What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Operator I/II/III position at City of Santa Maria, CA?
OPPORTUNITY
The City of Santa Maria is recruiting to fill two (2) Water Operator I/II/III vacancies in the Utilities Departments.
IMPORTANT: The selected candidate must be available for standby duty, which requires them to remain within a 30-mile radius of the City of Santa Maria. More information regarding this requirement is available in the SEIU Memorandum of Understanding.
THE DEPARTMENT
THE POSITION
Water Operator II and III is the journey- and advanced-level classification. Incumbents in these classifications, under general direction of assigned supervisor, perform work in the operation, regulation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water distribution and production system. Classification will be primarily assigned to or rotate among Water Distribution or Production (Treatment) groups. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification but may act as lead worker for temporarily assigned employees or special projects.
The Water Operator I/II/III classification is an Individual Contributor role that works as a team member to effectively operate, maintain, and repair the water distribution and production systems. Their role enables the city to provide the community’s most essential and basic water service in the most efficient, cost-effective, and courteous manner possible.
REQUIRED SUBMITTALS
- Online application
- Cover letter that explains how your experience and background align with the Ideal Candidate Statement.
DUTIES
These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization.
WATER OPERATOR I / II – EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
- The Water Operator I will learn, and be required to perform, a variety of work to inspect, operate, maintain, and repair the City's water systems and equipment used for water distribution and treatment operations, including performing corrective and preventative maintenance; participating in hydrant, valve, and flushing programs; installing and repairing meters, valves, service lines, and mains; performing and/or assisting with required monitoring and sampling; operating treatment facilities, reservoirs, and water supply wells; adjusting water distribution assets, treatment, and supply facilities; and performing other related work; the Water Operator II will perform the above duties at a journey-level.
- Monitor and record water supply and consumption, disinfection systems and levels, chemical injection feeds and pumps, well pumps, motors and operations, and reservoir operations.
- Perform required field sampling in the distribution system and water sources, and review and analyze data from field equipment and laboratory instruments for water supply and distribution system monitoring, water quality, Blending and Disinfection Facility operations and performance, and perform other monitoring as required.
- Read and interpret drawings and maps related to water infrastructure.
- Operate small and large power-driven tools and equipment such as a various hand tools, backhoe, skip loader, dump truck, computer devices, etc.
- Order inventory and materials, prepare cost estimates, and assist in the development of equipment specifications.
- Provide information and respond to the public regarding water-related matters.
- Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
- Uphold the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
- Perform other related projects and duties as assigned.
WATER OPERATOR III - EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
- Perform the above duties at an advanced level, and monitor, guide, and instruct others in the proper performance of duties.
- Identify appropriate course of action and implement activities to maintain, repair, treat, and adjust the City’s water systems.
- Monitor performance of computerized automatic devices that regulate the treatment and distribution of domestic water supplies, and monitor, respond, and diagnose issues, and repair equipment malfunctions.
Individual Contributor:
Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance (click the hyper link to see the full definition Individual Contributor Competencies):
- Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented, share resources, respond to requests, and support a spirit of cooperative effort.
- Customer Orientation - Effective performers are in touch with community needs and review the organization through the eyes of Santa Maria residents. They go out of their way to anticipate needs.
- Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly, take responsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded.
- Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances, and demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation.
- Functional/Technical Expertise - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty (e.g., finance, public works, planning, information technology, human resources, etc.), and remain current in their area of expertise.
- Problem Solving & Decision Making - Effective performers identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment.
- Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge, are curious, learn quickly, and use new information effectively.
- Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and are ambitious and passionate about their role. They have stamina and endurance to maintain a fast pace.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
WATER OPERATOR I
- Ideally, experience in the operation of light power-driven equipment; and
- Graduation from high school; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
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Required licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment:
- Valid Class “C” Driver’s License at appointment.
- Valid Class “B” Driver’s License with tanker endorsement prior to advancement to Operator II.
- Desired licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment:
- Ideally, one to two years’ equivalent experience as a Water Operator I.
- Graduation from high school and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
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Required licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment:
- Valid Grade 2 Water Treatment or Water Distribution certificate, based on assigned area of work as determined by the department, from State Water Resources Control Board Drinking Water Operator Certification Program.
- Valid Class “C” Driver’s License at appointment.
- Valid Class “B” Driver’s License with Tanker endorsement is required within 12 months of appointment and prior top flexing to a III-level.
- Ideally, two to three years’ equivalent experience as Water Operator.
- Graduation from high school and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
- Demonstration of leadership skills and experience are desirable.
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Required licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment:
- Valid Grade 3 certificate in Water Treatment or Water Distribution, based on assigned area of work as determined by the department, from State Water Resources Control Board Drinking Water Operator Certification Program.
- Valid Class “C” Driver’s License at appointment.
- Valid Class “B” Driver’s License with tanker endorsement is required within 12 months of appointment.
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Desired licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment:
- Valid Grade 4 certificate in Water Treatment or Water Distribution from State Water Resources Control Board Drinking Water Operator Certification Program.
- Valid Class “A” Driver’s License with tanker endorsement
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Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards, and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
- Materials and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of domestic water treatment and distribution systems.
- Mechanical and electrical characteristics of pumps, motors, meters, valves, control panels, telemetry systems, and other water control or measuring devices.
- Basic math and recordkeeping.
- Federal, State, and local standards for maintaining water quality.
- Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in water resources and distribution facilities.
- Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).
- Effective use of computer and other office equipment.
SELECTION PROCESS
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver’s License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
- Under the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Program, successfully complete a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and submit to random drug and/or alcohol testing throughout employment with the City.
- Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City.
- The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing, and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.
- May be required to obtain immunizations for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
- Within the series, advancement to the next classification shall be based on the following: demonstrated performance of the required knowledge of operation of the City’s water system and related skills, competencies, and abilities; attainment of certification(s) and license(s) required for that level; overall performance at an acceptable level; satisfactory completion of at least 26 pay periods at the prior level; and recommendation of the department director. Advancement to Operator II is a condition of employment for the Operator I.
APPLICATION RANKING
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications of the recruitment will be placed on an eligibility list. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their complete application packet. The Hiring Department will schedule interviews with certain candidates once the eligibility list has been finalized.
If you are experiencing any technical (computer-related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, call the NEOGOV helpline for assistance at 1-855-524-5627.
The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at https://www.cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/human-resources/salary-group-agreements.
Retirement
The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.
Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.
Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Vision Insurance
Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.
The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees' taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Employee Assistance Program
Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The City's Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work. Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.
Mentorship Program
Succession Planning
The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may participate in the City's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.
The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).
Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)
Based upon your bargaining unit the City may participate in a PEHP plan that will provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket cost of qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, eyeglasses and cover the reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon separation or retirement.
Holidays
The City offers seven (7) paid holidays per year. In addition, based upon your bargaining unit a bank of floating holiday hours is available to be used at the employee's discretion.
Vacation
The City initially offers two weeks of paid vacation per calendar year for all full time employees. Accrual rates increase thereafter based upon your bargaining unit.
Sick Leave
Sick leave shall accrue a rate of eight hours for each month of continuous service, or approximately two weeks per year for all full time employees. Employees may use up to half of their annually accrued sick leave for family illness and up to five days (40 hours) per calendar year for bereavement leave.
Management level employees may receive a prorated amount of management leave time each new calendar year.
Educational Incentive Program
In addition to regular pay when education is in addition to the regular requirements of the job specifications and is work related.
Tuition Reimbursement
Based on your bargaining unit, you may be reimbursed for tuition and book costs of approved job related courses. The maximum amount of tuition reimbursement in any calendar year will vary based upon your bargaining unit.
Auto Allowance
Management level employees may receive auto allowance based upon the need of the position.
Telephone/PDA Stipend
Management level employees may receive a telephone and/or PDA stipend based upon the need of the position.
Bilingual Pay
Bilingual pay is provided to employees who are required by their department head to use both English and Spanish in communicating with the public while performing the duties of his/her position and who demonstrate appropriate skills in both speaking and understanding the Spanish language shall receive compensation. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
