Small Systems Operator

California Water Service; Lucerne Valley (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

California Water Service is seeking a Small System Operator (SSO) to maintain distributed water systems, meters, and treatment facilities. The role spans multiple classifications including UW, CPO, DST, MR, WQT, WSMS, OC, SSLT, and requires strong field capabilities in water distribution and quality management.

Qualified candidates will hold California Operator II licenses and a high school diploma, with forklift certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate with supervisor, co-workers and the public.
• Perform basic math and read/interpret safety rules and procedures.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and recordkeeping.
• Ability to work independently and accept feedback or discipline as needed.
• Knowledge of water quality parameters and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain meters, wells, pumps, valves, and related equipment.
• Take water samples and perform basic analyses as required.
• Record production data, maintenance activities, and regulatory reporting.
• Notify supervisors of shutdowns, failures, or needed repairs.
• Provide customer service in field operations and respond to inquiries.

Skills

Communication

Math skills

MS Office

Reading & writing

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

California State Water Distribution Operator II

California State Water Treatment Operator II

Job description

California Water Service

Job Description

The Small System Operator (SSO) maintains the supply and distribution systems including treatment facilities, well pumps and tanks, booster pumps, water mains, and service lines. This job includes tasks performed by Utility Worker (UW), Certified Pump Operator (CPO), Distribution Service Technician (DST), Meter Reader (MR), Water Quality Technician (WQT), Water Systems Material Specialist (WSMS), Operations Clerk (OC), Sub-Structure Locating Technician (SSLT).

Essential Functions: UW

• Performs relief work under various field operations classifications
• Change and replace 5/8" thru 1" size meters and meter box lids and covers
• Clean out 5/8" through 1" size meter box
• Assist to flush and perform maintenance on all necessary functions of mains, which includes operation system valves
• Assist in setting, replacing, or removing 1-1/2" and 2" size meters
• Notify for shutdowns
• General maintenance of company's facilities
• Collect water samples to a minor extent

Essential Functions: CPO

• Operate wells, booster pumps, and regulate other sources of supply maintaining flows, storage levels, and optimal system pressure
• Record production data, operational changes, electric use, and utilization of other sources of supply; chemical usage; change charts and maintain chart supplies
• Complete production reports and related paperwork as necessary
• Collect water samples for laboratory analysis and for reporting to interdepartmental and outside regulatory agencies
• Diagnose and troubleshoot system failures; notify appropriate personnel when needed for repairs or further diagnostics
• Operate distribution and treatment valves
• Perform field analysis of water supply for chlorine content and other required field analysis; for example pH, temperature, and other various regulatory requirements; making appropriate adjustments for proper water treatment calibration to meet water regulatory requirements
• Operate and perform maintenance and minor repairs to treatment, disinfection, and equipment
• Perform minor maintenance and repairs to pumping equipment (such as lube lines, small sample taps, etc.)
• Operational testing and basic inspections of all emergency standby power sources including portable and stationary generators, auxiliary, and portable boosters
• Perform regular maintenance, inspection, and cleaning of facilities

Essential Functions: DST

• Provide customer service including investigation or inquiries of meter leaks, meter reads; service line leaks or malfunction; leaks in the distribution system and answer customer questions and concerns
• Install and replace 5/8" and 1" size meters, record associated data, and notifications
• Turn services on and off, providing appropriate customer communication regarding such activity
• Replace meter box lids and covers as needed
• Complete service orders as needed
• Flush services

Essential Functions: MR

• Whether by walking or driving an assigned route, access meters using a meter hook for lifting and removing lids if needed, and use meter reader device to record meter readings
• Enter trouble codes into the meter reader device for meter boxes that are obscure, in hazardous condition, or not accessible and/or would require longer than reasonable time to be spent obtaining a read or for meters needing repair
• Work applicable trouble codes
• Assists with assigning new meters to routes and reroute as necessary
• Replace lids/covers as needed
• Upload/download routes
• Replace dials or perform minor maintenance on smart meters
• Investigate to a minor extent and/or notify appropriate person/customer of possible water loss
• Maintain proper meter locations in company records

Essential Functions: WQT

• Investigate customer inquiries regarding high bills and water quality issues
• Diagnose high/low pressure concerns; notify appropriate personnel when needed for repairs or further diagnostics; dirty water, hi/low pressure, no water, taste and odor, air
• Take corrective action based on findings
• Collect water samples throughout the distribution system as needed
• Verify status of existing fire services and read detector meter
• Flush mains to a minor extent
• Understand cross connections

Essential Functions: SSLT

• Respond to USA requests and district requests to mark underground utilities
• Locate mains and services using electronic or other equipment
• Read, research and interpret distribution system maps, plats, and as-built drawings
• Read and interpret construction, staking, and field marking to assess impact to company facilities
• Coordinate and communicate locating activities with contractors and other utilities as needed
• Follow all USA guidelines including annual training
• Identify and create map corrections

Essential Functions: WSMS

• Order, receive, issue inventory, and control Stores material
• Ensure distribution system materials meet Company, AWWA, and NSF Standards using proper storage technique
• Prepare all necessary paperwork and reports
• Prepare requisitions and annual blanket orders
• Maintain materials in an orderly manner
• Receive fuel for Company vehicles and maintain fuel usage records
• Maintain maintenance records for vehicles and equipment
• Operate and inspect forklift as necessary
• Receive and maintain hazardous materials as required by law
• Respond to and resolve inquiries from vendors, including updating vendor insurance documentation
• Handle radio and telephone functions

Essential Functions: OC

• Prepare monthly reports pertaining to field operations
• Prepare necessary forms for field operations including budget sheets, estimates, and completion reports
• Prepare drawings to accompany forms, field measurement, and keep local plat sheets up to date
• Handle Underground Service Alert messages
• Handle radio and telephone functions
• Operate computer and devices
• Complete necessary paperwork and maintain company records
• Obtain public agency permits

Other Duties And Responsibilities

• Adjust or replace meter boxes as necessary
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• A SSO must be able to effectively communicate with their supervisor, co-workers, contractors, and the public; Have the ability to perform basic mathematic functions to calculate figures and amounts; have the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; and ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Must possess a High School diploma or equivalent, a valid California Class C Driver's license, and be insurable under the Company's policy. Forklift certification is required for operation when needed
• A SSO must have an understanding and knowledge of basic computer operations including familiarity with Microsoft Suite (Word, Outlook, and Excel), and Capital Asset Mgmt. Program
• Employee must be able to work without supervision and respond appropriately to feedback, evaluation, coaching, counseling, and/or discipline
• The job entails an understanding and knowledge of water quality specifications for chlorine content, pH, water temperature, other essential water quality parameters, as well as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES)
• A SSO must have an understanding and knowledge of procedures and protocol for box, meter, and lid repair; apply knowledge of meters and water system function to troubleshoot usage issues and quality inquiries
• California State Water Distribution Operator II is required
• California State Water Treatment Operator II is required

Salary Range

Step 1: $44.41

Step 2: $45.57 (6 months)

Step 3: $46.86 (12 months)

Step 4: $49.93 (18 months)

Deadline to submit resume is Thursday, November 26, 2026

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.