Utility Worker I or II Continuous Posting

Otay Water District; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 45,391 - 56,729; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Support for veterans and transitioning military

Job summary

Otay Water District in San Diego seeks a Utility Worker I/II to operate equipment and maintain water distribution and wastewater systems. The role requires experience in construction, a valid California driver's license, and safety compliance. The ideal candidate will work in teams, assist in projects, and respond to emergencies. This hourly, non-exempt position offers competitive pay and a supportive work environment with opportunities for veterans and transitioning military personnel.

Qualifications

• 1 year of construction maintenance experience for Utility Worker I.
• 2 years of experience for Utility Worker II in water/wastewater systems.
• Desired certifications: Water Distribution Operator Certificate D-1.

Responsibilities

• Operates light to heavy-duty motorized vehicles and equipment.
• Performs safety inspections and maintains tools.
• Assists in maintenance and construction projects.

Skills

Knowledge of water distribution systems

Operation of heavy machinery

Safety inspections

Construction maintenance experience

Education

High school diploma or G.E.D.

Valid California Class C driver's license

Tools

Jackhammers

Electric and pneumatic tools

Forklifts

Job description

Compensation

Utility Worker I: $32.95 - $41.18/hr.

Utility Worker II: $36.32 - $45.41/hr.

Ideal Candidate

Experienced Utility Worker with knowledge of construction and maintenance of water distribution, wastewater collection, reclamation and related facilities. Safely operates medium and heavy‑duty motorized vehicles and equipment, jackhammers, drills, electric and pneumatic powered tools.

Veterans and transitioning military with experience as utilitiesman, water support technician, water and fuel systems maintenance technician, combat engineer, or similar occupation are encouraged to apply.

About the Position and Department

The position may be appointed at either level depending upon qualifications and experience. The role reports to the Utility Maintenance Supervisor and involves construction and maintenance of water distribution, wastewater collection, and reclamation facilities.

The Operations Department is responsible for the operations, maintenance, and repair of all Otay Water District facilities and equipment, including pipelines, reservoirs, pump stations, lift stations, and a reclamation plant for potable water and recycled water distribution. The department has approximately 57 employees.

Essential Functions

• Operates light, medium, and heavy‑duty motorized vehicles and equipment, backhoes, forklifts, shovels, jackhammers, drills, electric and pneumatic powered tools, and similar equipment.
• Performs safety inspections of equipment and cleans and maintains tools and equipment.
• Digs with hand tools such as shovels and digging bars.
• Operates cement mixers, compressors, compactors, and concrete saws.
• Lays out materials for jobs, lays pipe, mixes, pours, and finishes concrete, and repairs pavement.
• Loads and unloads trucks.
• Sets up or assists with traffic control at work sites per supervisor instructions.
• Assists on maintenance and construction projects at all district facilities.
• Works in vaults and other confined spaces using proper safety techniques and equipment.
• Assists in preventive and corrective maintenance of water distribution system, wastewater collection, and recycled water system; handles water mains, hydrants, valves, meters, sewer mains, and laterals.
• Assists in repairing or replacing inoperative sections of water/wastewater and recycled water systems.
• Sets up shoring in trenches, backfills and tamp trenches, repairs or replaces inoperative pipe sections.
• Installs large and small water meters and water/sewer laterals.
• Repairs and cleans reservoirs and water tanks.
• Installs and repairs fire hydrants, water and fire services, valves, air‑vacuum systems, blow‑offs, and similar appurtenances.
• Assists in performing wet taps.
• Paints piping, building interiors and exteriors, and other equipment and facilities.
• Operates district vehicles and equipment.
• Participates in rotational standby duties (24/7, weekends, holidays).
• Responds to emergencies during and after normal work hours.
• Identifies and recommends opportunities for improvement.

Utility Worker II Duties

• Maintains documentation logs of cleaning and inspection of wastewater collection system for regulatory compliance.
• Documents maintenance on all district appurtenances.
• Assumes responsibility for quality of work and safety of crew members in absence of senior staff.
• Performs related work of Utility Worker I as required.
• Assists in implementing and executing the district’s strategic plan.

Qualifications

• Valid California Class C driver’s license with safe driving record and valid Class A license and endorsements within 12 months.
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Utility Worker I: One year of construction or construction maintenance experience; experience with water, wastewater, or water reclamation systems highly desirable.
• Utility Worker II: Two years of construction and/or construction maintenance experience in water, wastewater, or recycled water systems.
• Desired certifications: Water Distribution Operator Certificate D-1, CWEA Collection Systems Maintenance Technologist Certificate Grade I (required for Utility Worker II on long‑term collection system cleaning crew).
• Open to veterans and transitioning military.

Additional Information

Position subject to random drug testing during employment.

Hourly, non‑exempt position. Otay Water District is a smoking, tobacco and nicotine free campus.

All employees are at‑will pursuant to California Water Code, Section 71362.