Water Systems Assistant Operator I/II – Environmental Services Department

Job Description

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY) , or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov .

About the Department

The City of San José's Environmental Services Department (ESD) is an award-winning department with a mission to deliver world-class utility services and programs to improve our health, environment, and economy. The Department is a national leader in managing garbage and recycling services; watershed protection and pollution prevention; municipal drinking water and recycled water; sustainability initiatives; and the operation and infrastructure improvements of the San José-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San José.

Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents!

To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on X, Facebook, and Instagram, and San José Environmental Services on LinkedIn.

About the Water Resources Division

The Water Resources Division is comprised of three sections: Municipal Water System, South Bay Water Recycling, and Operations and Maintenance. The Water Resources Division provides potable water service through the Municipal Water System to the communities of Evergreen, North San José/Alviso, Edenvale, and Coyote. The Water Resources Division also provides recycled water service through the South Bay Water Recycling system to the cities of San José, Santa Clara, and Milpitas. South Bay Water Recycling includes 143 miles of pipeline and facilities, including four pump stations, three reservoirs, and Retail Agency Operations and Maintenance activities for over 800 individual customer connections. ?In addition, the Water Resources Division also leads water conservation efforts for the City of San José.

Position Duties

The Environmental Services Department is currently seeking to fill multiple full-time Water Systems Assistant Operator I/II vacancies in the Water Resources Division.

Salary ranges for this classification are:

• Water Systems Assistant Operator I: $78,707.20 - $95,867.20
• Water Systems Assistant Operator II: $84,656.00 - $103,105.60

Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

The Water Resources Division provides potable water service through the Municipal Water System to the communities of Evergreen, North San Jose/Alviso, Edenvale, and Coyote. It consists of 311 miles of pipeline, 15 pump stations, 14 wells, and 18 reservoirs, serving a growing population of over 125,000, with over 26,500 potable water accounts, in a 33.3 square mile service area. The Water Resources Division also provides recycled water service through the South Bay Water Recycling program and system to the Cities of San Jose, Santa Clara, and Milpitas. The recycled water system consists of 105 miles of pipeline, 4 pump stations, and 3 reservoirs, serving over 530 recycled water accounts. The Operations and Maintenance Section is responsible for operating and maintaining the potable and recycled water systems, preventative maintenance, and customer service.

Water Systems Assistant Operators assist in the day-to-day field operations of potable and recycled water systems in a training capacity. Duties include water meter reading, water sampling, maintaining landscaping and mechanical equipment at pump stations and reservoirs, and testing and replacement of water meters and valves in accordance with regulations of the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) or successor agency.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Primary duty is to collect water consumption figures from residential and commercial water meters.
• Work closely with Water Systems Operators and Water Systems Operations Forepersons to learn various aspects of operations and maintenance of the water systems equipment.
• Test meters for proper operation and report malfunctioning meters. This includes pulling data profiles from endpoints to investigate consumption history.
• Respond to customer inquiries regarding readings and rates.
• Perform minor field repair and service on water meter reading equipment.
• Report leaks in the water system equipment, including hydrants, meters, and pipes.
• Participate in tailgate safety meetings and on-the-job, classroom, and computer-based training.
• Turn water services on and off at customer premises.
• Maintain property and equipment for the water system.
• Assist with route map design and revision.
• Other duties as assigned.

Depending on the work group, schedules will consist of any type of shift to accommodate around-the-clock operation, which requires the ability to work on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. Incumbents in the Water Systems Assistant Operator II classification may work standby duty as needed. The Municipal Water Systems Standby Policy includes responding to system emergencies within 45 minutes of being notified. The Standby Policy requires both scheduled and unscheduled standby and overtime work.

Duties within the Water Systems Assistant Operator classification require a heavy level of physical exertion, including exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects (e.g., large hand tools, pipes, or other water equipment). Incumbents work with large industrial equipment and machinery, in confined spaces, outdoors, and around hazardous materials. Incumbents may be required to utilize full-face and/or half-face respiratory protection, which requires the ability to pass an annual fit and spirometry test.

To review the full class specification, please visit this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanjoseca/classspecs/1554465

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Minimum Qualifications

Water Systems Assistant Operator I

Education: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.

Experience: None

Certifications:

• Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Distribution Operator Grade 1 certification is required within one (1) year of appointment.

Water Systems Assistant Operator II

Education: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.

Experience: One (1) year of experience as a Water Systems Assistant Operator I with the City of San José.

Certifications:

• Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Distribution Operator Grade 1 certification.
• Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 certification within one (1) year of appointment.

Licensing Requirement for Water Systems Assistant Operator I/II

Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.

• If selected, the Conditional Offer of Employment may be contingent upon you providing proof of a valid State of California driver’s license and an assessment of your California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) as per the DMV Release of Driver Record Information form. Failure to pass the DMV Pull Notice assessment will deem you ineligible for employment.

Physical Requirement for Water Systems Assistant Operator I/II

This classification requires a pre-employment respiratory physical exam.

Other Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.

Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies, and federal and state rules and regulations, including but not limited to:

• Hand and power tool use
• Meter reading technologies
• Water systems services and local geography
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications
• Knowledge of water regulations, safety management/OSHA requirements, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) procedures, American Water Works Association procedures, and local compliance regulations as it relates to the Municipal Water System is highly desirable.

Communication Skills: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.

Computer Skills: Experience with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel.

Customer Service: Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.

Problem Solving: Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem(s); collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.

Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Ernesto Zamaguey at Ernesto.Zamaguey@sanjoseca.gov.

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.

The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's benefits pagefor detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.

For information on the City’s Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.

In additional to the benefits above, there is an additional perks siteto explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.

Closing Date/Time: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific