Water Distribution Operator I

City of Tustin, CA; Aliso Viejo (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tustin is seeking a Water Distribution Operator I to support the operation, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution system. The role involves hands-on fieldwork, meters, hydrants, valves, and related components, with emphasis on safety and reliable service to the community.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, two years of water services experience, a Class C license (with a path to Class B), and the D1 Distribution Systems Certificate.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; two years of experience in installation, repair, and maintenance of water services and/or facilities.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C driver's license with ability to obtain a Class B within one year and satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of or ability to obtain within one year a D1 Distribution Systems Certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Responsibilities

• Perform installation, maintenance, and repair of water mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and related components.
• Maintain logs and records of work performed and materials used.
• Operate and maintain vehicles and equipment related to water utilities systems.
• Follow safety procedures and use protective equipment.
• Assist with traffic control and site safety during work.
• Respond to water service needs and perform field duties in various outdoor conditions.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Safety practices

Teamwork

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two years experience in water services/maintenance

Tools

Class C driver's license

Ability to obtain Class B within 1 year

D1 Distribution Systems Certificate

Job description

The City of Tustin’s Public Works Department is currently seeking a dedicated and motivated individual for the position of Water Distribution Operator I. This opportunity is ideal for someone interested in building a career in the water industry while performing hands‑on work that supports the delivery of safe and reliable water service to the Tustin community.

As a Water Distribution Operator I, you will perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties in support of the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water distribution system and related facilities, while developing valuable technical skills in municipal water operations. This position is ideal for an individual who takes pride in maintaining essential public infrastructure and understands the importance of providing safe and reliable water service to the community. Responsibilities include assisting with the installation, maintenance, and repair of water mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and other system components; responding to water-related service needs; and performing a variety of field duties to help ensure the safe and efficient operation of the City’s water distribution system.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong willingness to learn, the ability to follow established procedures and safety practices, and a commitment to completing work accurately and efficiently. The ideal candidate will also be a positive and reliable team member who communicates effectively, works well with others, and is comfortable performing physically demanding work in a variety of outdoor conditions. A strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and an interest in developing the technical knowledge and skills necessary for a career in water distribution are highly desirable.

THE CITY

Tustin is a vibrant and charming city nestled in the heart of Orange County. The City remains true to its quaint heritage while warmly welcoming neighbors and planning for purposeful growth in the future. Called home by a passionate and diverse community, Tustin is a place for all generations and every walk of life. Behind this beloved community, there is a team of practiced public servants who steward the City’s future while maintaining its unique charm and rich history. By balancing the needs of today with optimism for tomorrow, the City of Tustin works to realize its vision of a safe, high-quality and thriving community.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Application materials will be carefully reviewed to identify candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Individuals who are best qualified will be invited to participate in a panel interview, tentatively scheduled for the week of November 16, 2026. Candidates may also be required to participate in a performance test as part of the selection process.

All candidates who successfully pass the panel interview will earn placement on an eligible list, which will be valid for one (1) year and may be used to fill current and future vacancies in the Water Distribution Operator classification.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs construction, maintenance, and repair activities of City water utilities systems and facilities to ensure safe and efficient access for the public, including residential and commercial water meters, valve cans, meter boxes, and water distribution lines, services, valves and fire hydrants
• Performs water valve maintenance, including various types of lines and valves, locating and raising valves that are not exposed, operating automated machines to exercise valves on an annual basis, and maintaining records of valves
• Repairs concrete after water distribution system maintenance, including sidewalk panels and temporary street patches
• Uses valve-turning equipment to isolate and shut down pre-designated water lines for routine maintenance and in emergency situations; provides explanations to the public during shut-downs
• Performs water meter maintenance, including installing new meters, repairing leaks, and replacing meters as necessary; performs shut-downs of services, as required
• Operates and maintains specialized vehicles and a variety of light, medium, and heavy equipment related to the construction, maintenance, and repair of water utilities systems and facilities
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignment as instructed
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required
• Maintains public facilities, shop and garage areas, storage sites, and other work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday
• Installs street barricades and cones and controls traffic around work sites and special events to ensure safe conditions for the general public and City workers
• Maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used
• Perform related duties as assigned

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance. Example combinations include:

Education and/or Experience

Graduation from high school or equivalent, and two years of experience in the installation, repair, and maintenance of water services, mains, meters, valves, hydrants, and related equipment and/or facilities.

Special Requirements

Possession of a Class C California driver's license and ability to obtain a Class B within one year of appointment and satisfactory driving record.

Certification

Possession of or ability to obtain within one year of appointment a D1 Distribution Systems Certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Individuals holding a Class A or B license are subject to random drug/alcohol testing pursuant to Department of Transportation guidelines/requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

To view the knowledge, skills, & abilities required of the position, please follow the link here.

Information on the physical demands, mental demands, and work environment can be found by following the link here.

The City of Tustin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.