Water Distribution Operator-in-Training/II/III (Internal Opportunity, Multiple Vacancies)

City of Santa Cruz; California; On-site; USD 41,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Santa Cruz is hiring for Water Distribution Operator-In-Training/II/III. The role involves hands-on maintenance of the water distribution system, emergency response, and collaboration with a crew to keep water flowing safely to residents and businesses.

Positions progress through OIT, II, and III levels with state certification requirements at each step. On-call duties and safety training are essential components of the job.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Six months paid manual labor experience preferred.
• Willingness to obtain required operator certifications over time.

Responsibilities

• Perform semi-skilled maintenance and repair on water distribution systems.
• Assist with installing valves, meters, and mains.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate with crew to restore service.
• Assist with street repairs, paving, and related infrastructure work.
• Operate and maintain vehicles and equipment safely.

Skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Safety-conscious

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

The current vacancies are for Water Distribution Operator-In-Training/II/III in the Water Department. This recruitment is open to City of Santa Cruz current regular and temporary employees. As an Internal recruitment, the list established from this recruitment is valid only for the current vacancy listed above.

As a Water Distribution Operator with the City of Santa Cruz, you'll be part of a team that is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and improving the water distribution system that serves our community. The work is hands on, varied, and essential to keeping safe, reliable drinking water flowing to homes and businesses. Your day may involve responding to emergency water main breaks and service line leaks, troubleshooting problems in the field, and working alongside experienced operators to make repairs and restore service. You may also participate in planned shutdowns, install or replace valves and water mains, replace meters, and perform system flushing to maintain water quality and system performance.

The work extends beyond the water system itself. Operators help restore streets and sidewalks following repairs, including asphalt paving and concrete work. Daily responsibilities may also include hauling materials, gathering parts and supplies, restocking equipment, and maintaining the specialized vehicles and tools needed to complete the job safely and efficiently. From operating heavy equipment and specialty vehicles to locating underground utilities, prepping job sites, and assisting with complex infrastructure projects, operators develop a broad range of technical and practical skills. Teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and a commitment to safety are essential, as priorities can change quickly when emergency repairs arise.

• Water Distribution Operator-In-Training pay range is $29.49 - $41.50 Hourly
• Water Distribution Operator II pay range is $34.41 - $48.42 Hourly
• Water Distribution Operator III pay range is $37.58 - $52.85 Hourly

PLEASE READ REGARDING DRIVER'S LICENSE AND DMV REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid California Class A driver's license is not required at time of application; however, it does require a valid Class A license with appropriate endorsements within 12 months. A DMV printout is not required at the time of application, but the selected candidate will be required to provide a DMV printout at the time of appointment.

Recruitment #27-027

Basic Function

Under supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled assignments in the construction, maintenance, and repair of City water distribution systems, streets and sidewalks; and performs related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Water Distribution Operator series is alternately staffed with Water Distribution Operator-in-Training (OIT), II, and III. Operators in this series perform a broad range of duties in the basic construction, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution system. Incumbents generally work as a member of a crew but may be given independent assignments and may, under direction, lead a small crew of trainees or temporary workers and assist with training. All positions in this classification require a willingness to perform on-call duty assignment and call-back work as required.

The OIT is the entry-level position and does not require certification. However, incumbents in both the OIT and II positions are required to get certifications within a certain period of time as follows to remain in the series. An OIT is required to obtain a D2 Water Distribution Operator certification from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within eighteen months of date of hire. Successful completion of these tasks will allow the incumbent to be promoted to the Water Distribution Operator II but not before passing the 6 month probationary period. At the II level, an incumbent is required to obtain a D3 Water Distribution Operator certification from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within twenty-four months of the date of hire or of promotion and will allow the incumbent to be promoted to the Water Distribution Operator III, but not before passing the 6 month probationary period. Once promoted to the III level, an incumbent who would like to advance may pursue further certification at his or her own discretion but is not required to do so by the Water Department.

Water Distribution Operator-in-Training (OIT) is the non-certified entry and training level of the Water Distribution Operator series. Under direct and continuous supervision and in a training capacity, incumbents are assigned routine semi-skilled maintenance tasks while learning the basic construction and maintenance trades related to water distribution systems. Incumbents learn to perform a broad range of duties in the basic construction, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution system working as a member of a crew. The OIT position is distinguished from the next higher level of Water Distribution Operator II in that the latter serves as the intermediate training class and first journey level of the series. Incumbents in this class are assigned routine tasks to be performed independently or on a work team.

Water Distribution Operator II is the intermediate training and first journey level position within the Water Distribution Operator series. Incumbents work under general supervision performing a broad range of duties in the basic inspection, construction, and maintenance of the City’s water distribution system and facilities. Incumbents generally work as a member of a small crew but may be given independent assignments. Water Distribution Operator II is distinguished from the next higher level of Water Distribution Operator III by the latter serving as the full journey level class within the series and performing assigned routine and complex tasks independently or as part of a work crew with general supervision. The II is distinguished from the OIT classification by the requirement of a D2 Water Distribution Operator certification issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).

Water Distribution Operator III is the fully trained journey level classification in the series and is distinguished from the Water Distribution Operator II by the requirement of a D3 Water Distribution Operator certification. Incumbents perform a broad range of duties in the basic construction, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution system. Incumbents generally work as a member of a crew but may be given independent assignments and, under direction, lead a small crew of trainees or temporary workers and assist with training.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when operating assigned equipment. Acute hearing is required in both the office and the field. The ability to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 75 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, heat, and cold. The incumbent may be exposed to fumes, dust chemicals, and air contaminants. May be exposed to biohazards and/or hazardous chemicals. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Education and Experience

Water Distribution Operator OIT/II/III

• High school diploma or tested equivalent; and
• Six (6) months paid manual labor experience.

Knowledge

Water Distribution Operator OIT/II/III

• Proper use and care of common hand and power tools.
• Basic mathematical principles, including fractions, decimals, proportions, measurements, and volume and area calculations.
• Safety procedures for operating equipment and power tools.

Water Distribution Operator II/III

• Basic techniques, equipment, and materials used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems.
• Basic mechanical and hydraulic principles.
• Water distribution operation, including piping, sources of supply, water quality, disinfection, water-related electricity, and the operational principles of pumps and motors.
• Water distribution mathematics, including water terms and definitions, water measurements, water pressure, formulas, units, and conversion factors.
• Safety principles related to traffic control, confined space entry, and trenching and shoring.

Water Distribution Operator III

• Providing guidance and direction to lower-level workers in the necessary on-the-job training required for mandatory state certified water distribution operations.

Abilities

Water Distribution Operator OIT/II/III

• Safely perform heavy manual labor (which involves frequent bending, pulling, pushing, lifting, and carrying of up to approximately 75 pounds).
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Read, interpret, and record data.
• Perform mathematical calculations.
• Learn the more complex principles, practices, techniques, and regulations pertaining to water distribution operations.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
• Work effectively independently and as a member of a crew.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and act in a courteous and tactful manner with those contacted in the course of work.
• Safely handle hazardous materials.
• Operate power tools and equipment to perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks.
• Perform basic maintenance and repair on tools and equipment.
• Read and interpret basic sketches, drawings, specifications, technical manuals, and regulations.
• Recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions and make sound judgments within established guidelines.

Licenses and Certificates

Water Distribution Operator-in-Training/II/III

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license. Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Restricted Automatic class A driver’s license with tanker, 5th wheel, and air brake endorsements OR a California Unrestricted Class A driver’s license within 12 months of hire.

Water Distribution Operator-In-Training

• Must obtain a D2 Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) within eighteen months of hire.

Water Distribution Operator II

• Possession and continued maintenance of a D2 Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
• Must obtain a D3 Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within twenty-four (24) months of hire or of promotion.

Water Distribution Operator III

• Possession and continued maintenance of a D3 Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).

• One year of operator experience working as a certified D2 operator, D3 or higher operator, or temporary D3 operator for a D2 system or higher.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must reside within a 30-minute response time by the end of probationary period.
• Willingness to perform on-call duty assignment and call-back work as assigned, which may include holidays, weekends and evenings.
• Willingness to wear a uniform and personal, protective equipment (PPE).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification in First Aid and CPR
• Underground Construction/Utility Experience
• Safety procedures for placement and use of traffic delineation