Water Distribution Lead Operator Technician

ABOUT US

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about building trust and high regard with the community by providing quality services. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive. Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here. 

THE POSITION

The City of Santa Barbara is seeking a skilled and motivated professional to join our Public Works Department as a Water Distribution Lead Operator Technician. This role is essential in maintaining and improving our City’s water distribution system. You will lead critical operations, respond to system emergencies, and contribute to the sustainability of our water infrastructure, all while serving a vibrant coastal community dedicated to excellence and innovation. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique benefits of working in Santa Barbara.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform and oversee skilled maintenance, repair, and installation activities for our potable and recycled systems.
• Operate, inspect, and maintain distribution assets, including valves, hydrants, meters, pumps, reservoirs, wells, and SCADA systems.
• Lead and schedule preventative maintenance tasks within a comprehensive asset management program.
• Train staff, address performance issues, and coordinate with contractors to ensure work meets City standards.
• Use technology such as Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for efficient system management and data analysis.
• Interpret blueprints, schematics, and diagrams for planning and executing projects.
• Support and execute Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), to improve system reliability.

Additional Information:

BENEFITS: 

Knowledge of:

• Principles of supervision and training; water distribution processes. 
• Operational characteristics, services and activities of potable water distribution and recycled water distribution systems. 
• Water distribution operations, maintenance, services, procedures, methods, practices, diagnostic inspection, equipment installation, repair and materials.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Safe work practices.
• Tools, equipment, and procedures used to overhaul, repair, and adjust potable and recycled water distribution system equipment.  
• Procedures and standards of practice for preventative maintenance.
• Ability to assist in the selection of staff; organize, train and review the work of staff.
• Interpret, explain and enforce City and department policies and procedures.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices for the municipal water industry.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.  Modern office procedures, computer equipment and programs.
• Maintain detailed records and prepare reports using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• SCADA and instrumentation. 

Ability to:

• Perform customer service, journey level operations, skilled installation, repair and maintenance activities of potable and recycled water distribution systems.
• Install, operate, maintain, and repair water system equipment, hydrants, meters, service connections, water mains, pressure reducing stations, pump stations, wells, and reservoirs.
• Operate a variety of hand and power tools and equipment.
• Operate backhoes, dump trucks, boom trucks, and forklifts.
• Diagnose problems, use diagnostic equipment and instrumentation accurately determine mechanical repair needs.  
• Understand and effectively use computer programs such as Geographic Information System (GIS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and Microsoft Office programs.
• Maintain pertinent records and compile data into clear and concise written reports.
• Perform system upgrades, train and oversee lower-level staff.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Apply sound judgment and practical knowledge to resolve problems, establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EXPERIENCE AND 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:

Education, Training and Experience:  

Four (4) years of advanced journey-level experience in the operation and maintenance of water distribution systems.  Or a combination of education experience equivalent to fours years of experience.  Must be high school graduate or have a GED.  Education supplemented by specialized course work in water distribution, chemistry, biology, construction technology, mechanical, and electrical maintenance, or a related field.

License, Certificate and/or Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid State of California Water Distribution D3 certification at time of appointment. Ability to obtain a Grade D4 Water Distribution Operator certificate from the California Department of Public Health within two (2) years of appointment.

Applicants must possess a Class B commercial driver’s license at time of appointment.

Note:  Positions in this class may be subject to pre-employment/pre-duty drug testing and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing under the City of Santa Barbara’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy (DOT).

It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as “See application”, “Extensive Experience”, or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.  

The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application.  Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.

CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON FRIDAY, FEBUARY 7, 2025.

Salary : $90,360 - $109,833