Water Distribution Operator II/III / City of South Gate

WaterWisePro Training LLC; South Gate (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

City of South Gate is seeking a Water Distribution Operator II/III for the South Gate, CA area. The position is located at 4244 Santa Ana Street, South Gate, CA, and offers a stepping path between Operator II and Operator III based on qualifications.

Responsibilities cover installing, maintaining and repairing water mains, hydrants and valves; reading meters; handling customer service, and supporting water pump operations.

Qualifications

• Any combination equivalent to acceptable basic education and two (2) years of water utility operation experience.
• For Water Distribution Operator III, three (3) years of water utility operation experience.
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record.
• State Water Resources Control Board Distribution Grade II Certificate (Operator II) or Grade III (Operator III) as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Installs, maintains and repairs water mains, hydrants, services, valves and backflow devices; digs trenches and lays pipes.
• Performs minor repairs to water systems and replaces components as directed.
• Flushes and chlorinates mains; inspects elevated water tanks as needed.
• Reads meters, turns on/off customer services, handles complaints, and may operate water pumps.

Skills

Water system knowledge

Hand tools

Power tools

Meter reading

Job description

Water Distribution Operator II/III / City of South Gate

November 2, 2026

• $31.07 - $41.00 / Hourly
• $5,386.00 - $7,106.00 / Monthly
• $64,632.00 - $85,272.00 / Annually

Location: 4244 Santa Ana Street, South Gate, CA

This position may be filled at either the Water Distribution Operator II or Water Distribution Operator III level depending on the qualifications of the individual selected and the business needs of the department.

Water Distribution Operator II

Monthly Salary Range $5,386 - $6,547

Water Distribution Operator III

Monthly Salary Range $5,846 - $7,106

Under general supervision to perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks in the installation, maintenance and repair of the water distribution system; and to do related work as required.

Water Distribution Operator II

Class Characteristics Water Distribution Operator II:

This is the journey level class in the Water Distribution Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Water Operator I by the assignments of increased job duties at a level that increases from the normal routine work. Employees at this level are not expected to perform with that same independence of direction and judgement on matters related to established procedures and guidelines as are positions allocated to the III level.

Water Distribution Operator III

Class Characteristics Water Distribution Operator III:

This is the full journey level class in the Water Distribution Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Water Operator II by the assignments of the full range of duties assigned. Employees at this level only receive occasional instructions or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Examples of Essential Functions

Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Installs, maintains and repairs water mains, hydrants, services, valves, detector checks and backflow prevention devices; digs trenches, lays pipe or taps lines and backfills trenches;

Makes minor repairs to water such as replacing dials, glass and screws;

Flushes mainlines; chlorinates main lines as directed.

Assists in inspection and maintenance of elevated water tanks.

As assigned, may read meters, turn on and off customer services, answer complaints on water service, collect delinquent bills, and perform water pump operator duties.

Must be able to work shifts on a 7day/ 24 hour basis to meet operational needs of the Water Division.

Must be able to perform standby functions as required to meet operational needs of Water Division.

Must be able to perform job functions at a Journey Water Distribution level.

Minimum & Desirable Qualifications

Qualifications

Water Distribution Operator II

Training and Experience

Any combination equivalent to an acceptable basic education and two (2) years of experience in water utility operation, maintenance and repair work.

License/Certifications/Special Requirements

Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record is required at the time of appointment and throughout employment in this position. Possession of a valid State Water Resources Control Board Distribution Grade II Certificate.

(Employee may advance to Water Distribution Operator III after obtaining Water Distribution Operator Grade III Certification and requires the ability to perform at Journey Distribution Level. Ability to obtain a Water Treatment Grade I is desirable.)

Water Distribution Operator III

Training and Experience

Any combination equivalent to an acceptable basic education and three (3) years of experience in water utility operation, maintenance and repair work.

License/Certification/Special Requirements

Possession of a valid Class B California Driver’s License. Possession of a valid State Water Resource Control Board Distribution Grade III Certificate and Grade II Water Treatment Certificate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the installation and maintenance of water systems and facilities. Ability to use hand and power tools; ability to follow oral directions; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others.

Other Important Information

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System

An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of South Gate. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability (mental or physical), medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy), sexual orientation (including homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality), or military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.

The City of South Gate

The City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 79th largest city in California with a population of approximately 97,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Employer

City of South Gate

Address

Human Resources Office, City of South Gate