Water System Operator II/III (Distribution Section)

ABOUT THE POSITION

This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of applications have been received and may close without prior notice.

Note: The current vacancy is in the Water Distribution Section.

Salary Range

Water System Operator II

$4,164.19 - $5,158.64 Monthly

Water System Operator II


Water System Operator III
$4,726.38 - $5,854.47 Monthly

Water System Operator III

Effective the start of the pay period that includes April 1, 2025, employees will receive a four percent (4.0%) across the board pay range increase.

In addition to the above compensation, this position is eligible for certificate level one pay for incumbents that maintain a D1 and/or T1 certification at a rate of $115 per month, certificate level two pay for incumbents that maintain a D2 and/or T2 at a rate of $265 per month, and certificate level three pay for incumbents that maintain a D3 and/or T3 at a rate of $295 per month.

The City also offers competitive benefits including 100% City paid medical insurance coverage, a generous tuition reimbursement program, and a "9/80" work schedule.

Under direct supervision an incumbent performs semi-skilled work in the operation and maintenance of assigned section. This position may be assigned to the Water Distribution, Sewer and Storm Water, Water Supply, or Customer Service sections of the Utilities Division of the Public Works Department.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Water System Operator II:

• Perform tasks related to the basic operation and maintenance of assigned section.
• Utilize adequate and appropriate tools, equipment, and materials for each task assigned; implement necessary changes in work methods, practices, and priorities as directed.
• Respond to service requests, issues of regulatory compliance and complaints from the public; respond to emergency calls, including after hour calls from the public and other agencies, coordinating with other City staff as necessary; notify customers of interruption of services; explain priorities, programs and policies to the public; provide appropriate follow-up.
• Participate in required training; perform work in a safe and efficient manner including proper and safe operation and maintenance of equipment.
• Collect and input data into spreadsheets and/or databases using desktop and mobile computers and equipment for compliance and infrastructure management programs.
• Document material inventory, field safety, construction activity, operational and infrastructure management data.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

In addition to the above when assigned to the Water Distribution Section :

• Conduct water distribution operation and preventative maintenance projects and programs including but not limited to: water valve exercising and rehabilitation, water service line, meter, and box replacement, fire hydrant maintenance and rehabilitation, water system flushing, and air release valve maintenance and rehabilitation.
• Conduct timely repair of water distribution system and service line leaks.
• Assist in the coordination and inspection of City-owned water distribution construction activities including City contract and developer work.
• Conduct Underground Service Alert (USA) markings for City-owned utilities.

Water System Operator III:

This is the journey level class in the Water Operator job series and is distinguished from the Water Operator II class due to its additional years of Downey experience in the Utilities Division and demonstrated knowledge and expertise in any one or more of the following Division sections: Water Distribution, Sewer and Storm Water, Water Supply, or Customer Service. Incumbents are expected to be able to work independently and exercise appropriate judgment, effective interpersonal skills, and self-initiative. Positions at this level generally receive minimal instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

This Water System Operator III classification may be assigned to work as part of a crew or on occasion as operation needs require, may be assigned to assist in the training of new employees, work alone or as part of a multiple staff assignment or special project wherein the Water System Operator III takes the lead in providing direction and control as needed for a specific assignment, including communications with both employees and contract workers.

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Respond to service requests, issues of regulatory compliance and complaints from the public; respond to emergency calls, including after hour calls from the public and other agencies, coordinating with other City staff as necessary; notify customers of interruption of services; explain priorities, programs and policies to the public; provide appropriate follow-up.
• Assist in the training of new employees or lead a work project as assigned; perform special projects requiring specialized skills and knowledge which may require independent work or working as part of a multiple staff assignment; takes control and direction of special projects as assigned; completes assigned work projects and gathers materials needed to perform assigned repairs and maintenance
• Assist in requisitioning and maintaining inventory of equipment, tools, parts, and supplies used in the maintenance and repair duties; exercises appropriate judgement and decision making in new or unusual situations and understands when to notify higher level supervisory personnel for assistance.
• Inspect work in progress; assist crews in resolving difficult work problems; instruct crew members in work techniques, use of equipment, and safety precautions and requirements.
• Explain the effect of work projects to members of the public and other concerned parties; refers complex customer complaints or requests to the Water System Lead Worker or Supervisor
• Prepare sketches of new installations and prepare written and electronic work records and brief reports to document work performed and equipment and materials used.
• Collecting and inputting data into spreadsheets and/or databases using desktop and mobile computers and equipment for compliance and infrastructure management programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

In addition to the above when assigned to the Water Distribution Section :

• Conduct water distribution operation and preventative maintenance projects and programs including but not limited to: water valve exercising and rehabilitation, water service line, meter, and box replacement, fire hydrant maintenance and rehabilitation, water system flushing, and air release valve maintenance and rehabilitation.
• Conduct timely repair of water distribution system and service line leaks.
• Assist in the coordination and inspection of City-owned water distribution construction activities including City contract and developer work.
• Conduct Underground Service Alert (USA) marking program for City-owned utilities.

The preceding duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions within this job classification. The City, at its discretion, may add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the skills, knowledge and abilities would be:

Water System Operator II:
Education: High school graduate or equivalent. Recently completed college level coursework in Water, Sewer, Storm Water, and/or Environmental Science, Engineering, or other related field is desired.

Completed college level coursework in Water, Sewer, Storm Water, and/or Environmental Science, Engineering, or other related field may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to six (6) months of the experience requirement.

Experience: One (1) year of full-time equivalent work experience in Water Distribution, Sewer and Storm Water, Water Supply, or Customer Service utilities construction, operation, and maintenance with experience performing the essential functions listed above is required. Work experience within a municipal water, sewer, or storm water agency or district is preferred.

Knowledge of: Various aspects of water, sewer, and storm water system operations; general construction and maintenance procedures; equipment capabilities, limitations and safe operating characteristics; traffic laws, ordinances and regulations relating to the operation of assigned equipment; operation of water, sewer, and storm water facilities; operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of pumps/motors; rehabilitating groundwater wells; performance and coordination of electrical and electronic work; operation, maintenance, and analysis of SCADA systems; water meter reading and repair; pipe laying and pipe fitting; tools and equipment used in the installation, maintenance and repair of water/sewer/storm water mains, water services, water meters, water valves, sewer and storm water manholes and associated facilities; state laws and regulations related to water, sewer, and storm water; the safety precautions and procedures used in water, sewer, and storm water service work; customer service delivery; current computer technology, modern office practices, methods, and equipment.

Ability to: Work with minimum supervision in the performance of field assignments; present ideas and communicate effectively in oral and written form; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relations with those contacted in the performance of duties including the public and co-workers; meet schedules and time lines; perform work using a personal computer and mobile computerized equipment with proficiency in Microsoft Office program, utilizing Word and Excel; knowledge of general municipal computer software programs; follow City work rules and Department policies and procedures.

Water System Operator III

Education: High school graduate or equivalent. Recently completed college level coursework in Water, Sewer, Storm Water, and/or Environmental Science, Engineering, or other related field is desired.

Experience: Two (2) years of full-time equivalent journey level work experience in Water Distribution, Sewer and Storm Water, Water Supply, or Customer Service utilities construction, operation, and maintenance with experience performing the essential functions listed above and evaluated work experience with the City of Downey Utilities Division of the Public Works Department which demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position is required.

Work experience within a municipal water, sewer, or storm water agency or district is preferred.

Certification:
Water System Operator II: When assigned to the Water Distribution or Customer Service sections : A State of California Grade One (1) Water Distribution Operator Certificate is required within twelve (12) months of appointment.

Water System Operator III: When assigned to the Water Distribution or Customer Service sections: A State of California Grade Two (2) Water Distribution Operator Certificate is required at the time of appointment.

Highly qualified applicants that currently possess the required certifications shall be considered highly desirable in the selection process.

License:
Due to the performance of field duties which requires operation of a City vehicle, a valid California Class C Driver's License to carry out the essential functions of the position and an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Employees employed with the City on or after January 1, 2022, in the Sewer and Storm Water section are required to obtain a commercial Class B Driver’s license with Air Breaks and Tanker Endorsements within twelve (12) months of appointment. Employees employed with the City on or after January 1, 2022, in the Distribution or Water Supply sections are required to obtain a commercial Class A Driver’s license with Air Breaks and Tanker Endorsements within twelve (12) months of appointment.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Note: A Commercial License Driver (Class A or B) is subject to the alcohol and drug testing requirements of the Department of Transportation, Federal Highways Administration incorporated within the City of Downey Random Testing Policy/Program for Alcohol and Controlled Substances.

Drug and alcohol testing is administered as follows:
• post accident;
• reasonable suspicion;
• random testing under the DOT;
• return to work; and
• follow-up testing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Physical Abilities:

• Physical mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties assigned.
• Ability to drive a City vehicle or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to travel to different work sites and locations to carry out job-related duties.
• Ability to stand for long periods and/or walk long distances. Some walking may occur on sloping, slippery and/or uneven surfaces.
• Mobility to sit, stand, kneel, crawl, climb, crouch, stoop, reach, twist, and bend.
• Ability to twist at the lower body, at the waist, and at the upper body.
• Mobility of both arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small and large objects or tools, from overhead to the ground positions.
• Perform work, which involves hand/arm and upper/lower body dexterity to grasp, lift, push, pull, move and drag objects, which may weigh approximately 75 pounds and up to 100 pounds.
• Based on job assignment, required to wear protective apparel including hardhats, gloves, goggles, respirators, face protectors, ear protection, aprons, coveralls, and steel-toed shoes.
• Based on job assignment, may be required to work at heights above ground level.
• Utilities Division job assignments may require work in confined spaces and wearing of required protection devices for confined space entry.
• Based on job assignment, may operate power equipment requiring hand, arm, and upper body strength (includes, but not limited to the following: electric drills, circular saws, reciprocating saws; pneumatic jackhammers, clay spades, impact wrenches; vibratory plate compactors and rollers; grinders, air compressors, trash pumps, pipe threaders, power drain snakes; rototillers, power trenchers; chain saws, and, hand tools such as shovels, rakes, lutes, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, chisels, scrapers, crowbars, pry-bars, manhole picks, pipe cutters, bench vises.
• Required to respond to emergency situations, during on and off regular hours of work.
• Work performed in an office environment requires the performance of duties which require the ability to speak, hear, touch and see. Also required is the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area to another; occasionally bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling (drawers opened and closed to retrieve and file information); occasionally lifting and carrying materials that weigh less than 25 pounds. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter, or calculator; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing on a keyboard, filing, data entry and/or use of a personal computer or other office equipment and supplies; may involve sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time.

Environmental Conditions/Exposures: Work is primarily performed outdoors in the field with exposure to the weather. Based on job assignment, exposures may also include: contact with hot and cold surfaces, loud noises and exhaust fumes from equipment and vehicle engines, vibrations, working in close proximity to moving mechanical parts (mechanical hazards), electrical current (electrical hazards), vehicular traffic and confined spaces; and, contact with potential natural irritants such as vegetation, dust, soil, tree pollens, sawdust, etc. The incumbent stands and walks on level and uneven/slippery surfaces. Other work is performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels.

Based on job assignment, may be exposed to chemicals including but not limited to: gasoline, diesel, motor oil, grease, paint thinner, strippers, solvents, ammonia, bleach, cleansers, volatile organic compounds, fertilizers and non-restricted pesticides.

Selection/Testing Process: All applications and supplemental information will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of filing to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

The acceptance of an employment application depends upon whether or not an applicant has provided adequate information that demonstrates meeting the qualifications for the position as stated above. Please complete the employment application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and completely.

Those applicants who most closely match the qualifications will be invited to participate in the testing/selection process which will consist of an appraisal exam (weighted 100%) before a panel of subject matter experts. The appraisal exam may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be placed on an Eligibility List to be considered by the Department's hiring authority. An employment offer is contingent upon acceptable results from a completed background review, including a Livescan fingerprint check. A pre-placement medical exam, including drug screen will be scheduled after the issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

To view the benefit summary for this positionplease click HERE.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.Our values includeIntegrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.

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• City of Downey

• 562-904-7292

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