Certificate within one (1) year at the time of hire. Assignments vary from routine to difficult and, at times, require sound judgment. Work assignments for incumbents at the Operator I level with a Grade I Water Distribution certificate are normally designed to provide developmental experience in the full range of the Operator’s duties. Incumbents typically follow prescribed and standardized procedures and refer unusual problems or questions to a senior operator, supervisor, or designated operator in charge. At the Operator Grade II level, employees may work more independently without close supervision on a variety of regular ongoing tasks and assignments.

Disaster Service Worker

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Patrols the District's water system and takes corrective measures to ensure its continued efficient operation and to maintain water quality standards.
• Performs routine water quality sampling and adjusts chemicals to comply with Federal, State and local regulations.
• Performs the chlorinating and testing of pipelines and reservoirs; checks chlorine dosage rates; weighs cylinders; records daily usage.
• Reads and documents critical water system pressures, flows, reservoir elevations and water quality.
• Operates, maintains and monitors chlorination, chloramination and de-chlorination facilities, pumping stations, wells, hydro-electric pump stations, pressure regulating/flow control structures and reservoirs.
• Operates the domestic, irrigation, and treatment systems using a computer-based telemetry control, monitoring, and alarm system.
• Diagnoses complex operating problems and takes effective courses of action.
• Evaluate and interpret lab tests and implement changes indicated.