Utility Worker

Padre Dam Municipal Water District; Santee (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Padre Dam Municipal Water District is seeking a Utility Worker to install, repair, and maintain water and sewer systems, including mains, valves, and lift stations. The role requires outdoor work, mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn and earn industry certifications.

The position involves operating heavy equipment such as vactor trucks, performing emergency repairs, and restoring work areas following construction.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required; 1 year in basic construction preferred
• Valid California Class A driver's license within 1 year of hire
• Water/wastewater operator licenses within 1 year of hire; CWEA Grade 1 preferred

Responsibilities

• Install, repair and maintain water and sewer systems and related components
• Operate equipment such as dump trucks, vactor trucks and CCTV gear
• Perform emergency repairs and restore streets and work areas after construction
• Work flexible hours, standby shifts, weekends/holidays as required

Skills

Outdoor work

Equipment operation

Safety minded

Education

High School Diploma or GED

California Driver’s License Class A

Water/Wastewater certifications (Grade 1 or CWEA)

Job description

Join Padre Dam Municipal Water District as a Utility Worker and build a career that makes a difference in your community! This hands-on position is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, operating equipment, solving problems, and being a part of a skilled team that keeps essential water and wastewater services running safely and reliably. Utility Workers perform a variety of construction, maintenance, and repair activities, including installing and repairing water, sewer, and recycled water pipelines; maintaining valves, manholes, pump and lift stations; operating equipment such as dump trucks, vactor trucks and closed-circuit television equipment; performing emergency repairs; and restoring streets and work areas following construction. We’re looking for dependable, safety minded individuals with construction experience who are ready to learn, develop specialized skills, earn industry certifications, and grow within the Utility Worker career path. If you take pride in a hard day’s work and want a rewarding career serving the community

Successful Candidates will be invited to perform a written and skills test early to mid-October 2026 with interviews being held early November.

This position is eligible for appointment within the following Salary Grades:

• Salary Grade 17 - $32.34 – $45.79

• Salary Grade 19 - $34.60 - $48.93

The Position:

Incumbents are responsible for installation, repair and maintenance of water and sewer systems and related components. Duties may include: working alone or as a member of a crew in installing and repairing water services and fire services; maintaining mains and valves; installing and repairing sewer mains and laterals; performing maintenance of manholes, mains and laterals; maintaining and repairing recycled water pipelines; performing wet taps on mains under pressure; performing basic maintenance of pump stations, reservoirs, valves, sewer trunk lines, force main, lift stations and influent pump station; operating equipment as assigned including the closed circuit television truck and vactor truck; responding to and performing emergency repairs for water and sewer problems; removing and replacing concrete and asphalt; constructing walls and fences; performing general yard cleanup; and, repairing damages resulting from vandalism.

Incumbents in this class may be required to work flexible hours and/or extended work shifts including weekends and holidays, work a rotating one-week standby shift, and respond to after-hour calls.

Training/Experience Required:

1. High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) and one year experience in basic construction, preferably underground construction; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Incumbents must be insurable and pass a background check.

Licensing Requirements:

1. Valid California Driver’s License: Class “A” required within one year of hire. Class A must be maintained through employment.
2. At least a minimum of one of the following licenses or certificates:
   1. Water Distribution Operator Grade 1 certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board within one year of hire. Grade 2 is preferable.
   2. CWEA (California Water Environment Association) Collection System Maintenance Grade 1 certificate required within one year of hire; Grade 2 is preferable.
   3. Grade D2 and/or C2 are required to move into higher Utility Worker salary grade levels.