Senior Water Distribution Technician

City of Vallejo; Vallejo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Vallejo is seeking five Senior Water Distribution Technicians to lead field crews in installing, maintaining, and repairing the water distribution system. The role requires strong leadership, safety focus, and expertise in valves, hydrants, meters, and pressure systems.

Ideal candidates hold a D2 Water Distribution Operator certificate, a Backflow Tester certificate, and a California Class A license with air brakes and manual transmission. Willingness to train others is valued.

Qualifications

• Three years’ journey level water distribution system experience, preferably in a public agency.
• Or one year as a Water Distribution Technician with the City of Vallejo.
• Licenses and certificates required: Class A license with air brakes and manual transmission; Backflow Tester; D2 Operator certificate.

Responsibilities

• Lead, plan, train, and review the work of staff responsible for installing, replacing, repairing, and maintaining water distribution systems.
• Install, connect, maintain, repair, relocate and test water mains, services, meters, valves, and hydrants and related facilities.
• Locate water-related infrastructure and certify backflow devices; detect leaks and notify customers.
• Complete paperwork for work orders, timesheets, safety reports, and related records; ensure safety compliance.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate on-call duties; supervise crew performance for quality and safety.

Skills

Crew Leadership

Safety Standards

Troubleshooting

Water Mapping

Valves Hydrants

Meters

Public Service

Education

Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 Certificate

Backflow Tester Certificate

California Class A Driver License (Air Brakes & Manual Transmission)

Job description

PLEASE READ THIS BULLETIN IN ITS ENTIRETY

This recruitment is being conducted to fill five full-time vacancies. The list established by this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, limited term, and temporary vacancies for up to one year.

THE POSITION

The City of Vallejo is seeking qualified candidates to fill five full-time vacancies in the role of Senior Water Distribution Technician. Senior Water Distribution Technicians serve as lead workers on field crews and are responsible for overseeing, guiding, and participating in the more complex and technical work associated with the construction, installation, repair, and maintenance of the City’s water distribution systems. This position plays a key role in field operations and supports the training and coordination of assigned Water Distribution Technicians.

Why join the City of Vallejo – Water Department?

At the City of Vallejo’s Water Department, we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality drinking water to our community. Our team is comprised of skilled professionals who take pride in their work and are driven by integrity, innovation, and service. Joining our department means being part of a collaborative, mission-driven organization where your technical expertise, leadership, and ideas will help shape the future of Water Distribution in Vallejo.

We offer a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional training, career advancement, and direct impact on vital public infrastructure. This is more than a job, it’s a chance to grow your career while serving the community of Vallejo in a meaningful way.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for Sr. Water Distribution Technician will possess three years of journey level experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems, preferably in a public agency or will possess at least one year of experience as a Water Distribution Technician with the City of Vallejo.

They will possess their class A driver’s license with air brake and manual transmission endorsements, a Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board, and a Backflow Prevention Device General Tester Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association California Nevada Section (AWWA Cal Nev. Section) and/or the Norther California Backflow Prevention Association (NCBPA).

Top Candidates Will Demonstrate:

• Proven ability to work as a lead on crews, provide direction, and ensure safety & quality standards are met.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in the field.
• Familiarity with water system mapping, valves, hydrants, services, meters, and pressure regulation systems.
• A commitment to teamwork, accountability, and public service.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Vallejo Water Department is a dynamic organization engaged in growth and positive change for the benefit of our customers and community. The Department provides potable water to 121,000 customers through a highly complex system including multiple raw water sources, three treatment plants, a Sludge Dewatering Facility, 600 miles of distribution pipes, 8 pressure zones, 27 pump stations, and 37,000 service connections. Vallejo Water is a Treatment-5/Distribution-5 system. The Water Department operates independently of Public Works and reports directly to the City Manager, giving the team increased autonomy and visibility to address critical water issues. This change gives drinking water-related operations and issues greater visibility and strategic direction for the benefit of ratepayers. The Water Department's strategic goals include: infrastructure reliability, public trust, sustainability, organizational performance, and financial viability. The Water Department has six Divisions: Water Treatment, Engineering, Distribution, Watershed and Facilities Management, and Administration/Conservation.

THE CITY OF VALLEJO

The City of Vallejo is located in Solano County and has a population of approximately 121,000 residents. Vallejo is a rapidly changing, highly diverse community located midway between the cities of San Francisco and Sacramento. It is a friendly, active waterfront community that attracts innovative, hardworking people and takes great pride in its 148-year history and maritime heritage. Residents of Vallejo are situated to take advantage of the best of what the area has to offer. Golf, museums, performing arts, boutique shopping, brewpubs and a wide selection of restaurants are all available in Vallejo. Residents and visitors alike enjoy Vallejo's delightful historical downtown area, weekly downtown farmer's market, and beautifully restored Victorian homes and business facades. Vallejo is also home to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, one of America's only combination wildlife, oceanarium and theme parks.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Senior Water Distribution Technician is the lead and advanced journey level in the series. It differs from Water Distribution Technician in that the Senior acts as the lead worker and performs duties and tasks that are the most complex and advanced in the water distribution maintenance field. The Senior Water Distribution Technician is distinguished from the Utility Supervisor in that the Senior only provides lead/direct supervision for the work performed on an assigned crew whereas the Supervisor is a full supervisory class responsible for the full range of direct supervisory responsibilities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from a higher level supervisory or management position. Exercises technical and functional direct supervision over lower level water distribution staff.

Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead, plan, train, and review the work of staff responsible for providing the installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance of water distribution systems.
• Plan, direct, and participate in the installation, connection, maintenance, repair, relocation and testing of water mains, service lines, meters, valves, pumps, valves, fire services and hydrants, taps, backflow prevention devices and other associated water distribution facilities, including tanks and reservoirs.
• Cut and fit pipes, make water main taps, detect leaks and notify customers; certify backflow devices.
• Survey various areas of the water distribution system; locate and repair leaks in water distribution lines; check for potential hazards or contamination; take appropriate action as required.
• Estimate time, materials, and equipment required for jobs assigned; requisition materials as required.
• Train assigned employees in their area of work in maintenance and repair methods, techniques, and in the set-up and use of equipment.
• Operate construction equipment, power tools, and moderately heavy and light mechanical equipment including dump trucks, backhoe, wheel and track front-end loader, grader, paving machine, forklift, boom truck, compressors, jackhammer, tapping machine, wacker (compaction equipment), paint sprayers, sand-blasters, concrete saws, welding equipment and various other types of equipment; load, unload and operate pick-ups, trucks and truck-trailer combinations to transport maintenance supplies, materials, and equipment; maintain hand and power tools and assigned equipment; assign and/or perform preventative maintenance on equipment and tools as required.
• Assign the performance of preventative maintenance on equipment and tools as required.
• Perform heavy physical labor.
• Locate water-related infrastructure with electronic locating equipment.
• Perform welding on water mains and other equipment as required; perform welding in the cutting, repair and fabrication of equipment, tools, parts and fixtures.
• Perform light building maintenance on pump stations, plant buildings, tanks and reservoirs, including light carpentry, masonry and concrete work.
• Complete all paperwork related to work orders, work performed, resources ordered/used, timesheets, training reports, safety reports, etc.
• Ensure the adherence to safe work policies and procedures; utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed.
• Perform the full range of duties assigned in the assigned area of work.
• Oversee and verify the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications and safety protocols.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner by providing information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Participate in, respond to, and be available for emergency callouts for periods of up to one week at a time.
• Respond to emergency call outs within one hour when assigned to standby duty.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of general water line installation and maintenance activities.
• Operations, services and activities of a water distribution system maintenance program including standard water sample collection.
• Principles of lead supervision and training.
• Methods and techniques of construction, maintenance, and repair related to the area of work assigned.
• Basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and percentages.
• General use, purpose and maintenance of hand tools.
• Mechanical and hydraulic principles.
• Techniques, equipment and materials used in street and sidewalk maintenance and repair.
• Operational characteristics of mechanical equipment and tools used in the area of work assigned.
• Cutting torch principles and techniques.
• Occupational hazards and standard work safety practices necessary in the area of work assigned, including city policies and procedures and local, state and federal
• regulatory requirements regarding workplace safety.
• Local, state and federal regulatory requirements related to drinking water, storm water and any other similar water related mandates.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Computer use and associated programs used by the department.

Ability to

• Lead, organize, and review the work of water distribution staff in the area of work assigned.
• Independently perform the most difficult maintenance, construction, and repair work in the area of work assigned.
• Use, maintain, and repair automated and mechanical water meters.
• Participate in, respond to, and be available for emergency call outs for periods up to one week at a time.
• Interpret, explain and enforce department policies and procedures within assigned crew.
• Operate a variety of equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Perform preventive maintenance on mechanical equipment as required.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Use, operate and care for hand tools, power tools, and mechanical equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Proficiently and safely operate construction equipment related to the construction trades; perform maintenance and repairs on tools and equipment.
• Read and interpret maps, sketches, drawings, specifications, and technical manuals.
• Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties in water distribution facility repair and installation.
• Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Apply good judgment and practical knowledge to resolve unusual or irregular problems in the area of work assigned.
• Perform duties in a manner to maximize public safety in the area of work assigned.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including the general public.
• Professionally and diplomatically respond to questions and comments from the public and city staff, including subordinates and superiors.
• Lift 100 pounds.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience

Three years’ experience performing journey level water distribution system work preferably within a public agency; OR, one year as a Water Distribution Technician with the City of Vallejo.

Training

Specialized training in water distribution, operation, and maintenance may substitute for one year of the required experience.

License or Certificate

• Possession of a valid California Class A driver license at the time of appointment. License must have the following endorsement: air brakes and manual transmission. Additional endorsements for tanker and hazmat at the time of appointment are highly desirable. Individuals must understand that the City may require Class A drivers acquire such additional endorsements during the course of their employment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Possession ofa Backflow Prevention Device General Tester Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association California Nevada Section (AWWA-Cal-Nev. Section) and/or the Northern California Backflow Prevention Association (NCBPA).
• Possession of a Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of a Cross Connection Control Program Specialist Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association California Nevada Section (AWWA-Cal-Nev. Section) and/or the Northern California Backflow Prevention Association (NCBPA) at the time of appointment is desirable but must be obtained within twelve (12) months of appointment and maintained thereafter as a condition of employment.

Working Conditions

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when operating assigned equipment. Acute hearing is required in both the office and the field. The ability to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including rain, heat, and cold. The incumbent may be exposed to fumes, dust chemicals, air contaminants, and moisture. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions, and work in and around confined spaces.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The City of Vallejo is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application, assessment or selection process may contact the Human Resources Department to request an accommodation. Please contact Anabela Rivera at [phone] or send an email to: [e-mail] no later than October 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

PRIOR TO HIRE

The selected candidate will be required to: 1) Submit to reference checks 2) Submit to and successfully pass a pre-employment background check, including fingerprint check. 3) Successfully complete a job-related pre-placement medical exam. 4) Provide proof of legal right to work in the United States.

Disaster Service Workers

All City of Vallejo (\"City\") employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (\"DSW\") by state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all DSW-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Veteran's Preference

Veteran's preference points will be applied in accordance with Civil Service Rule 24. A copy of the DD 214 form must be filed at the time of application.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

The City of Vallejo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Vallejo to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Note: The provisions in this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.