WATER UTILITIES WORKER I

Job Opportunity at City of Signal Hill

The City of Signal Hill is looking for motivated individuals to join our Public Works team! Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis. First review of applications will be on March 23, 2026. This recruitment may close at any time once sufficient qualified applications are received. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. Please read the minimum qualifications and certification requirements before you apply. Failure to attach your certifications may result in disqualification.

Application process: Please note the exam dates listed below are tentative and subject to change. Please regularly monitor your email for communication regarding exam dates.

Examination plan: Written exam (30%) on April 2, 2026. Oral interview (70%) in April 2026.

Distinguishing characteristics: This is the entry/journey level class in the Field Maintenance Worker class series. Incumbents assigned to this class initially perform routine and closely related duties under close supervision. However, as experience is acquired, they are expected to work independently exercising judgment and initiative. The Water Utility Worker I is distinguished from those in the Water Utility Worker II and Senior Water Utilities Worker class in that the former does not frequently perform the most complex and difficult field maintenance duties, provides constant lead supervision to other field maintenance personnel, nor frequently operates heavy equipment in the most difficult and responsible work situations.

Example of Duties

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. 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. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Independently, or as a member of a crew, perform a variety of semi-skilled work in the installation, repair, and maintenance of the City water system.
• Operate heavy construction equipment in routine situations, including backhoes, loaders, dump trucks and trenchers.
• Locate, excavate and repair leaks in water lines and mains.
• Install, maintain and repair hydrants, valves, meters and meter boxes.
• Use light equipment such as concrete saws, tappers, compactors, and jackhammers as well as a variety of hand tools.
• Read water meters; maintain appropriate records.
• Assist in the repair of pumps, booster stations, and other water system facilities.
• Tap water lines, turn on and shut off water service as directed.
• May operate the City water system; monitor and ensure adequate water levels in storage facilities; take samples and keep appropriate records.
• May perform backflow device inspection and testing duties.
• May administer the Cross-Connection Control program.

Marginal functions: Respond to emergency calls; subject to call back at any time. Perform various related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess: Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Experience: Six (6) months paid full-time experience performing general construction and/or maintenance work. License/certification: Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required. Class B California drivers' license is required upon completion of one-year probationary period. A California State Water Resources Control Board issued Water Distribution Grade D1 Certificate is required with your application. AWWA Backflow Tester and Cross Connection Specialist certification desired.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: Utilization and care of general construction and maintenance tools and equipment as used in the assigned area of work. Methods, techniques and procedures related to parks, buildings or street maintenance or water system operations and maintenance. Hazards associated with the work and proper safety precautions. Traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in truck and heavy equipment operations. Purposes, uses and cares of a variety of vehicles, equipment, power tools, and hand tools, including motorized, pneumatic, and hydraulic equipment. Techniques and methods of irrigation system installation and maintenance, or basic practices and procedures of electrical and plumbing work. Proper and effective use of chemicals and cleaning solutions. Safe work practices.

Physical requirements: Ability to operate equipment and machinery requiring complex and rapid adjustments, such as the use of hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and the operation of vehicles in a safe and effective manner. Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing semi-skilled movements, such as assembling. Ability to exert heavy physical effort in moderate to heavy work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move 50 - 70 pounds. Mathematical ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Judgment and situational reasoning ability: Ability to apply functional reasoning in performing routine functions following clearly prescribed standard practices. Ability to exercise judgment required in situations characterized by repetitive or short cycle operations covered by set procedures or sequences. Ability to mix chemicals and cleaning solutions. Ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information, following a prescribed plan; ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and/or sort data and information. Language ability and interpersonal communication: Ability to utilize and comprehend a variety of reference data and information, such as billings, letters, production orders, operating instructions, schedules, records, basic maps and blueprints. Ability to communicate effectively in English language, spoken and written, with coworkers and the general public. Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests. Environmental adaptability: Ability to work under mildly safe and uncomfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors, such as temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, violence, noise, vibrations, wetness, machinery, disease and/or dust may cause discomfort and where there is a risk of injury, requiring extended recovery time. Ability to work indoors and outdoors with varied environmental demands.

Additional information: The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice. Selection procedure: All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification. Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City of Signal Hill. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City application and supplemental questionnaire. Admission to competitive examination may be limited to those whose applications show the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position. Any part of the examination process may be qualifying only. Equal opportunity employer: The City of Signal Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workplace diversity. Americans with disabilities: An applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at HR@cityofsignalhill.org or at (562) 989-7304/7307 no later than 5 business days before the scheduled testing date(s). Fingerprinting: A candidate who is selected for hire is subject to fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice. Pre-placement medical examination: A conditional offer of employment is based upon the successful completion of a City paid pre-placement medical examination to determine a candidate's fitness to perform the essential functions of the position. This examination will include a drug screening. Oath and disaster service worker: All City employees are required to sign the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Public Employees upon the beginning of employment. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all City employees are required to perform assigned emergency service duties in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to sign a Disaster Service Worker Statement upon hire.