System Operator I/II

County of San Diego; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego County Water Authority in Escondido is seeking System Operator I/II to monitor, regulate, and control the aqueduct system using a modern SCADA platform. You will respond to alarms, adjust flows and pressures, and coordinate with field personnel and member agencies to ensure safe, reliable water deliveries.

The role requires strong situational awareness, knowledge of hydraulics, and the ability to work independently under established procedures.

Qualifications

• Completion of the twelfth grade with experience operating and servicing pumps, valves, motors, or related equipment.
• Possession of CA Water Treatment T-1 and CA Water Distribution D-2 certificates (System Operator I).
• For System Operator II, one year of experience with System Operator I and CA T-2 and D-3 certificates.
• Valid CA driver's license and insurability.
• Willingness to participate in 24-hour call-out.

Responsibilities

• Operate aqueduct systems and facilities, regulating flow with pumps, valves, and SCADA.
• Monitor and adjust system operations to meet schedules and demand.
• Coordinate with agencies on water quality and system reliability.
• Inspect pumping stations, meters, and chlorine facilities; perform routine maintenance.
• Prepare logs and reports; communicate system conditions to supervisors.
• Participate in on-call rotations and respond to emergencies.

Skills

SCADA operations

Hydraulics knowledge

Pumps & valves

Field inspections

Education

CA Water Treatment T-1

CA Water Distribution D-2

CA Water Treatment T-2

CA Water Distribution D-3

Job description

JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!

The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency established in 1944 that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. Our mission is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to 22 retail water providers, including cities, special districts and a military base.

For jobseekers, the Water Authority offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, high-impact work. Our team supports a $267 billion regional economy and the quality of life for 3.3 million residents through a multi-decade water supply diversification plan, maintaining major infrastructure, and forward-thinking policies that promote fiscal and environmental responsibility. We’re also exploring new ways to strengthen regional water security, support strategic water resource management across Southern California, and deliver cost savings for local families. Learn more at www.sdcwa.org.

We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply. Many of the skills developed through military service, including teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, maintenance, operations, safety, and technical expertise, align closely with the qualifications needed for this position.

Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at https://www.military.com/mst/mos-translator.

The Operations & Maintenance Department

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Department is responsible for operating the Water Authority's aqueduct delivery system; ensuring facility security and emergency preparedness; and maintaining and managing the fleet and various other assets. Specifically, the department controls water deliveries to meet member agency demands; manages dam and reservoir operations; ensures water quality; oversees water treatment plant and power generation operations; maintains all vehicles and heavy equipment; provides electro-mechanical support; implements the Asset Management Program (AMP); complies with all applicable environmental regulations; and develops and manages computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and system maintenance programs.

Salary Information

System Operator I: $40.92 - $55.04 per hour ($85,128.16 - $114,487.36 annual)

System Operator II: $47.46 - $63.83 per hour ($98,720.96 - $132,768.48 annual)

This position may be filled at either level, depending on candidate qualifications.

System Operators play a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable delivery of water throughout the San Diego County Water Authority’s regional aqueduct system. System Operators use a modern Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor, regulate, and control complex pipelines, pump stations, valves, hydroelectric facilities, reservoirs, and other infrastructure essential to meeting member agency demands. Operators interpret system data, adjust flows and pressures, respond to alarms or abnormal conditions, and coordinate system changes during scheduled or emergency shutdowns. They also conduct field inspections, perform minor adjustments or calibrations, and ensure all work aligns with standard operating practices and water delivery schedules.

This position requires strong situational awareness, technical competency, and the ability to work independently while making informed operational decisions. System Operators may serve as the duty operator on a rotational basis, supporting 24/7 system operations and contributing to the Water Authority’s mission of providing a safe and reliable water supply to the region.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, safety-focused individual who thrives in an operational environment. This individual understands the principles of water distribution, hydraulics, and system operations and is eager to learn and advance through additional training and certification. The ideal candidate works well independently, follows established procedures, and demonstrates strong problem-solving skills when responding to changing system conditions.

They communicate clearly with supervisors, field personnel, and member agencies, maintain accurate logs and reports, and contribute to a culture of teamwork. Candidates who are proactive, technically curious, and committed to developing a deeper understanding of SCADA operations and aqueduct system behavior will excel in this role.

Distinguishing Characteristics

System Operator I is the entry-level position in the System Operator series. Initially under direct supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of duties involved in monitoring and operating the aqueduct system. The duties of this class are highly structured and performed within established guidelines and instructions. Following initial training and instruction, incumbents are expected to perform the duties of the class without constant, direct supervision. While the primary focus of this class is the performance of field inspections and monitoring of the system and facilities, incumbents are expected to learn the duties associated with the operation of the system from the central control facility. This class is alternately staffed with System Operator II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications for the higher level class.

System Operator II is the full, journey-level class in the System Operator series. Incumbents perform the full range of routine skilled systems monitoring, regulation, control and maintenance. Under direction of a supervisor, incumbents perform their work with considerable latitude during an assigned shift. Work is typically reviewed by checks of logs, reports and periodic inspections of the system and facilities. This class is alternately staffed with Senior System Operator and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications for the higher level class. Incumbents may serve as the on-call duty operator.

Representative Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.

• Operates aqueduct pipeline systems and facilities by regulating water flow throughout the system using control valves, pumping stations and electronic and computer controlled systems (SCADA); interprets gauges, meters, charts and graphs; operates pumps, valves, generators, dams, reservoirs, pumping stations, pressure control stations, hydroelectric power generation plants, chlorination stations and related equipment and facilities in delivering water to member agencies; ensures water deliveries to member agencies are made in accordance with schedules, customer demand and standard practice.
• Monitors system and controls pump stations and valves for scheduled and emergency shut downs; bypasses portions of the system during emergency and scheduled shutdowns to maintain system operation, depending on agency demands; regulates the flow of water through the hydroelectric power generation plant to maximize power production while maintaining adequate system flow; maintains flow using pumps and valves to control water level at critical points throughout the system; maintains flow level and pressure within the system; diagnoses problems through the understanding of the theories of hydraulics and fluid mechanics and water system characteristics; validates unusual readings by contacting field personnel for verification and advises supervisory or maintenance personnel of unusual conditions.
• Confers with technical and operations staff and member agencies regarding system operations; sample and monitor water quality throughout water system; advises member agencies of water quality problems; coordinates operations with Metropolitan Water District (MWD) personnel.
• Orders and receives chlorine deliveries; checks for proper operation of chlorinators; calculates chlorine usage and demands, makes feed rate adjustments and performs regularly scheduled cleaning and servicing of chlorination stations and equipment; collects data on chemical residuals, turbidity, temperature and usage; Operates pumps, generators, switches and valves, both remotely and on-site; observes and inspects pumps, motors, generators, valves and related equipment for safe and proper operation; services and calibrates flow meters, flushing venturi rings, performing routine calibrations, bleeding air, checking general condition and operation, and resetting meters; makes periodic inspections of pumping stations, checking panel electric meters, pressures, temperatures, operation of by-pass, sump pump operation and packing gland leakage; performs dam inspections and reporting; makes routine adjustments and minor repairs to pump station equipment; maintains pump stations in a clean, orderly and safe condition, and reports the need for repairs.
• Inspects hydroelectric generation plants, logging flows, checking battery chargers, and inspecting for the proper operations of plant and safety equipment, and reports the need for repairs.
• Inspects and maintains CLA-VAL pilot controls, filters and screens; oversees the rebuilding of main CLA-VAL bodies.
• Responds, investigates, recommends and reports on inquiries and complaints from member agencies regarding water quality, water pressure and related matters.
• Implements changes in the system's operation strategies to accommodate fluctuations in usage and adjusts selected valves and pumping stations, as directed; makes changes to the SCADA system's database and HMI monitor displays; prepares and analyzes operational reports generated by the SCADA system.
• Uses the computer-based SCADA system to operate pumps, generators, switches and valves.
• Forecasts daily power production and prepares documents on energy production; balances production and lake levels.
• Coordinate water treatment plants based on availability, demands, and water quality; monitors the desalination plant water quality before entering the aqueduct system.
• Monitors the hydroelectric power generation plant to maximize power production while maintaining adequate system flow; forecasts power production of electricity for the hydro plants; compiles data to produce production reports; compiles data to create production reports and verifies data is valid and correct.
• Installs, maintains and calibrates real-time online water quality monitoring stations in representative locations in the distribution system; analyzes data and determines if immediate response is required and if system or source changes are required.
• Collects various water samples at dedicated sample sites and prepares reports with results for compliance; conducts multiple parameter field water quality samples to confirm water complies with standards.
• Operates and inspects large pumping facilities; coordinates with member agencies as well as Water Authority staff regarding aqueduct system changes; maintains immediate response plans based on system configurations to respond to several sudden outages; performs inspections and reports identified issues to the appropriate departments.
• Monitors real-time, acoustic fiber-optics to detect and locate distress on pipelines while in service; analyzes data and makes the appropriate designation of events based on information provided; identifies potential wire breaks and notifies appropriate personnel.

Other Duties

• May work as on-call, 24-hour duty operator on a rotational basis; works night and day shifts as assigned.
• Under direct supervision, performs lake limnology testing and reporting.
• Assists in running the emergency operation center.
• Assists the SCADA unit with facility integration implementation and testing.
• Prepares reports and trends for internal and external departments or agencies.

Working Hours and Schedule:

Employees assigned to work at the Escondido office work a 4/10 schedule, Monday – Thursday, during normal business hours. Normal business hours are 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

System Operator I

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by some experience involving the operation and servicing of pumps, valves, motors, control systems, or related equipment. Possession of a State of California Water Treatment Operator Certificate, T-1 and a State of California Water Distribution Operator Certificate, D-2, are required.

System Operator II

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by one year of experience equivalent to the System Operator I position. Possession of a State of California Water Treatment Operator Certificate, T-2 and a State of California Water Distribution Operator Certificate, D-3, is required.

Licenses and Other Requirements

• Driver's License & Insurability: A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
• Mandatory Physical & Drug Test: The applicants selected will be given a contingent offer of employment pending the outcome of a post‑offer physical and drug test.
• 24-hour Call Out: Employees in this classification are subject to 24-hour call out.

To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.

Tentative Exam Schedule

• Application Deadline: 11/08/2026
• Written Exam: 12/1/2026
• Tentative Interview Date: 12/22/2026

To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll‑free applicant support line at [phone]. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at [phone].

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.

The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at https://www.military.com/mst/mos-translator.

Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at [phone].