Water Operator I/II/III

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.

1. Online application
2. Cover letter that explains how your experience and background align with the Ideal Candidate Statement. 

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.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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:
  • Valid Grade 1 Water Treatment or Water Distribution certificate from State Water Resources Control Board Drinking Water Operator Certification Program.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• 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.

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. 

Salary : $5,290 - $7,982