Water System Operator

City of Tucson; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tucson is seeking a Water System Operator to operate and monitor water treatment facilities and distribution systems using SCADA. You will identify problems, adjust chemical dosing, and maintain water quality and pressure to meet daily demands.

Responsibilities include monitoring wells and reservoirs, responding to alarms, collecting samples, and coordinating with field crews. A 12-hour rotating schedule and 24/7 operations apply; a valid AZ Driver License is required.

Qualifications

• Six months post high school education is required.
• Two years of relevant experience in water operations is required.
• Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D Driver License is required.
• ADEQ Water Treatment Grade 3 and Water Distribution Grade 3 or equivalent state certs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor potable distribution systems and treatment facilities using SCADA.
• Respond to SCADA alarms and adjust pumps, valves, and chemical dosing as needed.
• Collect samples, test water quality, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Dispatch field crews for system flushing and outages; document events in SCADA/databases.
• Work with internal teams to address outages and customer requests.

Skills

SCADA experience

Telemetry

Water quality

Safety conscious

Education

Six months post high school

Tools

SCADA software

Telemetry systems

Job description

Posting Close Date

Applicants must submit their completed application by 11-30-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

As part of the online application process, all applicants are required to submit both an updated resume and cover letter at the time of application. Resumes and cover letters received after the application closing date will not be considered.

Applications received that do not contain a resume and a cover letter with responses to the required questions listed below will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in this recruitment process.

In your cover letter, please ensure to include responses to the following:

1. If you possess an ADEQ certification or equivalent state water certification in distribution or treatment, please include the level (numerical or alpha) and type of certifications you possess. List the certifying agency and your operator number or ID.
2. Please describe your experience in water treatment, wastewater treatment, or distribution systems operations or maintenance.
3. Please describe your experience working with SCADA or Telemetry Systems.
4. Describe your experience working with Sodium Hypochlorite, Hydrogen Peroxide, or disinfection chemicals.
5. Do you possess a valid and unrestricted driver’s license? Do you have at least two (2) years of driving experience? Have you had a DUI in the past two (2) years?

If you possess any of the preferred qualifications listed above, and wish to receive consideration for the experience the information must be verifiable in your resume and cover letter.

SAVE THE DATE: Interviews will be held December 10, 2026.

Required at the time of application:

1. Ariana Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Water Treatment Grade 2 or equivalent out-of-state water certification
2. Ariana Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Water Distribution Grade 2 or equivalent out-of-state water certification

Required within 12-months of hire as a condition of probation and must be maintained throughout employment in this classification:

1. ADEQ Water Treatment Certification Grade 3
2. ADEQ Water Distribution Certification Grade 3

The following pre-employment medical tests apply to this position:

• Basic Physical
• Non-NIDA Drug Test
• Respirator Physical

About this job

The Water System Operator at the City of Tucson’s Water Department is responsible for operating, monitoring, and controlling water treatment facilities, distribution systems, and related equipment. The Water System Operator is responsible for identifying problems within the water system and making appropriate adjustments to ensure appropriate water supply, quality, and pressure.

Work is performed under the Supervision of the Water Plant Supervisor. This position does not supervise.

Essential Duties

• Utilizes (SCADA) to monitor and operate the Potable Distribution System and Advanced Oxidation Process Plant. Analyzes the reports to determine the required pumpage to meet daily demands. Operates and monitors reservoirs to ensure our storage capacity meets system demand. Monitors and sustains pressure zones ensuring customers have satisfactory pressure. Exercises and operates potable groundwater wells to sustain Water Quality (WQ) standards and meet daily system demands. Responds to SCADA alarms by making proper adjustments in the distribution system. Assesses real-time data from online water quality monitoring instruments and adjusts the chemical injection dosage to comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Makes system adjustments to accommodate the preventative maintenance, water quality sampling, and any miscellaneous work being performed by field staff. Operates and monitors various wells, vessels, stations, and facilities to ensure proper flow and treatment. Utilizes the logs, notes, and various databases to document events and communicate with staff. Dispatches field crews to flush systems when chlorine residuals fall below or over action levels.
• Drives to various locations to collect, test, and analyze water samples. Adjusts chemical feed rates to comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Receives and resolves service calls from internal and external customers providing accurate and timely information. Generates service requests when field staff reports activities requiring immediate attention. Communicates external utilities to monitor power outages, track external project progress, and resolve field issues. Notifies internal divisions of scheduled and unscheduled water outages. Receives and resolves after-hours emergency phone calls on nights, weekends, and holiday shifts. Enters relevant information into SCADA and site-specific databases ensuring documentation of events is available for staff. Notifies appropriate parties of outages.
• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned. Assists with special projects and assignments. Represents the department at offsite events when needed.

Working Conditions: Some exposure to light physical or environmental conditions (noise, dust, weather, etc.). This unit operates 24/7, 365 days per year and individuals in this position will be required to work mandatory 12-hour rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and on-call shifts. This position is also classified as Safety Sensitive and is subject to pre-employment andrandom drug testing.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Six (6) months post high school

Experience: Two (2) years relevant experience

License Requirement: Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D Driver License

Equivalency: Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

1. ADEQ Water Treatment Grade 3 and ADEQ Water Distribution Grade 3 Certification or equivalent state certification.
2. Two (2) years’ experience in the water industry or related field.
3. One (1) year of experience working with SCADA or Telemetry Systems.
4. One (1) year of experience working with Sodium Hypochlorite, Hydrogen Peroxide, or disinfection chemicals.

Position Details

Job Profile

J4053 - Water System Operator

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation Grade

G105

Hourly Range

$21.96 - 32.94 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Non-Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

Water Utility

Department Link

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Water

Background Check

This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

Benefits

The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

Citizenship

The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

The City does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).

ADA Accessibility Complaint Form

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation ; please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or 520-791-2619.