Water Systems Assistant Operator I/II-Environmental Services Department

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility service provision, and climate action. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San Jose. 

Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents! We offer an array of meaningful career paths and value flexibility – offering hybrid work and alternative work schedules in select roles. Additionally, the City offers excellent health and pension benefits, as well as 15 paid holidays! 

To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and San Jose Environmental Services on LinkedIn. 

About the Division

The Water Resources Division provides potable water service through the Municipal Water System to the communities of Evergreen, North San Jose/Alviso, Edenvale, and Coyote. It consists of 311 miles of pipeline, 15 pump stations, 14 wells and 17 reservoirs, serving a growing population of over 125,000, with over 26,500 potable water accounts, in a 33.3 square mile service area. The Water Resources Division also provides recycled water service through the South Bay Water Recycling program and system to the Cities of San Jose, Santa Clara and Milpitas. The recycled water system consists of 105 miles of pipeline, 4 pump stations and 3 reservoirs, serving over 530 recycled water accounts. The Operations and Maintenance Section is responsible for operating and maintaining the potable and recycled water systems, preventative maintenance, and customer service.

The Environmental Services Department is currently seeking to fill one (1) full-time Water Systems Assistant Operator I/II vacancy in the Water Resources Division.

Job Classification Overview- Water Systems Assistant Operator I/II

Water Systems Assistant Operators assist in the day-to-day field operations of potable and recycled water systems in a training capacity. Duties include water meter reading, water sampling, maintaining landscaping and mechanical equipment at pump stations and reservoirs, and testing and replacement of water meters and valves in accordance with regulations of the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) or successor agency.  

Typical Duties Include but are not limited to:

• Primary duty is to collect water consumption figures from residential and commercial water meters.
• Work closely with Water Systems Operators and Water Systems Operations Forepersons to learn various aspects of operations and maintenance of the water systems equipment.
• Test meters for proper operation and report malfunctioning meters. Including pulling data profiles from endpoints to investigate consumption history.
• Respond to customer inquiries regarding readings and rates.
• Perform minor field repair and service on water meter reading equipment.
• Report leaks in the water systems equipment, including hydrants, meters and pipes.
• Participate in tailgate safety meetings and on-the-job, classroom, and computer based trainings.
• Turn water services on and off at customer premises.
• Maintain water systems property and equipment. 
• Assist with route map design and revision.
• Other duties as assigned.

Depending on the work group, assignments will be made to any shift needed for an around-the-clock operation. Incumbents must also be available for work on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. Water Systems Assistant Operator II may work standby duty as needed.

Duties require a heavy level of physical exertion, including exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects (e.g. large hand tools, pipes, or other water equipment). Incumbents work with large industrial equipment and machinery, in confined spaces, outdoors, and around hazardous materials. Incumbents may be required to utilize full-face and/or half-face respiratory protection, which requires the ability to pass an annual fit and spirometry test.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.  

Salary Ranges

Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience. Salary ranges for these classifications are:

• Water Systems Assistant Operator I: $72,404.80-$88,171.20
• Water Systems Assistant Operator II: $77,854.40-$94,848.00

Water Systems Assistant Operator I

Education: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.

Experience: None

Licensing/Certifications:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.
• Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Distribution Operator Grade 1 certification is required within one (1) year of appointment.

Water Systems Assistant Operator II

Education: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.

Experience: One (1) year experience as a Water Systems Assistant Operator I with the City of San José.

Licensing/Certifications:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.
• Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Distribution Operator Grade 1 certification.
• Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 certification within one (1) year of appointment.

Physical Requirement: This classification requires a pre-employment respiratory physical exam. 

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.

Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, including hand and power tool uses, meter reading technologies, water systems services and local geography, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations. Knowledge of water regulations, safety management, SWRCB OSHA, American Water Works Association, and local compliance regulations as it relates to the Municipal Water System and obtain required certifications is highly desirable.

Communication Skills - Communicates and listens effectively and responds in an timely, effective, positive and respectful manner; written reports and correspondence are accurate, complete, current; well-organized, legible, concise, neat, and in proper grammatical form responds to statements and comments of others in a way that reflects understanding of the content and the accompanying emotion; asks clarifying questions to assure understanding of what the speaker intended, ensures consistent communication takes place within area of responsibility.

Computer Skills - Experience with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Access, and MS Excel.

Customer Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently in a timely, accurate, respectful and friendly manner.

Problem Solving - Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem(s); collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.

Team Work & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Salary : $72,405 - $94,848