Water Distribution System Operator (SBP)

City-of-SAN-Luis-Obispo-; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a Water Distribution System Operator (SBP) to operate, maintain and protect the City’s water distribution backbone. This role includes responding to emergencies, performing routine maintenance, and coordinating with teams.

The successful candidate will work under SBP guidelines and pursue required operator certifications. The position requires residency within 40 miles of San Luis Obispo and participation in standby/callout rotations.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED required, mechanically inclined with interest in advancement in a technical field.
• Higher placement is negotiable with higher education/experience.
• Desirable traits include certifications and willingness to learn and progress in water distribution duties.
• Current or future Water Operator certifications are encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Participates in construction, maintenance and emergency repair of the water distribution system.
• Plans, directs, monitors and completes work related to the City's water distribution system.
• Responds to water-related emergencies and makes necessary repairs or coordinates assistance.
• Operates and maintains a range of equipment including backhoes, pumps, and hydraulic tools.
• Inspects system conditions, regulates pressure and reviews engineering plans where applicable.
• Maintains records and follows schedules for maintenance and repair tasks.

Skills

Water systems

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Safety procedures

Equipment operation

Communication

Plan reading

Education

High school diploma or GED

SWRCB Water Distribution Operator certification

Related college education in hydraulics/mechanics

Tools

SCADA/Telemetry systems

Backhoe operation

Job description

Join the City of San Luis Obispo as a Water Distribution System Operator (SBP) and help operate, maintain, and protect the backbone of our community’s water service.

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, so please hold that date.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

The successful Water Distribution System Operator will demonstrate strong technical and mechanical aptitude, effective problem-solving, and the ability to operate and maintain water distribution systems safely and efficiently. They communicate clearly, work well independently and collaboratively, and adapt quickly to new procedures and technologies. The role requires meeting the physical requirements of the job, learning required certifications and processes, and consistently upholding professional standards and public trust in the City’s water services.

If you are interested in learning more about the role and what day-to-day duties may include, please contact Jeff Cannon at [e-mail]

Due to operational and emergency response requirements, this position participates in a mandatory standby/callout rotation. Employees must reside within 40 miles of San Luis Obispo by the start of employment and maintain that residency requirement throughout employment.

JOB SUMMARY

Performs a variety of skilled work associated with general oversight, construction, maintenance, and emergency repair of a California State Water Resources Control Board-designated D4 water distribution system.

Employees in this classification perform a wide variety of operations and maintenance tasks from the semi-skilled and skilled level to journey level.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This position is part of the "Skills Based Pay" (SBP) program. Employees in this position shall have the opportunity to advance within the range. Advancement shall be based on attainment and continued demonstrated performance of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, and/or required certifications, and the approval of the department head. This job classification includes responsibility for the performance of the full range of the classification's tasks and duties, ultimately performing at a journey level of classification.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Employees in this classification receive limited supervision from the Water Distribution Supervisor within a framework of standard policies and procedures. Incumbents in this classification work independently while on mandatory standby/callout.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Participates in all aspects and functions of construction, maintenance and emergency repair of water distribution system: maintains and repairs pump stations; installs, maintains and repairs water mains, pressure regulators, service lines, fire hydrants and valves.
• Plans, directs, monitors, reports and completes work related to the City's water distribution system.
• Responds to water related emergencies such as service leaks and main breaks; assesses situation, determines proper action, makes process control decisions, performs necessary repair work to resolve problems or requests appropriate equipment/workers needed to resolve problems.
• Operates and maintains a variety of automotive and specialized equipment including backhoe, tractor, vacuum excavator, compressor, hydraulic valve operator, loader, dump trucks, pumps and other various hydraulic systems.
• Complies with all conditions of the City's "Low Threat Discharge Permit" issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board which includes water quality sampling and analysis.
• Reviews, investigates and comments on engineering plans and specifications.
• Observes system flow and regulates system pressure requirements; inspects and reports system conditions and makes recommendations.
• Coordinates with inspectors, engineering and contractors on public and private water projects within the public right of way.
• Conducts, coordinates, and oversees new construction water line chlorination, flushing and bacteriological sampling.
• Interprets and makes required replacement/adjustments of specialized equipment and instruments such as pressure transducers, recorders, gauges, meters, charts and dials.
• Excavates City streets and easements.
• Locates and properly marks underground water system assets per USA rules and regulations.
• Maintain computerized and manual records related to service and repair work performed; tracks, reports, interpret information and adjust maintenance schedules, follow-up on required maintenance and repair and maintains program documentation.
• Operate power and hand tools such as tamper, jackhammer, electric tools, tapping machines, welders, plasma cutter and other tools as required.
• Schedules and performs routine periodic maintenance and emergency repair of pressure regulating valves.
• Operates automotive and specialized equipment.
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot computerized telemetry systems for monitoring water pump stations, storage facilities and pressure regulators.
• Participate in the mandatory standby/callout rotation that provides 24-hour coverage of all water distribution components and facilities.
• Reads and installs water meters.
• Responds to customer complaints, water quality inquiries, and water pressure concerns.
• Delineates traffic and work areas following established guidelines.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Methods, tools, equipment and procedures related to water distribution systems.
• Operation, maintenance and emergency repair of pumps, motors, pressure regulators, storage facilities, pressure zones and their interrelationships.
• Mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles.
• Telemetry systems.
• Standard Methods for bacteriological sampling and testing.
• Safety procedures, rules and regulations related to public works construction, maintenance projects and emergency repair including working in trenches and potentially hazardous conditions.
• State and Federal reporting standards and regulations related to discharges of potable water into storm drains (NPDES), cross-connection control, and disinfection and sewer separation.
• Utilization of a variety of computerized programs, i.e. maintenance programs, word processing and spreadsheets.
• State Traffic Control Manual and Regulations.
• Emergency response procedures.

Ability to:

• Safely and effectively perform semi-skilled and skilled construction, maintenance emergency repair work related to the water distribution system and related components and equipment.
• Job incumbents will be required to obtain increasing levels of Water Operator Certification from the State Division of Drinking Water progressing to an advanced journey level (D3 certification) of classification as specified below.
• Safely and effectively operate automotive and specialized equipment utilized in the maintenance and operation of water distribution systems.
• Recognize unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions.
• Interpret water distribution system diagrams and mapping.
• Maintain manual and computerized records and report/interpret data information.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions in an independent manner.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties including heavy manual labor in adverse conditions over long periods of time.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships within a team oriented operation.
• Manage or lead an assigned project
• Interpret and make judgment on the application of engineering standards and specifications
• Train others in the proper methods of water distribution system construction, maintenance and emergency repair.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum entry level requirements are a high school graduation or G.E.D., mechanical aptitude, and demonstrated interest in advancement in a challenging, technical field.

Higher initial placement in the salary band is negotiable with higher levels of education and/or experience.

Highly desirable traits include:

1. Current SWRCB Water Distribution Operator certification.
2. Related college education such as water system hydraulics, mechanical technology, chemistry, etc.
3. Specialized training related to the water distribution field.
4. Work experience in the water distribution field at a water system performing actual work in operation and maintenance of underground pipelines and repair of pumps, motors, pressure regulating facilities and related equipment.
5. Operator experience as a certified distribution operator at a D3 or higher water system.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• A valid California Class "A" driver's license or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• A State Water Resources Control Board Operator Distribution Certification Grade I or higher is highly desirable.
• A State Water Resources Control Board Operator Treatment Certification Grade I or higher is highly desirable.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Wear negative pressure breathing apparatus and other safety equipment as required and comply with City's facial hair requirements for the use of respiratory equipment.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties, including annual respiratory/physical exam.
• Work in potentially hazardous working conditions such as heavy traffic areas, trenches, and other confined spaces.
• Perform standby/callout.
• Ability to lift and operate 100 pound jackhammer and other related equipment.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE

• Pre-employment Physical
• Pre-employment DOT Drug Screening
• Livescan Fingerprinting (DOJ)