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

City-of-Santa-Cruz,-C

Santa Cruz (CA)

On-site

USD 41,000 - 73,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

City of Santa Cruz is seeking a Water Distribution Operator-in-Training/II/III to join the Water Department. The role involves hands-on work supporting the distribution system, repair, and maintenance, with opportunities to advance as certifications (D2/D3) are earned.

Positions require safety, teamwork, and ability to operate a range of heavy equipment; on-call duties may be required, and the team supports street and infrastructure projects across the city.

Qualifications

High school diploma or tested equivalent; six months paid manual labor experience.
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license; ability to obtain Class A with endorsements within 12 months.
Willingness to perform on-call duty and call-back work as required.

Responsibilities

Installs, connects, relocates, and replaces water mains, service lines, valves, pumps, meters, and hydrants.
Repairs leaks on water mains and notifies customers of shutdowns.
Operates equipment and tools to perform semi-skilled tasks and basic maintenance.
Shovels, rakes, and spreads materials during sidewalk and roadwork.
Participates in digging and backfilling trenches and other excavations.
Loads, unloads, and transports maintenance supplies and equipment.
Maintains and operates vehicles and equipment safely and efficiently.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety-first

Manual labor

Reading data

Math calculations

Problem solving

Job description

Water Distribution Operator-In-Training/II/III (Water Department)

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, preping 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

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

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

On Thursday, 11/12/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 12/04/26.

Week of 11/16 and 11/23/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 12/04/26.

Week of 12/07 and 12/14/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

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 (24) 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.

Duties

Installs, connects, relocates, and replaces water mains, service lines, valves, pumps, meter boxes, and fire hydrants; cuts and fits pipes and makes taps.
Repairs leaks on water mains.
Notifies customers of water shutdowns.
Exercises valves by hand or with hydraulic equipment; marks valves to indicate direction of opening and number of turns to open.
Flushes water system through valves and hydrant.
Paints valves, pumps, piping and building interiors and exteriors.
Measures and records the location of valves, hydrants and blow-offs.
Under direction, may: flow test hydrants; locate and mark existing water mains, meters, valves, and other facilities for City crews and independent contractors using a sonic and/or magnetic pipe locator; and perform various water quality field tests.
Constructs and repairs sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and retaining walls.
Shovels, rakes and spreads dirt, sand, gravel, asphalt, and other materials.
Participates in digging, widening and backfilling trenches and other excavations.
Loads, unloads, and operates pick-ups and trucks to transport maintenance supplies, materials, and equipment.
Places traffic control flags, signs and cones to direct traffic around work sites; may direct traffic.
Uses general carpentry and mechanical hand tools such as brooms, rakes, shovels, ladders, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, saws, drills, wrenches, and related equipment.
Operates equipment such as air compressors, pneumatic hammers, powder activated hammers, chain saws, concrete saws, pipe cutters, sprayers, compactors, forklifts, rollers, and related equipment.
Performs routine maintenance and repair of hand and power tools.
Safely operates equipment and tools used.
Removes, repairs, and patches asphalt and concrete surfaces.
Tactfully responds to questions and comments from the public.
May prepare and keep written records and make material and equipment requests.
May occasionally perform simple fabrication and repair of equipment, tools, parts, and accessory items using arc and gas welding.
May, under direction and on an irregular basis, operate equipment such as backhoes, front-end loaders, and trucks.
May, in the absence of a supervisor, contact City Departments or other agencies when shared jurisdiction over a repair is apparent.
May be required to perform duties related to confined space entry.
Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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 Resource Control Board (SWRCB).
Must obtain a D3 Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resource 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 Resource Control Board (SWRCB).

and

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