WATER UTILITY MECHANIC I-III

City of Long Beach; California (MO); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Water Utility Mechanic III to join their Sewer Operations Division. This role involves performing essential maintenance and repair work on water distribution and sewer collection systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in construction and mechanical repair, with certifications in water distribution and sewer maintenance. This position offers a competitive salary, opportunities for a recruitment incentive, and the chance to work in a supportive and diverse environment. If you are passionate about public service and ready to make a difference in your community, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Recruitment Incentive

Health Benefits

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Training Opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience in water/sewer pipeline construction.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery and perform manual labor.
• Knowledge of construction safety and maintenance practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform installation and maintenance of water distribution systems.
• Operate heavy equipment and tools for sewer collection systems.
• Inspect and repair sewer lines and water mains.

Skills

Water Distribution Systems Knowledge

Sewer Collection Systems Knowledge

Construction Safety Regulations

Heavy Equipment Operation

Basic Arithmetic Skills

Emergency Response Ability

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Water Distribution Operator Certification

Water Treatment Certification

Tools

Hydraulic Tools

Pneumatic Tools

Closed-Circuit Television Equipment

Heavy Vehicles (Backhoe, Dump Truck)

Job description

Applications are available onlinebeginningFriday, April 4, 2025,through 4:30 PM, Friday, April 25, 2025*.
*Additional applications, beyond the date and time above, may be accepted upon the examination of the first round of qualified candidates.

Vacancy Information:

The Sewer Operations Division is currently seeking qualified candidates for Water Utility Mechanic III that require the following:

• California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Collection System Maintenance Operator Grade I or higher
• State of California Water Distribution Operator Grade II or higher

Salary Information:

Grade I - $28.021 – $38.295 Hourly

Grade II - $29.021 – $40.239 Hourly

Grade III - $35.623 – $48.326 Hourly

This position may qualify for a Recruitment Incentive of $6,000. For more information on the City of Long Beach's Recruitment Incentive Program pleaseclick here.

Performs a variety of heavy manual, semi-skilled and skilled work in the installation, maintenance, construction, operation, modification, repair and testing of water distribution and sewer collection systems, equipment and components; loads, transports, and operates a variety of pneumatic and hydraulic tools and related construction equipment used in the operation, maintenance, construction, and repair of the water distribution and sewer collection systems, such as jackhammers, horizontal boring tool, vibrating plate, pipe cutters, rock drills, gasoline-powered abrasive saws, impact wrenches, concrete saw, clay spades, and tapping machines; rotates among tasks of operating equipment, cleaning sanitary sewer lines or other collection system facilities, and inspecting sanitary sewer lines utilizing closed-circuit television equipment; operates commercial vehicles, machines, and heavy equipment such as high-velocity jetters, backhoes, forklifts, mobile cranes, pressure washers, dump trucks, air compressors, air quality monitoring instruments and others; maintains and repairs sewer lines, maintenance holes, pressure hoses, mains, parts, and other related facilities and equipment to ensure compliance with established practices; operates and maintains closed-circuit television system and equipment to inspect underground wastewater collection pipes, lateral connections, and associated appurtenances to locate leaks, breaks, infiltrations, and the buildup of dirt, debris, roots, and other materials on a scheduled preventative maintenance basis; and, performs other related duties as required.

This is not an inclusive list. A complete list of Examples of Duties is detailed on the Civil Service Commission approved WATER UTILITY MECHANIC I-III class specification.
Applicants must meet requirements of Option A or Option B:

Option A:
A minimum of one (1) year* full-time, equivalent paid experience in one or more of the following areas: water or sewer pipeline construction; installation, maintenance, and repair of water meters, backflow units, services, mains, valves, production and/or distribution systems; cleaning sewer collection system via hydrojet or jetter/vactor; inspecting sewer collection system via closed-circuit television; or closely-related work at a water treatment, water distribution, sewer collection, or wastewater treatment facility.

OR

Option B:
A minimum of two (2) years* full-time, equivalent paid experience in one or more of the following areas: general construction and repair, operation of various types of building or construction-related equipment, mechanical repair and maintenance, gas/oil pipeline infrastructure, plumbing, carpentry, welding, or other trade-related work.

Opportunities for Substitution of Education or Experience
*Six (6) months of the required experience may be substituted by eitherA or B:

A: Any valid State of California Water Distribution or Water Treatment, or California Water Environment -Association Sewer Collection System Maintenance Certification(Proof required**);

OR

B: 3.0 semester units of a Water or Wastewater class. (Proof required**)

**Proof of required documents, such as degree or transcripts, must be uploaded to the online application at the time of filing. Any proofs submitted must contain either the applicant's name or other identifying characteristic on the form. Degrees must indicate the field of study and transcripts must indicate field of study and degree conferred date. Candidates who possess degrees from colleges or universities from outside the United States must attach proof of educational equivalence at the time of filing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic principles of water distribution or sewer collection systems, including methods, equipment, terminology, basic arithmetic, and apply this knowledge to implement an appropriate response;
• Knowledge of principles and procedures of asphalt paving and patching, street and infrastructure construction, and maintenance;
• Knowledge and implementation of construction safety regulations/practices, safety hazards, traffic control, tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment;
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic for, but not limited to, the calculations of pavement restorations measurements, backfill materials requirements, thrust block volume, and pipe fitting;
• Knowledge of proper valve operation to reduce the risk of poor water quality as a result of improper valve positioning and/or valve failures;
• Skilled in the safe operation of tools, machinery, and equipment necessary to work on water distribution or sewer collection systems;
• Ability to inspect a construction site in preparation for equipment operation to ensure adequate clearances, such as Underground Service Alerts;
• Ability to follow, understand, and communicate written and verbal instructions effectively;
• Ability to conduct field investigations and make determinations that would best resolve whatever issue is being investigated;
• Ability to respond to emergency call-outs on a 24-hour basis within 30 minutes of being contacted while on standby;
• Ability to perform construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work on streets, water distribution, and wastewater collection systems, facilities, and equipment such as found in the Department;
• Ability to obtain a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License and endorsements before completion of probation;
• Ability to read maps and navigate local streets, locations and geography;
• Ability to operate light-, medium-, and heavy-vehicles including, but not limited to a backhoe, dump truck, crane, forklift;
• Ability to read, redline, and make corrections to construction drawings, blueprints, plans, and maps of water distribution and/or sewer collection systems;
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with coworkers and supervisors and professionally represent the department when dealing with customers, outside contractors, agency officials, and the general public;
• Ability to use written, electronic, and verbal communication to effectively interact with all levels of City staff, including customers and vendors;
• Ability to use computer software such as MS Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, etc.) and other applications related to assigned job duties; and
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 90 pounds.

Willingness and ability to respond to emergency call-outs on a 24-hour basis and to report to the Operations Service Center for emergency calls within a 30-minute timeframe.

A valid driver's license and current DMV driving record must be submitted to the hiring department at the time of selection.

A Class B Commercial driver's license with tanker endorsement is required before the completion of probation.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:Current Collection Systems Maintenance certification issued by the California Water Environment Association; current Water Distribution Operator and/or Water Treatment Operator Certification issued by the State of California (proof required**).

EXAMINATION WEIGHTS:
Application and Supplemental Application............................................Qualifying
Written Examination...................................,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,100%

A minimum rating of 70 must be attained to pass the examination. Certification by score bands will be considered based on an analysis of exam results. The resulting eligible list will remain in effect for one year. Screening of applicants will be conducted on the basis of applications and required supplemental applications submitted. Based upon the number of applications received, the selection procedure may be changed. In the event a revision is necessary, all affected persons will be notified.

In accordance with Civil Service Procedure 3.38, all eligible veterans that successfully qualify on any or all open-competitive examinations shall receive an additional credit of ten (10) points that will be added to their original passing score. Disabled veterans passing the examination shall receive a credit of fifteen (15) points that will be added to their original passing score. (A copy of the veteran’s DD-214, Member 4 form indicating honorable discharge must be attached to the application at the time of filing.)

If you have not received notification within two weeks after close of filing contact the Civil Service Department at [phone].

EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners. We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender.

The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act

In support of the City's Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer, or Tagalog) are desirable for some positions interacting with the public.

This information is available in an alternative format by request at [phone]. If special accommodation is desired, please contact the Civil Service Department two (2) business days prior to the test at [phone]. For hearing impaired, call [phone].
An Equal Opportunity Employer.

J.O.B. M42AN-25 WUM:LS CSC: 4/2/2025