What are the responsibilities and job description for the Distribution Operator I/II position at City of San Clemente, CA?
Description
Join our service oriented team dedicated to community and quality of life! The City of San Clemente is accepting applications for a Distribution Operator I/II to perform skilled maintenance work in the operation, construction, maintenance, and repair of the City's water distribution infrastructure including water lines, valves and hydrants, reservoirs, pump stations and pressure regulating stations; to participate in, and explain the procedures for reading and maintaining water meters; to investigate and solve customer complaints; perform leak detection surveys and water utility mark-outs; and to perform related duties assigned.
The City of San Clemente reserves the option to hire at either the
Distribution Operator I ($34.74-$42.22 Hourly) or II ($37.38-$45.44 Hourly) level based on candidate qualifications and selection process.
Scheduled Salary Increases:
Effective July 2025 - 3.0%
Effective July 2026 - 3.0%
Effective July 2027 - 2.5%
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Distribution Operator I - This is the journey level class in the Distribution Operator series. Positions at this level are distinguished by the level of responsibility assumed, knowledge required, and ability to independently solve recurrent problems. Employees operate a range of vehicular and stationary equipment and perform complex maintenance and construction tasks. This class is distinguished from the Distribution Operator II in that the latter job conducts more difficult assignments independently, operates more specialized equipment, and provides technical assistance to lower level staff. Receives direction from higher-level supervisory staff.
Distribution Operator II- This is the advanced journey level class in the Distribution Operator series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, knowledge required, and ability to independently solve recurrent problems. Employees operate a range of vehicular and stationary equipment and perform complex operational, maintenance and construction tasks. The Distribution Operator II may lead an assigned crew on assignments requiring the assistance of others. Employees at this level are expected to be able to fully explain work methods and procedures to Distribution Operator I positions, and other maintenance support personnel, depending upon the work assignment that is performed. Exercises technical supervision over lower level maintenance staff, including explaining maintenance practices, water quality standards, and checking work for conformance with regulatory standards and department requirements.
Distribution Operator II- This is the advanced journey level class in the Distribution Operator series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, knowledge required, and ability to independently solve recurrent problems. Employees operate a range of vehicular and stationary equipment and perform complex operational, maintenance and construction tasks. The Distribution Operator II may lead an assigned crew on assignments requiring the assistance of others. Employees at this level are expected to be able to fully explain work methods and procedures to Distribution Operator I positions, and other maintenance support personnel, depending upon the work assignment that is performed. Exercises technical supervision over lower level maintenance staff, including explaining maintenance practices, water quality standards, and checking work for conformance with regulatory standards and department requirements.
Essential Functions
Essential responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Distribution Operator I:
- Assist with the maintenance and repair of the City's the water distribution system and water filtration plant including water lines, valves, and hydrants; ensure safe working conditions of system; make recommendations for improvements.
- Read water consumption meters; turn on and off meters as needed; inspect meters to ensure accurate readings; repair and replace faulty meters.
- Assist with the maintenance and operation of pump stations; record data; generate work orders for maintenance and repairs.
- Operate various construction and maintenance equipment, including hydro-excavation equipment, skid steer, front end loader and backhoe tractor equipment, dump trucks; use and maintain hand and power tools and assigned equipment; perform preventive maintenance on equipment.
- Maintain fire hydrant inspection program; inspect fire hydrants; ensure water quality and proper fire hydrant operation; make repairs as necessary.
- Utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed.
- Assist in the construction of capital improvements projects.
- Perform leak detection surveys using various sound sensitive leak detection equipment.
- Perform Utility mark-outs related to water in accordance with Common Ground Alliance best practices and California law.
- Generate preventive and corrective work orders using the City’s CMMS-Lucity to document and track the work performed.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
- Maintain and repair of City's water distribution system and water filtration plant including water lines, valves, and hydrants; explain work methods and procedures to other crewmembers and demonstrate proper use of tools and equipment.
- Monitor reservoirs, pump stations and pressure regulating stations; generate work orders for maintenance and repairs; explain procedures to other crew members and record data related to water quality.
- Operate various construction, maintenance and heavy equipment including forklifts, backhoes, and overhead cranes, hydro-excavation equipment, bobcats, and dump trucks; operate power tools and demonstrate steps to other crew members; maintain hand tools and assigned equipment; perform preventive maintenance on equipment.
- Implement fire hydrant flushing program; inspect fire hydrants; ensure water quality and proper fire hydrant operation; make repairs as necessary.
- Ensure safe working conditions of system; make recommendations for improvements.
- Train lower-level staff in proper work methods and standard safety precautions; review work to ensure compliance with established standards.
- Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve routine complaints independently, in an efficient and timely manner.
- Estimate time, material, equipment needed to perform maintenance activities; maintain accurate records of maintenance repairs and services.
- Gather information on maintenance equipment, parts, and products as needed.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Typical Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Distribution Operator I:
Operations, services, and activities of water distribution systems.
Methods and techniques of construction, maintenance and repair related to the area of work assigned.
Operational characteristics of construction and mechanical equipment and tools used.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations relating to water distribution and water treatment.
Methods and techniques of construction, maintenance and repair related to the area of work assigned.
Operational characteristics of construction and mechanical equipment and tools used.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations relating to water distribution and water treatment.
Distribution Operator II (in addition to the above):
Grade 2 State Certification standards and requirements related to mathematics, water distribution and water treatment systems operation, piping, pumps and motors, electricity, safety, utility management, sources of supply, water quality, and disinfection.
Principles of lead supervision and training.
Principles of lead supervision and training.
Ability to:
Distribution Operator I:
Perform maintenance, construction and repair work.
Operate a variety of vehicular and stationary mechanical equipment, and heavy equipment including forklifts, backhoes, and overhead cranes in a safe and effective manner.
Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in variable weather conditions.
Read and interpret basic maps and blueprints.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Understand and follow laboratory procedures.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing and respond to difficult and sensitive public inquiries.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Operate a variety of vehicular and stationary mechanical equipment, and heavy equipment including forklifts, backhoes, and overhead cranes in a safe and effective manner.
Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in variable weather conditions.
Read and interpret basic maps and blueprints.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Understand and follow laboratory procedures.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing and respond to difficult and sensitive public inquiries.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Self-motivated, responsible and organized.
Able to multi-task and exercise independent judgment based on experience.
Distribution Operator II (in addition to the above):
Perform skilled maintenance, construction and repair work in the area of work assigned.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.
Ability to perform work on the Water Systems Operations team. Provide direct input on operational system changes and improvements. Make independent operational decisions that will ensure adequate water levels, flows, pressures and water quality throughout the water distribution and water treatment systems
Experience and Education/Training Guidelines:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience
Distribution Operator I:
One year of responsible experience performing field maintenance work or construction on water distribution facilities or related systems.
Distribution Operator II:
Two years of increasingly responsible experience performing field maintenance work or construction on water distribution facilities or related systems.
Education/Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in maintenance and construction work.
Licenses or Certificates:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a CA State Class B Driver License within 18 months from date of employment.
Distribution Operator I
- Possession of, or ability to obtain within 12 months of employment, a valid Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
Distribution Operator II
- Possession of a valid Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
- Possession of a valid Grade I Water Treatment Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
You must attach copies of all certifications to your application upon submittal.
Special Requirements:
Respond to emergencies as needed.
Available for after hours, weekends, holiday and On-Call duty.
Respond within a 45 minute timeframe when assigned to On-Call duty.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment:
Field environment which involves traveling from site to site. Work involves working within including water treatment plants, and water operations facilities. Work involves exposure to water, mud, sewage, noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, traffic, chemicals, machinery, dirt, fumes, vibration head, cold and dampness; exposure to biological hazards and hazardous environments.
Work may take place in inclement weather conditions. Work takes place at elevated heights on scaffolding and ladders; work takes place within confined spaces, underground, on slippery or uneven surfaces, and around heavy construction equipment.
Physical Requirements:
- Work takes place within utility plants and in the field on a frequent basis, requiring the performance of strenuous and manual tasks for prolonged periods of time; and work may take place within an indoor office environment on an occasional basis, requiring extensive sitting, and some standing and walking.
- Work involves operating motorized vehicles and heavy equipment.
- Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavy items.
- Standing for prolonged periods of time.
- Stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling.
- Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment, handle files and documents.
- Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone.
- Visual acuity to see/read documents and computer screen and to read instrumentation dials, measuring devices, or other related components.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE
All applicants must submit a completed City of San Clemente application form and supplemental questionnaire in order to be considered. Applications will not be accepted by fax or email.
Applications must be submitted via the City's web site at http://san-clemente.org/jobs. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience.
Prior to employment, the prospective candidate must successfully complete a background review, medical examination, including drug screen, and be fingerprinted, all at City expense. If selected, written identification showing entitlement to legally work in the United States will be required.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or age.
In accordance with the ADA, candidates that require accommodation to perform the tasks of this position should contact Human Resources to inform them of the accommodation requested.
NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of San Clemente provides excellent benefits which include:
FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE – Most positions work a 9/80 work schedule.
HOLIDAYS – The City presently recognizes 12 regular holidays, plus two floating holidays.
VACATION – Employees accumulate vacation at the rate of 104 hours per year increasing to a maximum of 176 hours based on years of service.
SICK LEAVE - Accrual of 8 hours per month.
INSURANCE – The City provides a comprehensive benefit package including employee medical, dental, vision.
LIFE INSURANCE – Value equal to two times annual earnings up to a maximum of $100,000.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION – Employees may elect to enroll in a voluntary plan and defer up to the IRS permitted annual maximum. Employees may defer up to a maximum of $23,500 annually in 2025. Individuals aged 50 and older can contribute up to $7,500 in catch-up contributions to these plans.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT – Employees may participate in either or both of the Health Care or Dependent Care programs.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM – The City offers full-time employees and their dependents an EAP program which provides a variety of professional services.
ON-SITE FITNESS CENTER - The City provides a no fee on-site fitness center with state of the art equipment located in City Hall.
RETIREMENT – The City of San Clemente is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and is subject to the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). The retirement formula for new employees is based on the category below that the new employee falls under. Employee contribution rates will be determined by the employee's classification and requirements under PEPRA.
NOTE: The City is also a member of the Social Security system. As such, Full Time employees make contributions to Social Security in addition to their CalPERS contributions.
Classic Member:
Retirement Formula: 2% @ 55
Retirement Formula: 2% @ 55
Definition:
CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the PEPRA definition of a "new member" as "classic members" who are subject to the Public Employees' Retirement Law (PERL). PEPRA allows a member after January 1, 2013, to retain his/her classic member retirement benefit status if the member continues his/her membership in all previous California Public Retirement System(s) by leaving his/her service credit and contributions (if any) on deposit, and the member enters into employment that results in CalPERS membership within six months of separating from the most recent California Public Retirement System. Classic member status also requires the membership date to be on or before December 31, 2012, in a California Public Retirement System in which reciprocity is established.
New Member:
Retirement Formula: 2% @ 62
Definition: A new member is defined in PEPRA as any of the following:
- A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
- A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, who has a break in service of greater than six months with another California Public Retirement System that is subject to Reciprocity.
- A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, who is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six months.
Salary : $23,500
