Water Distribution Operator in Training

City of Oxnard; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Oxnard is seeking an Water Operator-in-Training in the Water Distribution Division. The role involves learning to operate and maintain water meters, perform simple tests, and assist with routine maintenance across the facility.

You will work under close supervision and gain entry-level experience in meter reading, customer service, and utility operations. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, one year of related maintenance or repair experience with customer

Qualifications

• Meter reading skills and ability to report anomalies.
• Strong customer service orientation and communication.
• General semi-skilled maintenance tasks and safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Takes and records meter readings on assigned routes and notes inconsistencies.
• Delivers notices for delinquent accounts and locks meters on delinquent accounts.
• Performs data entry to update meter accounts and related files.
• Receives and responds to public inquiries with general procedural information.
• Repairs and maintains water system components as directed.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature as assigned.

Skills

Meter reading

Customer service

Basic maintenance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

If a candidate accepts a conditional job offer with the City of Oxnard, any and all pending applications for active recruitments with the City of Oxnard will be withdrawn and no longer considered.

Description

The City of Oxnard’s Water Division Department is seeking a Water Distribution Operator in Training to work with team members within the Distribution group. Under general supervision, the Water Operator-in-Training performs various entry-level work characterized by a routine, unskilled, and often repetitive nature. Work is closely supervised, and changes or deviations are explained in detail.

What You’ll Do

• Learns to operate hand, pneumatic and mechanical tools and perform minor preventative maintenance and repairs and replacement of the water system.
• Learns to read and install water meters and other system appurtenances.
• Learns to collect samples and perform simple tests for regulator compliances.
• Performs general plant, building, and ground preventative maintenance throughout the facility.
• Learns and assists in traffic control and set up
• Performs routine fire hydrant maintenance including painting and replacing caps and locks
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned

Payroll/Classification Title

Utilities Field Technician

Supervision Exercised/Supervision Received

Receives close supervision and specific direction regarding assignments and deadlines.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This class is the first level in a five-level Utilities Field Operations Series devoted to the specialized maintenance and repair of the City’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems and meter-reading operations and repair. Incumbents perform semi-skilled tasks in meter reading and customer service. Work may include investigating leaks and making repair recommendations; performing recordkeeping; performing basic maintenance; reading meters; assisting with customer service and utility billing processes; and adhering to safety policies and procedures. This classification is distinguished from the Utilities Field Technician, Senior in that it performs semi-skilled work in obtaining and recording meter readings and providing routine customer service.

Work Schedule

This position follows a four-day, ten-hour work schedule. The assigned workdays will consist of four days from the following options: Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday. Shifts will be scheduled between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Depending on the work assignment staff may be assigned to a shift that is outside the standard work hours. In addition, this position may be required to be available to work additional hours in response to peaks in workloads and changes in department needs. Employees may be required to work rotational stand‑by assignments outside of normal working hours and report to work on a callback basis, as needed, within a designated response time. Standby assignments are at the discretion of the Division Head.

Working Conditions

Work may involve exposure to environments requiring the use of respiratory protection and personal protective equipment (PPE). Employees must be able to properly wear and utilize required PPE, meet respiratory fit‑testing requirements, and pass periodic medical evaluations in accordance with applicable safety regulations. Employees will be required to be fit‑ready during emergency situations.

Essential Functions

• Takes and records meter readings on assigned routes; reviews consistency of meter readings and reports unusual incidents or inconsistent readings; maintains meter boxes and reports defects in water meters.
• Delivers notices regarding delinquent accounts and returned checks; closes and locks meters on delinquent accounts.
• Reports rules and regulations violations related to water consumption; reviews and reports conditions that require a rate change for utility services.
• Identifies addresses for new service and provided notice related to service application process; turns water service on for new customers; obtains weekly route information from system.
• Performs data entry; assists in updating and maintaining meter account information and related files.
• Receives and responds to inquiries and concerns from the public; provides general information on procedures and processes; refers complex inquiries and requests to appropriate resource.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The following are minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the classification:

Education

• High School Diploma or GED

Experience

• One (1) year of related maintenance and/or repair experience and customer service

Licensing/Certifications

• Valid Class C California Driver's License
• Possession of a valid Water Distribution Grade 1 Certification by the California State Water Resources Control Board within 12 months of hire.
• Possession of a valid Water Distribution Grade 2 Certification by the California State Water Resources Control Board within 24 months of hire
• Valid California Class A Driver's License within 24 months of hire

Other Requirements

• Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing.

General Information

Union Membership

Positions in this classification are represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE).

Note

For most positions, the City of Oxnard relies on office automation (Microsoft Office/Google) and web‑based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on‑going work.

Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions.

Employees are required to participate in the City's direct deposit plan and are paid on a bi‑weekly basis.

This position requires a 12‑month probationary period. Internal applicant probationary periods will be governed by the applicable MOU.

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them.

If a candidate accepts a conditional job offer with the City of Oxnard, any and all pending applications for active recruitments with the City of Oxnard will be withdrawn and no longer considered.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or sexual orientation.

Reasonable Accommodation

The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodation for individuals/people with disabilities. If you believe you require special arrangements to participate in the testing process, you must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the filing date. Applicants who request such accommodation must document their request with an explanation of the type and extent of accommodation required.

Legal Requirement

On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended. The City participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E‑Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E‑Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I‑9. For more information on E‑Verify, please contact DHS. 888‑897‑7781 dhs.gov/e‑verify.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Vivian Morales at [e-mail].

Retirement Contributions

New members (as defined by PEPRA), 2% @ 62; "Classic" members 2% @ 55. The employee will be required to pay a portion of their annual earnings toward their retirement. The City of Oxnard does not participate in social security.

Vacation Time

Full time employees accrue vacation time at a rate of 4.39 - 8.08 hours per pay period based on years of service.

Sick Time

Full time employees accrue sick time at a rate of 3.70 hours per pay period.

Bilingual Pay

A regular full time employee may receive bilingual pay at the rate of $50.00-$125.00 bi‑weekly depending on the level the employee is required to provide bilingual services as determined by the City Manager or designee.

Educational Incentive

For positions that do not require a Bachelor's Degree, the City offers an educational incentive award of 2.5% for employees that complete 30 work‑related college semester units above the minimum education requirements for the position.

Health And Dental

Employees can choose from a variety of medical plans provided by the City. The City's contribution to medical coverage is outlined below:

Level One – For employees hired before January 1, 2023, the City contributes $1,543.00 per month toward medical insurance premiums and an additional $74.21 per month toward dental insurance premiums. Employees will receive cash back if the medical plan they choose is less than the City’s monthly contribution of $1,543.00 per month. Employees who waive medical insurance will receive cash back in the amount $1,243.00 per month provided they provide proof of other qualifying coverage. Any unused dental premium monies are paid to the employee. If employees hired prior to January 1, 2023 make any changes to their health plan, they will be placed in level two.

Level Two – For employees hired on or after January 1, 2023, the City will contribute $2,054.00 towards medical insurance premiums with no cash back. Employees who waive medical insurance will receive $500.00 per month cash back provided they show proof of other qualifying coverage. The City will provide $66.80 per month towards dental insurance.

Life Insurance

City employees receive Basic Life Coverage and have the option to purchase additional insurance.

Deferred Compensation

The City contributes 1% to a deferred compensation program.

Tuition Reimbursement

Full‑time employees receive reimbursement of educational expenses including the costs of tuition, registration fees, laboratory fees, and books at a rate of 50% for work related coursework up to a maximum of $500 per fiscal year.