Utility Operator I/II/III

City of Lathrop; Lathrop (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lathrop is hiring Utility Operator I/II/III to support water, wastewater, and storm drain systems. The entry-level Operator I develops journey-level knowledge under supervision and may advance to higher levels with experience and required certifications.

Operators perform routine to complex duties across water distribution, sewer collection, and treatment facilities. The role requires handling hazardous materials, SCADA/HMI operation, and after-hours standby.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; water/wastewater certifications encouraged.
• D1 water distribution and T1 water treatment certifications preferred.
• CWEA Collection System Grade I certification desired; Class C license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain and repair the City's water distribution, sewer collection, recycled water and storm drain systems.
• Inspect, flush, test, and document water mains and pumps; monitor and operate SCADA/HMI systems.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies and stand-by duties on a rotational basis.
• Assist other Public Works units and maintain city facilities and equipment.
• Provide customer service and information to the public; resolve routine inquiries and complaints.
• Maintain records and safety procedures; assist with hazardous materials handling and waste management.

Skills

Customer service

Diagnostics

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Water Distribution Operator - D1

Water Treatment - T1

CWEA Collection System - Grade I

California Driver's License Class C

Tools

SCADA

HMI systems

Job description

City of Lathrop Utility Operator I/II/III

The level at which an individual is hired is based on their qualifications and experience.

This position is assigned to a 4/10 work schedule, currently Monday-Thursday, and will train into an on-call rotation schedule which may include weekends.

The application period will close 9/28/26, or when 125 applications have been received; whichever is first.

The Position

The Utility Operator I is the entry level class in the Utility Operator series that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine and less complex assignments within an established procedural framework where there are minimal consequences of error, including system maintenance and repair and customer service work. Incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of assigned duties. This classification is alternatively staffed with Utility Operator II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience, obtaining required water and wastewater certifications, and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher level class.

The Utility Operator II is the journey level class in the Utility Operator series in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties. Incumbents perform a full range of duties related to the operation, maintenance and repair of the City’s water distribution, sewer collection, recycled water, and storm drain systems. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Utility Operator III.

The Utility Operator III is the journey level shift operator classification in the Operator series. Incumbents perform a full range of duties related to the operation, maintenance and repair of the City’s water distribution, sewer collection, recycled water, and storm drain systems. Utility Operator III’s perform complex duties in connection with the operation, maintenance, and repair of groundwater treatment plants, water wells, and water storage facilities. Work is performed independently, and may include acting as a lead worker with an assistant. Incumbents shall possess the ability to diagnose malfunctions in a variety of water quality processes. The position requires employees to perform a variety of specialized water quality testing and be skilled in working SCADA and HMI systems.

Under general supervision, learns to perform and performs the full array of duties assigned to classes in the Utility Operator series, including skilled and semi-skilled work in the operation, maintenance and repair of the City’s water distribution, sewer collection, recycled water, and storm drain systems; assists other units of Public Works in the maintenance of streets, facilities and buildings as needed; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required.

About Lathrop

Incorporated in 1989, the City of Lathrop is located in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and sits east and west of the San Joaquin River. Interstate 5, Interstate 205, and State Route 120 intersect within the city. We are located approximately 70 miles east of San Francisco and 70 miles south of Sacramento. Monterey, Santa Cruz, Napa Valley, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains are all located within 2 hours of Lathrop. Lathrop is centrally located within a 30-minute commute of Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Ripon, Lodi, Modesto, and Livermore.

The Department’s January 1, 2026, population estimates show Lathrop grew from 38,791 residents in 2025 to 40,942 residents in 2026, an increase of 2,151 people, or 5.5%. The report ranks Lathrop as the second fastest-growing city in California with a population over 30,000, behind only Mountain House. Lathrop also ranked fifth among California cities under 300,000 residents for the largest numeric population increase. With the continued growth in the residential communities, our population is anticipated to reach approximately 70,000.

Supervision Exercised/Received

Receives immediate supervision from the Utility Plant Supervisor, or designee. Incumbents in this class do not routinely exercise supervision.

Essential Functions

Including, but not limited to the following:

• Performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the operation, maintenance and repair of the City’s water distribution, sewer collection, wastewater, and storm drain systems; excavates to repair underground utilities; marks underground utilities for Underground Service Alert (USA); participants in traffic control activities at the work site.
• Inspects, flushes, cleans and repairs water mains, lines and laterals; repairs, maintains and overhaul pumps, motors, chlorinators and control valves; monitors water wells and operates pumps to regulate system flow and pressure; checks and documents recordings on instrumentation equipment; operates computerized SCADA control program; takes water samples; tests and calculates water pressure and flow; tests backflow devices; conducts cross-connection surveys; maintains required records.
• Performs stand-by duties on a rotational basis
• Responds to after-hours emergency calls at irregular hours.
• Repairs and maintains storm drains, manholes and pump stations; inspects drains, culverts and gutters and removes obstructions; maintains and repairs sewer lines and lift stations; diagnoses and repairs electrical control panels and backup generators.
• Assists other Public Works units when required; performs semi-skilled and skilled manual work in the maintenance and repair of streets and alleyways; assists in the repair of curbs and gutters; performs traffic control; assists in the maintenance of City buildings and facilities; operates trucks, loaders, backhoes, boom trucks, hydro flushers and other light and heavy duty maintenance and construction equipment; maintains and cleans assigned vehicles and equipment; operates a variety of hand and power tools; inspects tools and equipment for safety and mechanical defects; assists with City sponsored functions; responds to after-hours call-outs as assigned.
• Demonstrates a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; may provide training to lower level staff; responds to questions and concerns from the general public; provides customer services and information as is appropriate and resolves public service complaints.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
• Responsible for maintaining hazardous materials and supply inventory in an organized, clean, and safe configuration.
• Conduct daily/weekly/monthly, etc. inspections of the facility, including all hazardous materials and hazardous waste.
• Maintain hazardous material and/or hazardous waste inspection logs and facility records.
• Perform ongoing maintenance, complete corrective actions to maintain waste facilities and equipment in safe working condition in accordance with Permit conditions.
• Follow procedures for waste management and hazardous material or chemical handling, including sampling, weighing, and storing chemical containers.
• Assist in preparing and completing hazardous waste profiles, and maintaining waste processing records.
• Follow prescribed safety procedures and comply with state and federal laws regulating hazardous materials handling, hazardous waste management, and proper disposal methods.
• Participate in hazardous material and waste management training and professional development activities, including necessary certification.

The full job description(s) can be viewed by accessing the following link:

• Utility Operator I - $81,416.00 - $98,961.00 Annually
• Utility Operator II - $89,868.00 - $109,235.00 Annually
• Utility Operator III - $106,825.00 - $129,845.00 Annually

Education and/or Experience

Utility Operator I

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Utility Operator I.

• A high school diploma or equivalent. One year of experience in the maintenance and repair of water and sewer systems is desirable.

Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a valid class C California driver’s license; possession of a Water Distribution Operator, Grade D1, Water Treatment Grade T1 certificates issued by the State of California Department of Public Health, and a Collection System, Grade I certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), within one year of appointment.

California Class B Driver’s license is highly desirable.

Utility Operator II

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Utility Operator I/I. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of:

• Two years of experience equivalent to that of a Utility Operator I in the City of Lathrop, including experience in the maintenance and repair of water and sewer systems, and a high school diploma or equivalent.

Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a valid class B California driver’s license; possession of a Water Distribution Operator, Grade D2, and Water Treatment T2 certificates issued by the State of California Department of Public Health, and a Collection System, Grade I issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), and Backflow Tester and Specialist Certificates issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

Utility Operator III

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Utility Operator III. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of five years increasingly responsible experience in the operations and maintenance of water treatment facilities and water distribution systems and collection systems maintenance and repair, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Supplemental coursework or specialized training in water treatment, water distribution systems and collection systems maintenance and operations is desirable.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain a Class C California driver’s license. Possession of and ability to maintain a State of California Water Treatment Operator T2 license, State of California Water Distribution Operator D3 license and an AWWA General Backflow Tester at time of employment.

An AWWA Cross Connection Specialist and a California Water Environment Association Collection System Technologist grade 1 is desirable. California Class B driver’s license is highly desirable.

Physical Working Conditions

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing 25 pounds or more is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold. The incumbent may use chemicals which may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants, and be exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, work at heights over 10 feet, enter confined spaces, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, and work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions. The incumbent may be required to respond to after hours emergency call-outs and perform routine standby duties.

Applications

Use the "Apply" link to submit your application materials for this wonderful opportunity.