Senior Water Production Operator

City of Colton; Colton (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Colton is hiring for the position of Senior Water Production Operator, responsible for leading the maintenance and operation of water treatment systems. This role involves supervising crews, ensuring compliance with water quality regulations, and performing technical analyses. Candidates should have a high school diploma and five years of relevant experience in water operations. A strong technical background and supervisory skills are necessary to excel in this position.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in water operations, maintenance, and construction.
• California State Water Resources Control Board Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate required.
• California State Water Resources Control Board Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate required.

Responsibilities

• Lead, oversee, and perform maintenance of water treatment facilities.
• Supervise operation of construction equipment and training of personnel.
• Review water quality data for compliance and adjust operations accordingly.

Skills

Supervisory techniques

Water system repair

Heavy equipment operation

Water sampling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Chlorinating equipment

Field test kits

Job description

DEFINITION:

Under the general direction of the Water Production Supervisor, leads, oversees, reviews, and performs work activities and duties assigned to the Water Production Operators, assuming responsibility for more difficult and complex tasks. Ensures compliance with Federal and State regulations and drinking water standards concerning water quality and treatment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Senior Water Production Operator is the advanced journey level classification responsible for overseeing work crews in the maintenance, repair, and installation of water treatment systems; providing technical consultation, plan review, and service inspection related to cross connection control, regulatory water quality sampling, and wellhead protection analysis. This classification is distinguished from the Water Production Supervisor by performing daily maintenance tasks and operations. The Senior works independently under applicable Federal, State, and City regulations, policies, and procedures to evaluate and interpret process control data, compliance data, and water quality monitoring programs.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Exercises direct technical and functional supervision over lower-level maintenance crews and staff. May serve as an Acting Water Production Supervisor in their absence.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are not exhaustive but represent primary responsibilities. Incumbents may not perform all duties listed and may be assigned additional, position-specific duties.

• Lead, oversee, review, and perform work related to maintenance of water treatment facilities and equipment.
• Supervise operation and maintenance of construction equipment and machinery, including backhoes, pumps, dump trucks, and well boosters.
• Assist in training lower-level personnel, ensuring adherence to safety procedures, identifying training needs, and making recommendations.
• Evaluate work projects, estimate resources needed, and acquire necessary materials.
• Instruct staff on safety procedures and conduct safety meetings.
• Check chlorine systems, collect water samples, and perform special well samplings.
• Respond to public questions and concerns, providing information and resolving complaints.
• Prepare reports on daily activities.
• Monitor telemetry systems for reservoir and well activity.
• Maintain well sites, booster stations, and pressure reducing valve stations.
• Maintain records of installations and repairs.
• Perform pipefitting and fabrication as needed.
• Recommend system improvements.
• Prepare and execute maintenance schedules and reports.
• Review water quality data, ensure compliance, and adjust operations accordingly.
• Oversee cross connection control and backflow device testing and certification.
• Inspect and certify commercial and industrial facilities for occupancy requirements.
• Collect and analyze water samples, produce reports, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Produce consumer confidence reports as required.
• Oversee flushing and valve turning programs.
• Use field test kits and interpret engineering plans.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Interpret codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct weekly safety meetings and maintain punctual attendance.
• Perform additional duties as required.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience: Five (5) years of responsible experience in water operations, maintenance, and construction.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid California Class “C” Driver’s License required.
• California State Water Resources Control Board Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate required; Grade IV preferred.
• California State Water Resources Control Board Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate required; Grade III preferred.
• County of San Bernardino Environmental Health Services Certified Backflow Prevention Device Tester Certificate desired.

Additional Requirements: May need to maintain additional licenses, work outside standard hours, or be subject to call-back.

Knowledge of: Supervisory techniques, chlorinating principles, water system repair, heavy equipment operation, water sampling, telemetry, emergency operations, safety regulations, office software, report writing, and record keeping.

Ability to: Lead crews, train staff, interpret technical data, work cooperatively, and perform safety meetings.

Skill to: Operate heavy equipment safely, apply chlorine, and use computers and software.

Recruitment and Selection Process

Candidates with the most desired qualifications will be invited for an oral interview. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligibility list valid for one year.

Disaster Service Worker under California Government Code Section 3100 applies.