Water operator [h1.location_city]

The Position

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This is a continuous filing exam. The next filing cut-offs are at 5 : 00 pm on :   12 / 6 / 23, 3 / 6 / 24, 6 / 6 / 24, 9 / 6 / 24, 12 / 6 / 24  Water System Operator is the journey level class for both the Water Distribution series and the Water Treatment series. Under direction, Water System Operators perform work in connection with the operation, maintenance, construction, and repair of water distribution systems, water treatment facilities, water wells, water booster pumping stations, water storage facilities, and storm water pumping stations. The positions in this class also operate, maintain and repair chemical handling systems, hydraulic power systems and hydro-pneumatic systems, and operate diesel driven electrical generation systems. Incumbents may be required to perform routine tasks independently when they work alone in the field.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

• The California Safe Drinking Water Act
• EPA standards, rules and regulations ensuring safe drinking water and protecting ground water
• The tools, materials, equipment and methods used in the maintenance, repair and operation of complex mechanical equipment such as : pumps, motors, various valve and gate operators, hydraulic drives, chain and socket assemblies, air compressors, electric and pneumatic controls, chlorination, and pneumatically and hydraulically controlled valves, and associated equipment
• The tools, materials, equipment and methods used in the treatment of surface and ground water and in the construction of underground pipelines
• Basic safety precautions and practices required when working in a variety of working conditions using hand tools, light equipment, and vehicles
• The basic tests used in water treatment process control
• Computer software such as Computer Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)

Ability to

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Either : 1. One year of full-time experience performing duties which have included the repair, maintenance, or construction of one or more of the following systems : underground pipeline, wastewater collection, storm water collection, or underground water distribution.

Or : 2. One year of full-time experience in maintenance, construction, operation, or repair of mechanical components of equipment in one or more of the following facilities : wastewater treatment plants, potable water pump stations, water treatment plants, lift stations, storm drain pumping stations, or other mechanical facilities with similar systems and equipment.

Or : 3. A certificate of completion from a two-year mechanical-electrical technology program.

Or : 4. Completion of two-years of a stationary engineer, plumbing, or similar trade apprenticeship program.

Note : The word "experience" referenced in the minimum qualifications means full-time paid experience unless the job announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note : If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate / license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here (Download PDF reader) or speak to someone in our office before the cut-off date listed in this notice.

General Qualifications

Age Requirement : Candidates must be 18 years of age prior to appointment because of the hazards of the job, as defined in the Fair Labor Standard Act.

Driver's License :

Note : Failure to maintain the appropriate California Driver's License and / or endorsement(s) constitutes cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining unit agreements.

Certificates / licenses :

Note : Failure to obtain and maintain the appropriate certificates may constitute a cause for termination from this class in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining unit agreement. The appropriate amount of continuing education hours must be completed as required by the State of California to maintain the required certifications.

Criminal History Check : The County may access criminal history information on all candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment for this class consistent with the provisions of Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 82-602, Personnel Policies and Procedure and applicable Federal and State law. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate's ability to perform the job duties of this class unless it is determined that mitigating circumstances exist. For purposes of accessing criminal history information, the candidate will be fingerprinted. A subsequent arrest notification may be obtained.

Physical Abilities :

Note : Some employees will be required to operate a jackhammer weighing up to 90 pounds.

Note : Individuals who do not meet these physical requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Working Conditions :

Shift, Weekend and Holiday Work : Water distribution and water treatment functions are a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operation. All employees in this class will be subject to working shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime and standby.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.