Water Operator I

February 2022
FLSA: Non-Exempt

WATER OPERATOR I/II

DEFINITION

Under direct (Water Operator I) or general (Water Operator II) supervision, performs skilled work in the
construction, maintenance, operation, and repair of the City's water production and distribution systems;
uses and operates a variety of manual and power tools and light to heavy power-driven equipment; provides
assistance to other areas of the Public Works Department as needed including streets, parks, and landscape
maintenance and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct (Water Operator I) or general (Water Operator II) supervision from the Public Works
Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Water Operator I: This is the first working level classification in the Water Operator series. Initially under
direct supervision, incumbents perform routine construction, maintenance, operation, and repair duties
related to the City’s water production and distribution systems. As experience is gained, assignments
become more varied, complex, and difficult; direct supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an
incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform
most of the duties required of the positions at the Water Operator II level, but incumbents at this level
typically do not possess all of the certifications required at the II-level, and are not expected to function at
the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to
work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure
or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Water Operator II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Water Operator series.
Positions at this level are distinguished from the Water Operator I level by the performance of the full range
of duties as assigned, working independently, exercising judgment and initiative, and possession of all
required certifications for the work. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance
as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work
unit.

Positions in the Water Operator class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II-level are normally
filled by advancement from the I-level after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the
qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different
positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential
functions of the job.

Ø Performs duties required in the operation, construction, maintenance and repair of the City’s water

system, including laying and repairing water lines, connecting and disconnecting water services,
reading water meters, taking water samples, operating chlorinating equipment and testing for chlorine

Water Operator I/II

residuals, and maintaining and operating other water treatment/disinfecting systems as required by State
Department of Health Services.

Ø Tests, maintains, and repairs pumps, chlorinating equipment, valves, meters, gauges, and electrical
and gas water-pumping equipment.

Ø Obtains and records static or pumping water levels in water basins, monitors the operation of wells,
boosters, and treatment sites.

Ø Performs routine daily inspections of all water production and storage facilities, identifies any improper
function of equipment or operations.

Ø Reads water usage meters on an assigned route and on an ad-hoc basis; investigates low and high usage
reads; responds to customer complaints and inquiries.

Ø Maintains, repairs, and installs water meter readers and related appurtenances; troubleshoots
malfunctioning meters.

Ø Installs, cleans, adjusts, overhauls, rebuilds, paints, and operates valves; troubleshoots valves when
problems occur within the water distribution system.

Ø Verifies underground pipe locations through 811 call system.
Ø Prepares detailed reports of performance and condition of pumping facilities.
Ø Performs daily check of chlorine residuals in distribution system and records results.
Ø Takes samples from wells and sampling station outlets for laboratory testing.
Ø Maintains and repairs reservoirs and pumping facilities.
Ø Performs general maintenance and clean up duties around water facilities.
Ø Operates and maintains specialized vehicles and a variety of light, medium, and heavy equipment

used in the operation and maintenance of water production and distribution systems operates a variety
of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignment as instructed.

Ø Assist with the general maintenance, repair, and construction of City streets, sidewalks, parks, park
buildings, trees, equipment, and facilities, as assigned.

Ø Maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used.
Ø Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Some knowledge, skills, and abilities are performed in a learning capacity by positions at the Water
Operator I level.

Knowledge of:

Ø Maintenance principles, practices, equipment, and materials used in the maintenance and repair of
water production and distribution systems as well as streets, parks, facilities, and landscape
maintenance.

Ø Methods, maintenance, and repair of valves, hydrants, services, mains, pumping systems, and water
distribution systems, water samples, and chlorination systems.

Ø The operation, maintenance, and minor repair of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and
light to heavy power equipment.

Ø Methods and techniques of collecting and preserving water samples.
Ø Operational characteristics of water production and distribution systems.
Ø Operational characteristics of specialized water utilities maintenance and repair equipment.
Ø Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the

handling of hazardous chemicals.
Ø Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to

assigned area of responsibility.
Ø Principles and practices of record keeping.
Ø City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Ø Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public,

Water Operator I/II

vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Ø The structure and content of the English language at a level necessary to successfully perform

assigned duties and responsibilities.
Ø Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and

task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

Ø Perform construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work on water production and
distribution systems as well as streets, parks, facilities, and landscape.

Ø Operate a variety of pumps, controls, and water distribution/transmission equipment.
Ø Read meters, gauges and schematics.
Ø Prepare and maintain accurate reports required by the California State Water Board (SWRCB).
Ø Read, interpret, and apply technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications.
Ø Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and light to

heavy equipment required for the work.
Ø Maintain accurate logs and basic written records of work performed.
Ø Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ø Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Ø Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern

business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Ø Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, at a level necessary for successful

job performance.
Ø Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in

the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Water Operator I/II: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Water Operator I: One (1) year of experience in water production and distribution and water facility
operation, maintenance, and construction.

Water Operator II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in water production and
distribution and water facility operation maintenance and construction.

Licenses and Certifications:

Water Operator I/II:

Ø Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license upon appointment.
Ø Possession of Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification issued by the American Water

Works Association (AWWA).
Ø Possession of Cross Connection Specialist certification issued by the AWWA.

Water Operator I:
Ø Possession of a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California

Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Water Operator II:
Ø Possession of a Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the CDPH.

Water Operator I/II



PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy
physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn,
kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily
duties; to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment,
and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; and vision to inspect and operate equipment.
The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.
Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability
to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in
all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement
weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical
hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with
upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and
procedures.