Operator I/II (Water Distribution)

Mesa Water District (Mesa Water) is searching for its next Operator I/II in Water Distribution. Water Distribution Operators work on a variety of tasks to ensure our infrastructure is supplying an uninterrupted supply of 100% local groundwater to our customers. Operators work on crews of 2-3, led by Senior Operators and operate heavy equipment, perform preventative maintenance, and conduct repairs.

If this sounds like you, apply now!

• Experience working on a water distribution crew, performing maintenance and repairs
• Thrives when working on a team
• Enjoys achieving and exceeding goals
• Can perform well under pressure

This recruitment is open on a continuous basis until filled. Interested candidates must submit applications by the initial application review deadline of Thursday, January 30, 2025. Qualified candidates will move on to a selection process that will consist of skills assessments and interview panels. The final candidate will be required to go through a pre-employment process that will consist of reference checks, livescan DOJ background check, and a pre-employment physical and drug test. If you have any questions about the recruitment, please feel free to reach out to Camille at camilles@mesawater.org. 

About Our District

Mesa Water is a retail water agency that provides approximately 16,000 acre-feet per year (AFY) of domestic water and approximately 1,100 AFY of recycled water to approximately 110,000 customers in an 18-square mile area covering the City of Costa Mesa, parts of Newport Beach, unincorporated sections of Orange County and the John Wayne Airport.  Mesa Water uses 100% groundwater supplies to meet its customers' demands with 317 miles of pipeline, nine domestic groundwater wells, three reservoirs, five imported back-up water supply connections, and an advanced membrane treatment facility. Mesa Water is an AAA-rated special district that is rated as one of Orange County's most efficient water agency and has a competitive compensation and benefit package. For more information, please visit our website, www.mesawater.org.

To view the full job description, click here.

Operator I: This is the entry level class in the Operator series that operates, maintains, installs, and repairs the District’s water distribution infrastructure. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine duties associated with the work.  As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skills to perform the work independently.  Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.  Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.  Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. 

Operator II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Operator series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment, initiative, and leadership. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Additionally, positions at this level may lead lower-level staff and/or take on additional duties in the absence of the Senior Operator. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Operator II level are normally filled by advancement from the Operator I level.

• Performs construction, maintenance, operation, and repair of the District’s water distribution system; performs a variety of water facilities maintenance work including main line, service line, and fire hydrant installation, replacement, and repair; water main line and hydrant valve turning and flushing; pipe cutting; line tapping; water meter installation, replacement, repair, and testing; and angle stops, ball valves, and various size meter box installations.
• Cuts, breaks, and hauls asphalt and concrete; mixes and finishes concrete; prepares for and lays asphalt; operates a variety of equipment and tools including backhoes, front loaders, forklifts, skip loaders, rollers, dump trucks, boom truck, service truck, jack hammers, pavement saws, cutting torches, compressors, compactors, pneumatic tools, pumps, and hand and power tools; loads and unloads vehicles and equipment.
• Assists in performing water quality samples analyses; assists in preparing tests and analyzing distribution system well, reservoir, and treatment plant samples for a variety of items including ammonia, nitrites, chlorine, monochloramines, color, turbidity, conductivity, and related items.
• Trains other staff on minor water infrastructure repairs and meter replacement procedures.
• Maintains assigned equipment and vehicles; performs safety checks and checks fluid levels of vehicles and equipment; cleans assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Sets traffic control including safety devices, signs, and barricades; ensures safety of public and work crew.
• Performs a variety of other duties in support of department operations; cleans service yard; cleans and paints buildings and well sites; paints hydrants; repairs fences and gates; maintains grounds by planting and weeding; performs event set-up/break-down functions; assists in performing minor repairs and electrical work; may respond to public inquiries.
• Performs emergency repairs; responds to emergency calls at irregular hours.
• Maintains work, time, and material records; may prepare statistical reports and data analyses of assigned activities; may prepare daily reports.
• Attends safety and training sessions and seminars.
• Participates in mandatory standby duty based on operational needs and responds to emergencies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Operator I

• Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade. Vocational training in maintenance and repair is desirable.
• One year of experience in the construction, operation, maintenance, and/or repair of water systems. Experience working with water distribution infrastructure is preferred.

Operator II

• Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade, supplemented by vocational or technical training in water utility science, water distribution infrastructure maintenance and repair practices, mechanical maintenance and repair practices, or construction inspection.
• Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation, maintenance, installation, and repair of water distribution infrastructure.

Certifications and Licenses: 

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Operator I: Before the end of the probationary period, must possess and maintain a valid California class A driver’s license with air brake endorsement. 
• Operator I: Possession of Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 Certification issued by State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
• Operator I: Within one year following hire date, must possess and maintain a Water Treatment Grade T1 Certificate issued by SWRCB. May be extended up to an additional 12 months, at the discretion of the General Manager.
• Operator II: Possession of Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 Certification issued by SWRCB.
• Operator II: Possession of Water Treatment Operator Grade T2 issued by SWRCB.
• Operator II: Must possess a valid Class A driver’s license at time of appointment. 

Other:

• Must reside within 25 miles of the nearest boundary to Mesa Water District.

Knowledge: 

• Title 22, CCR and OCWD’s programs impacted by numerous regulatory agencies, including the State Water Resources Control Board, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Orange County Department of Public Health, and Cal OSHA.
• Domestic water sampling techniques.
• Proper work safety standards.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation. 

Abilities: 

• Maintain accurate records.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing to effectively perform the work.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, and procedural guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Salary : $58,044 - $95,112