Salary: $29.60 - $40.80 Hourly
Location : San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: UW Continuous
Department: Operations
Division: Utility Maintenance
Opening Date: 02/19/2024
General Duties

We have 2 upcoming vacancies for a Utility Worker and are accepting applications on a continuous basis to establish an eligibility list.
Ideal Candidate
Are you an experienced Utility Worker with knowledge of construction and maintenance of water distribution, wastewater collection, reclamation and related facilities? Can you safely operate medium and heavy-duty motorized vehicles and equipment, jackhammers, drills, electric and pneumatic powered tools? If so, we would like to hear from you.
We welcome veterans and transitioning military. Are you a former member of the military with experience as a Utilitiesman (A.K.A. Seabees, UT), Water Support Technician, Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Technician, Combat Engineer, or similar occupation? If so, we encourage you to apply. Consider joining a team of hardworking employees who work to protect and preserve water, one of our most valuable natural resources. The experience you've gained during your service can continue to positively impact the world with a career at Otay.
The Otay Water District offers excellent benefits, a balanced work/life environment and is a leader in the industry.
About the Position and Department The position may be appointed at either level depending upon qualifications and experience. The position reports to the Utility Maintenance Supervisor and performs work in the construction and maintenance of water distribution, wastewater collection, and reclamation facilities.
The Operations Department is responsible for the operations, maintenance and repair of all Otay Water District facilities and equipment. Facilities include pipelines, reservoirs, pump stations, lift stations, and a reclamation plant for potable water and recycled water distribution, wastewater collections, and wastewater reclamation. The Operations Department has a staff of approximately 56 employees.
Should a Utility Worker position open up, your application will be considered at that time. For information on the recruitment process, please go to the Employment section of our website www.otaywater.gov or click
Examples of Duties

Both Levels include:

• Operates light, medium and heavy-duty, motorized vehicles and equipment, backhoes (for light duties such as loading and unloading dump trucks, job site cleanup, etc.), forklifts, Vactor truck, jackhammers, drills, electric and pneumatic powered tools and similar equipment and tools. Performs safety inspections of equipment; cleans and maintains tools and equipment.
• Digs with various hand tools, such as shovels and digging bars.
• Operates cement mixers, compressors, compactors, and concrete saws.
• Lays out materials for job. Lays pipe. Mixes, pours and finishes concrete. Repairs pavement.
• Loads and unloads trucks.
• Sets up or assists with set up of traffic control at work site in accordance with crew leader's or supervisor's instructions.
• Assists on maintenance and construction projects at all District facilities.
• Works in vaults and other confined spaces utilizing proper safety techniques and equipment.
• Assists in the preventative and corrective maintenance of the water distribution system, wastewater collection and recycled water system and appurtenances such as water mains, hydrants, valves, meters, sewer mains and laterals.
• Assists in making repairs or replacing inoperative sections of water/wastewater and recycled water systems.
• Sets up shoring in trenches. Backfills and tamps trenches. Repairs or replaces inoperative sections of pipe.
• Installs large and small water meters and water/sewer laterals.
• Repairs and cleans reservoirs and water tanks.
• Installs and repairs fire hydrants, water and fire services, valves, air-vacs, blow-offs and other similar appurtenances.
• Assists in performing wet taps.
• Paints piping, building interiors and exteriors, and other equipment and facilities.
• Operates District vehicles and equipment.
• Shares in rotational standby duties which includes being available 24/7, weekends and holidays.
• Responds to emergencies as required during and after normal work hours.
• Identifies and recommends opportunities for improvement.

Utility Worker II Level duties also include:

• Maintains documentation logs of the cleaning and inspection of the wastewater collection system in order to be in compliance with regulations.
• Documents maintenance on all District appurtenances.
• Assumes responsibility for quality of work performed by a crew and the safety of crew members in the absence of a Senior Utility Worker, Crew Leader and/or Supervisor.
• Performs related work of Utility Worker I as required.
• Assists in implementing and executing the District's strategic plan.

For the complete job description go to the Employment section of our website www.otaywater.gov or click
Required Licenses and/or Certifications

Both levels require a Valid California Class C Driver's License with a safe driving record and a valid California Class A Driver's License and required endorsements is required within twelve (12) months of appointment.
Utility Worker I: A Water Distribution Operator Certificate D-1 issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board is desired. CWEA Collection Systems Maintenance Technologist Certificate Grade I desired.
Utility Worker II:
A Water Distribution Operator Certificate D-1 issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board is desired. CWEA Collection Systems Maintenance Technologist Certificate Grade I required if the employee is assigned to the collection system cleaning crew on a long-term basis.
Minimum Experience, Education, and Training Requirements

Both levels require a High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Utility Worker I:
One (1) year of experience working in construction, or construction maintenance. Experience in water, wastewater, or water reclamation systems construction highly desirable.
Utility Worker II:
Two (2) years experience in the construction and/or construction maintenance in water, wastewater or recycled water systems or related experience.
This position will be subject to random drug testing during employment.
This is an hourly, non-exempt position.
Otay Water District is a Smoking, Tobacco and Nicotine Free Campus.
All Otay Water District employees are at-will pursuant to California Water Code, Section 71362.
Notice: Benefits listed below assume full-time regular status. These benefits do not apply to temporary appointments.
Merit Pay: 3% on base salary to top of range based on meeting expectations on performance review.
Cost of Living Adjustment: COLA for 7/01/24 will be set according to MOU negotiations.
Vacation: 12 days/year, increasing to a max of 23 days/year.
Sick Leave: 8 days/year, increasing to max of 15 days/year.
Paid Holidays: 14 days/year, including employee's birthday and two floating holidays.
Alternative Work Schedule: A 9/80 work schedule may be available based on the needs of the department. Upon approval, employees would work 80 hours over 9 days and enjoy one day off every two weeks. Some Operations department staff may be subject to a 4/10 work schedule (four 10-hour days within a week).
PERS Retirement: The District contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement plan that includes a lifetime benefit determined by a set formula (years of service, age at retirement, and final compensation). Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA).
New Member (hired on or after 1/1/13 who are new CalPERS members or do not have reciprocity with CalPERS):

• Are enrolled in the 2% at age 62 formula based on the employee's 36 months of highest average annual compensation limit set by CalPERS.
• District and employees share the normal employee CalPERS service contribution cost (currently at 14.87%). The District contributes 7.37% and Employees contribute 7.5% of salary toward the employee CalPERS service contribution cost up to the annual compensation limit set by CalPERS. Additionally, once the employee reaches the annual compensation limit and no longer contributes the 7.5% toward CalPERS, the contribution for post-retirement health and dental benefits will be increased by 7.5%.

Classic Member (hired before January 1, 2013 or who have reciprocity with CalPERS):

• Are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 55 formula based on the employee's single highest year annual compensation.
• Employees contribute 8% of salary towards the employee CalPERS service contribution cost.

The District is also a Social Security participant.
Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (457 Plan): Optional plan designed to provide employees with additional retirement income. Employees may elect to contribute a portion of their income on a pre-tax or post-tax basis through payroll deductions.
Medical/Rx Insurance: Choice of Blue Shield PPO, EPO, HMO or Kaiser HMO plans, 100% premium paid by District for employee and 88% for dependent(s).
Dental Insurance: 100% premium paid by District for employee and 88% paid for dependent(s).
Vision: 100% premium paid by District for employee and 0% for dependent(s).
Retirement Benefits: Full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for medical and dental benefits at retirement if the employee has completed 20 years of continuous service and has attained age 55 upon retirement. Employees who are New Members with CalPERS contribute 1.25% of salary to the District to offset the District's cost for post-retirement health benefits. In addition, if the employee reaches the annual compensation limit set by CalPERS and no longer contributes toward CalPERS, the contribution for post-retirement health and dental benefits will be increased by 7.5%. Classic Members contribute 0.75% of salary to the District to offset the District's cost for post-retirement health benefits. These contributions for post-retirement health benefits are not refundable.
Flexible Benefits Plan: The District offers a healthcare and dependent care flexible benefits plan. The healthcare account reimburses the employee on a pre-tax basis for medical, pharmacy, dental and other related expenses not covered by the insurance plans. The dependent care account allows employees to pay for employment-related dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.
Group Term Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance: 100% premium paid by the District for employee and eligible dependent(s). Depending on employees' annual earnings and/or position, amounts of Life and AD&D insurance range from $15,000 to $50,000. Eligible dependents have life insurance coverage of $1,000.
Voluntary Life Insurance: Employees may elect to cover themselves and eligible dependents for voluntary life insurance. The full cost of this insurance is paid by the employee via payroll deductions
Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance: The District provides short term and long-term disability insurance equal to 66 2/3% of your income after a 30-day elimination period (90-day elimination period for long term disability) if totally disabled due to illness or injury.
Education Reimbursement Program: Employees are eligible to receive reimbursement for District approved courses not to exceed $3,000 per fiscal year.
Certification Incentive Program: Eligible District employees that obtain target certifications that exceed the minimum job requirements may qualify for either a base pay percentage increase or receive a monetary incentive.
Employee Assistance Program: Provides confidential referrals and counseling concerning personal, family, or work related issues for employees and their dependents.
Free Onsite Workout Facility: The District has a fully equipped exercise room for employees to use before work, after work or during lunchtime.
Yoga Classes: On-site Yoga classes are offered during the lunch hour at the employee's expense.
01

We are accepting applications on a continuous basis for Utility Workers. Please select which type of employment you would like to be considered for:

• Full-time Regular and Temporary
• Full-time Regular Only
• Full-time Temporary Only

02

Which best describes your field experience working in construction or construction maintenance?

• I have less than 1 year of field experience working in construction or construction maintenance.
• I have 1 year of field experience working in construction or construction maintenance.
• I have 2 years of field experience working in construction or construction maintenance.
• I have 3 years of field experience working in construction or construction maintenance.
• I have 4 years of field experience working in construction or construction maintenance.

03

Please elaborate on what field duties you have performed in construction or construction maintenance and indicate where on your application you have obtained this experience. Please do not say "See Resume" or "See Application" as your application will be considered incomplete. If you don't have this type of experience, please type in "N/A".
04

Do you have at least 2 years experience working in the construction or maintenance of Water, Wastewater, or Recycled Water Systems?

• Yes
• No

05

If you indicated you had experience with the construction or maintenance of Water, Wastewater, and/or Recycled Water Systems, state where on your application you have obtained this experience. Please do not say "See Resume" or "See Application". If you do not have this type of experience, please type in "N/A".
06

Which best describes the highest grade level of the VALID Water Distribution Operator Certificate that you possess as issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board?

• I do not possess a valid Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
• I possess a valid Grade 1 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
• I possess a valid Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
• I possess a valid Grade 3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate
• I possess a valid Grade 4 or higher Water Distribution Operator Certificate.

07

Which best describes the highest grade level of the VALID Collection System Maintenance Technologist Certificate that you possess as issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA)? .

• I do not possess a valid Collection System Maintenance Technologist Certificate.
• I possess a valid Grade 1 Collection System Maintenance Technologist Certificate.
• I possess a valid Grade 2 Collection System Maintenance Technologist Certificate.
• I possess a valid Grade 3 or higher Collection System Maintenance Technologist Certificate.

08

Do you know how to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission (e.g. stick shift)?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you possess a Class "A" driver's license?

• Yes
• No

10

What type of Class "A" vehicle(s) have you driven? If none, then type in "N/A".
Required Question