System Operator I/II

Salary : See Position Description

Location : Escondido (San Diego County), CA

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 2025-02-1711

Department : Operations and Maintenance

Opening Date : 02 / 12 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 2 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

The Organization

JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!

We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply

The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 22 member agencies serving the region's $268 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.

The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.

The Operations & Maintenance Department The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Department is responsible for operating the Water Authority's aqueduct delivery system; ensuring facility security and emergency preparedness; and maintaining and managing the fleet and various other assets. Specifically, the department controls water deliveries to meet member agency demands; manages dam and reservoir operations; ensures water quality; oversees water treatment plant and power generation operations; maintains all vehicles and heavy equipment; provides electro-mechanical support; implements the Asset Management Program (AMP); complies with all applicable environmental regulations; and develops and manages computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and system maintenance programs.

The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will demonstrate knowledge of safety practices and procedures related to the operation of water distribution systems. This person will be a self-starter, take direction well, and be able to work independently. In addition, the successful candidate must possess the desire to learn new skills and obtain higher certifications.

The Position

Salary Information

System Operator I : $37.55 - $50.50 per hour ($78,106.08 - $105,044.16 annual)

System Operator II : $43.54 - $58.56 per hour ($90,577.76 - $121,817.28 annual)

This position may be filled at either level, depending on candidate qualifications.

The System Operator I / II operates a modern, state-of-the-art supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) to monitor, regulate and control the aqueduct pipeline system; monitors and inspects the aqueduct system and facilities, taking water flow readings, checking equipment for proper operation, and making minor adjustments, repairs and calibrations to equipment; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

System Operator I is the entry-level position in the System Operator series. Initially under direct supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of duties involved in monitoring and operating the aqueduct system. The duties of this class are highly structured and performed within established guidelines and instructions. Following initial training and instruction, incumbents are expected to perform the duties of the class without constant, direct supervision. While the primary focus of this class is the performance of field inspections and monitoring of the system and facilities, incumbents are expected to learn the duties associated with the operation of the system from the central control facility. This class is alternately staffed with System Operator II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications for the higher level class.

System Operator II is the full, journey-level class in the System Operator series. Incumbents perform the full range of routine skilled systems monitoring, regulation, control and maintenance. Under direction of a supervisor, incumbents perform their work with considerable latitude during an assigned shift. Work is typically reviewed by checks of logs, reports and periodic inspections of the system and facilities. This class is alternately staffed with Senior System Operator and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications for the higher level class. Incumbents may serve as the on-call duty operator.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.

• Operates aqueduct pipeline systems and facilities by regulating water flow throughout the system using control valves, pumping stations and electronic and computer controlled systems (SCADA); interprets gauges, meters, charts and graphs; operates pumps, valves, generators, dams, reservoirs, pumping stations, pressure control stations, hydroelectric power generation plants, chlorination stations and related equipment and facilities in delivering water to member agencies; ensures water deliveries to member agencies are made in accordance with schedules, customer demand and standard practice.
• Monitors system and controls pump stations and valves for scheduled and emergency shut downs; bypasses portions of the system during emergency and scheduled shutdowns to maintain system operation, depending on agency demands; regulates the flow of water through the hydroelectric power generation plant to maximize power production while maintaining adequate system flow; maintains flow using pumps and valves to control water level at critical points throughout the system; maintains flow level and pressure within the system; diagnoses problems through the understanding of the theories of hydraulics and fluid mechanics and water system characteristics; validates unusual readings by contacting field personnel for verification and advises supervisory or maintenance personnel of unusual conditions.
• Confers with technical and operations staff and member agencies regarding system operations; sample and monitor water quality throughout water system; advises member agencies of water quality problems; coordinates operations with Metropolitan Water District (MWD) personnel.
• Orders and receives chlorine deliveries; checks for proper operation of chlorinators; calculates chlorine usage and demands, makes feed rate adjustments and performs regularly scheduled cleaning and servicing of chlorination stations and equipment; collects data on chemical residuals, turbidity, temperature and usage; Operates pumps, generators, switches and valves, both remotely and on-site; observes and inspects pumps, motors, generators, valves and related equipment for safe and proper operation; services and calibrates flow meters, flushing venturi rings, performing routine calibrations, bleeding air, checking general condition and operation, and resetting meters; makes periodic inspections of pumping stations, checking panel electric meters, pressures, temperatures, operation of by-pass, sump pump operation and packing gland leakage; performs dam inspections and reporting; makes routine adjustments and minor repairs to pump station equipment; maintains pump stations in a clean, orderly and safe condition, and reports the need for repairs.
• Inspects hydroelectric generation plants, logging flows, checking battery chargers, and inspecting for the proper operations of plant and safety equipment, and reports the need for repairs.
• Inspects and maintains CLA-VAL pilot controls, filters and screens; oversees the rebuilding of main CLA-VAL bodies.
• Responds, investigates, recommends and reports on inquiries and complaints from member agencies regarding water quality, water pressure and related matters.
• Implements changes in the system's operation strategies to accommodate fluctuations in usage and adjusts selected valves and pumping stations, as directed; makes changes to the SCADA system's database and HMI monitor displays; prepares and analyzes operational reports generated by the SCADA system.
• Uses the computer-based SCADA system to operate pumps, generators, switches and valves.
• Forecasts daily power production and prepares documents on energy production; balances production and lake levels.
• Coordinate water treatment plants based on availability, demands, and water quality; monitors the desalination plant water quality before entering the aqueduct system.
• Monitors the hydroelectric power generation plant to maximize power production while maintaining adequate system flow; forecasts power production of electricity for the hydro plants; compiles data to produce production reports; compiles data to create production reports and verifies data is valid and correct.
• Installs, maintains and calibrates real-time online water quality monitoring stations in representative locations in the distribution system; analyzes data and determines if immediate response is required and if system or source changes are required.
• Collects various water samples at dedicated sample sites and prepares reports with results for compliance; conducts multiple parameter field water quality samples to confirm water complies with standards.
• Operates and inspects large pumping facilities; coordinates with member agencies as well as Water Authority staff regarding aqueduct system changes; maintains immediate response plans based on system configurations to respond to several sudden outages; performs inspections and reports identified issues to the appropriate departments.
• Monitors real-time, acoustic fiber-optics to detect and locate distress on pipelines while in service; analyzes data and makes the appropriate designation of events based on information provided; identifies potential wire breaks and notifies appropriate personnel.

Other Duties

For further details regarding the duties and responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for this class specification, please click on the following link : /

Work Schedule : Employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa office work a 9 / 80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. Work may be required on a dark Friday (closed Friday) or weekend.

Qualification Guidelines

The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

System Operator I Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by some experience involving the operation and servicing of pumps, valves, motors, control systems, or related equipment. Possession of a State of California Water Treatment Operator Certificate, T-1 and a State of California Water Distribution Operator Certificate, D-2, are required.

System Operator II Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by one year of experience equivalent to the System Operator I position. Possession of a State of California Water Treatment Operator Certificate, T-2 and a State of California Water Distribution Operator Certificate, D-3, is required.

Licenses and Other Requirements

Application Procedure

To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 11 : 59 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and / or other appropriate screening devices. To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and / or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and / or national origin. The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority's regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org.

Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

Health Insurance : The Water Authority maintains three employee health plan options, inclusive of dental and vision. Currently, the "basic" plan is the Kaiser HMO plan, and the "premium" plans are the Aetna HMO and PPO Healthcare plans. All medical plans feature a chiropractic benefit. Employees and eligible dependents are covered through Delta Dental Premier for dental services, and Aetna EyeMed for vision services. The Water Authority pays 100% of the monthly premiums for full-time employees and their dependents for the basic plan, inclusive of dental and vision. Premium plan costs exceeding the basic plan family coverage are the responsibility of the employee. All health benefits are effective on the first of the month following date of hire. Employees who waive Water Authority medical, dental, and vision benefits receive $41.66 per month, deposited into a Flexible Spending Account (Healthcare or Dependent Care) and $42.33 per month deposited into the deferred compensation plan.

Retirement : All regular Water Authority employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire. Additional benefits are provided in accordance with the Water Authority's CalPERS contract.

Classic (Hired on or before December 31, 2012)

New Members (Hired on or after January 1, 2013)

Classic Member : New employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity, or who have less than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the Water Authority will be enrolled in the 2.5% @ 55 benefit formula and contribute 8% of salary to CalPERS. CalPERS contract provisions for "Classic" members include :

New Members : As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), "New Members" have never been a member of any California public retirement system, were hired by a CalPERS agency after January 1, 2013, moved between public retirement systems lacking reciprocity, or moved between employers in the same public retirement system with a break in service of more than six months. New members are enrolled in the 2% @ 62 benefit formula and contribute 6.75% of salary to CalPERS. CalPERS contract provisions for "New Members" include :

The Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 has set compensation limits for "Classic members" and "New members" for retirement calculations. These limitations have been placed on the reportable annual earnings each calendar year and are adjusted on an annual basis.

Social Security / Medicare : Employees are covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI) and Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI). The total employee contribution is 7.65% of salary. Employees of the Water Authority do not pay into State Disability Insurance (SDI).

Merit Review Schedule : Probationary employees (new hires and promotions) will be considered for a merit increase at their six-month review date. Regular employees will receive a performance evaluation and consideration for a merit increase at their one year anniversary date and annually thereafter.

Alternative Work Week : Employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa location will work a 9 / 80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. Employees assigned to the Escondido location will work either a 4 / 10 schedule, with every Friday off, or 9 / 80 schedule, depending on the position. Individual work schedules are developed on a departmental basis to assure that appropriate staff is available to perform needed work and must be selected from available options outlined in the attendance policy.

Hybrid Work Schedule Option : The Water Authority has embraced a hybrid work schedule to offer employees flexibility and work-life balance. An option to telework up to 3 days per week and work onsite 2 days per week is available for employees in eligible positions.

Vacation : Water Authority employees accrue 96 hours of paid vacation leave per year. Accruals increase based on time in service with the Water Authority.

Sick Leave : Water Authority employees accrue 96 hours of paid sick leave per year.

Holidays : The Water Authority observes 13 paid holidays each year, including two (2) eight-hour floating holidays. Employees hired after July 1, but before September 9, will receive full holiday credit for both floating holidays. Employees hired on or after September 10, but prior to February 12, will receive full credit for one (1) floating holiday. Employees hired after February 13, and prior to June 30, will not receive credit for either floating holiday in the fiscal year.

Life Insurance : The Water Authority provides Basic Term Life and Personal Accident insurance coverage in the amount of $50,000. The Water Authority also provides dependent spouse coverage in the amount of $5,000, and dependent child coverage in the amount of $2,000.

Long Term Disability Insurance : The Water Authority provides a long-term disability insurance benefit of up to 66.67% of monthly covered earnings to a maximum of $7,400 per month. Benefits begin on the 61st day of absence due to illness or injury.

Cell Phone : Employees meeting certain criteria may be eligible for a monthly cell phone / data plan allowance.

Tuition Reimbursement : The Water Authority may reimburse the actual cost paid for tuition up to a maximum of $3,000 per fiscal year. Tuition costs of $3,001 - $4,500 may be reimbursed at 50% per fiscal year.

National University : Water Authority employees are eligible for 25% discount in tuition. Water Authority employees' spouse / partner / dependents are also eligible for 10% discount in tuition.

Wellness Center : Employees have access to an on-site fitness facility at no cost. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in the Water Authority's Wellness Program by attending sponsored, on-site wellness training and screening sessions.

Employee Assistance Program : Employees have access to no-cost confidential, third-party personal counseling, financial and legal advice, and more. This benefit is available to employees and members of their household.

Additional Voluntary Benefits (Employee is responsible for the entire cost of the premium if they chose to elect coverage) :

Flexible Spending Account - Employees may contribute pre-tax earnings into a flexible spending account for health ($3,300 maximum) and dependent care expenses ($5,000 maximum).

Deferred Compensation Plan - The Water Authority's Deferred Compensation Plan is provided by TIAA-CREF and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals. Beginning July 1, 2023, employees' receive an employer match up to $250 to the 457 deferred compensation plan in calendar years 2023, 2024, and 2025. The employer match will be contributed on a dollar-for-dollar basis until the $250 maximum is met in the calendar year.

Short-Term Disability - This voluntary insurance plan pays a benefit up to 60% of your weekly covered earnings - to a maximum of $1,728 per week. Before collecting benefits, employees must satisfy the elimination period following the date of disability (0 days for accident, 3 days for sickness of continuous disability). The Water Authority does not contract with California's Employment Development Department (EDD) for State Disability Insurance benefits.

Long-Term Care Insurance - This voluntary insurance program is available to employees and covers the cost of extended health care for yourself, as well as your spouse or qualified domestic partner.

Group Legal Insurance - This voluntary insurance plan offers a variety of legal services including revocable and irrevocable trusts, estate planning, family law, consumer protection, and traffic ticket defense. It is designed to help employees plan for, prevent, and resolve a wide range of legal issues - saving time and potentially thousands of dollars in legal fees.

Critical Illness Insurance - This voluntary insurance plan pays a lump sum upon initial occurrence of a heart attack, stroke, cancer, or other serious illness. The payment can be used to cover related expenses, medical or otherwise.

Voluntary Life and Personal Accident Insurance - Employees may purchase voluntary life and personal accident insurance up to 5 times annual salary (maximum of $500,000). You may also purchase additional life and / or personal accident insurance for spouse / domestic partner and / or children.

Employees' Association - Employees have the option to join the Employees' Association. Events and reduced ticket prices offered to employees through this association include the annual picnic, annual holiday party, sporting events, movie tickets, and much more.

This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Compensation Plan, Memoranda of Understanding, Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, Administrative Code, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Water Authority. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Water Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers.

Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Division at (858) 522-6660.

APPLICANTS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY : Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History / Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History / Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your responses to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications, unless specifically required as part of the application process.

EDUCATION Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Do you possess a valid driver's license (equivalent to California Class A, B, or C)?

Do you possess any of the following certifications (please check all that apply) :

WORK EXPERIENCE Please indicate your years of experience involving the operation and servicing of pumps, valves, motors, control systems, or related equipment.

Due to system response and security issues, Operations is required to staff the Control Room on a 24 / 7 basis. I acknowledge that I may be required to work a rotating shift - days and / or nights?

WORK HISTORY

Applicants are required to provide a complete work history. Individuals with an extensive employment history should include at least ten years of employment history. All applicants must account for any gaps in employment of more than 30 days. Failure to provide a complete employment history, omission of prior employers, or failure to account for employment gaps of more than 30 days, may result in disqualification from the selection process.

APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL) The San Diego County Water Authority Human Resources Division uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share e-mail addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our e-mails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mails (i.e., for the non-delivery of e-mail or if you fail to check your e-mail inbox on a timely basis). Read any notices that we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep hard copies of our notices for your records.

Required Question

Salary : $78,106 - $105,044