Senior Water Distribution/Production Operator

Careers In Government; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Fresno is seeking a Senior Water Distribution/Production Operator to lead skilled crews and manage major construction and maintenance projects across the city’s potable and groundwater delivery systems.

The role requires inspecting and maintaining water lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and pumps, while monitoring distribution and production for safety and reliability. Applicants must have a D3 certificate and a Class C license, with overtime and varied shifts possible.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent GED.
• Three (3) years of full-time work experience in the testing, cleaning, maintenance, inspection, repair, installation, replacement, construction, distribution and operation of water systems.
• A valid Water Distribution Operator Certificate Grade D3, issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required at the time of application and must be maintained throughout the entire term of employment in this classification
• A valid Class C California Driver’s License is required at the time of application and must be maintained throughout the entire term of employment in this classification.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate crews on construction, maintenance, and repair projects.
• Install, maintain, and repair water lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and pumps.
• Operate and service light and heavy equipment.
• Monitor and adjust water distribution and groundwater production systems.
• Conduct field inspections and collect water samples.
• Locate leaks, perform emergency repairs, and set up traffic control.

Skills

Crew leadership

Blueprint reading

Safety awareness

Water systems knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Water Distribution Operator Certificate Grade D3

Class C Driver’s License

Job description

Job Description

Come join the City of Fresno in Building a Better Fresno!

Want to see what it’s like to work here? Explore our We Work For You video series to discover the real stories, passion, and purpose of the team behind Fresno’s success.

Position Description

Keep Fresno’s water flowing strong - step into a leadership role that makes a real impact. As a Senior Water Distribution/Production Operator, you’ll guide skilled crews, tackle major construction and maintenance projects, and help ensure the safe, reliable delivery of potable and groundwater across the city.

Ready to grow your career?

• Lead and coordinate crews on construction, maintenance, and repair projects.
• Install, maintain, and repair water lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and pumps.
• Operate and service light and heavy equipment.
• Monitor and adjust water distribution and groundwater production systems.
• Conduct field inspections and collect water samples.
• Locate leaks, perform emergency repairs, and set up traffic control.
• Read, interpret, and update maps, plans, and blueprints.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, inventories, and work orders.
• Address public inquiries and ensure safe, efficient project execution.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Duties and schedules may vary by assignment, please inquire about specific duties and/or schedules if called upon for an interview. Incumbents may be required to work any shift; overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Explore the job specification for additional position details.

The current vacancy exists in the Public Utilities Department, Water Division. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that are necessary to safely, effectively, and efficiently perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

This classification’s physical demands involve heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally with assistance, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical demands may be required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, walking.

The Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination and does not assure a place on the eligible list.

• Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent GED completion
• Three (3) years of full-time work experience in the testing, cleaning, maintenance, inspection, repair, installation, replacement, construction, distribution and operation of water systems
• A valid Water Distribution Operator Certificate Grade D3, issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required at the time of application and must be maintained throughout the entire term of employment in this classification
• A valid Class C California Driver’s License is required at the time of application and must be maintained throughout the entire term of employment in this classification.

Applicants must provide proof of a valid driver's license and Water Distribution Operator Certificate Grade D3. Applications submitted without the required documents attached will be rejected.

Additional Requirements

The selected eligible candidates certified will be required to successfully pass a department interview and a Department of Justice fingerprint prior to employment with the City of Fresno.

Depending on assignment area: 1) may be required to obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Class "A" or "B" California Driver's License with appropriate endorsements for the entire term of employment in this classification within twelve (12) months of assignment, 2) may be required to obtain and maintain a valid Backflow Certificate by the California State Water Resources Control Board throughout the entire term of employment in this classification.

The Selection Process

The examination process may consist of the following:

• Written Examination - 100%: The written examination is designed to test a candidate's knowledge of principles and practices of water distribution and appropriate safety practices; knowledge of local, state and federal statues, codes, rules and regulations governing water systems; basic math principles; ability to apply skills in interpersonal relations; tool and equipment identification and usage; and/or other job related topics.

Candidates must achieve a passing score to qualify for the eligible list.

The written examination is tentatively scheduled for the week of September 14th, 2026.

Veteran’s Preference

If an examination is conducted for a position within the classified service, qualified veterans who pass the examination will have five (5) points added to their final score. Candidates must submit