Water Utility Crew Leader - Distribution

Salary : $79,152.00 - $96,216.00 Annually
Location : Pomona, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-WUCL/1
Department: Water Resources Department
Opening Date: 01/21/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

VACANCY
APPLY IMMEDIATELY

This recruitment may close at any time without further notice.
Review of applications will be done on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.
The City of Pomona has an exciting opportunity for one Water Utility Crew Leader to join the Water Resources team. Under direction, this position leads, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work associated with the Water Distribution section, including the maintenance, repair, installation, and construction of the water distribution pipeline system and related appurtenances. The role also involves operating light, medium, and heavy equipment and performing a variety of technical tasks within the assigned area of responsibility.

The City currently has one vacancy in the Distribution section of the Water Resources Department. This recruitment will also establish an eligible list for future vacancies in the Distribution section.

The Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is a skilled leader with extensive experience in maintaining and repairing water production and distribution systems. They excel in supervising teams, operating heavy equipment, and ensuring all work adheres to safety standards. Proficient in interpreting blueprints and estimating resources, they ensure projects are completed efficiently and to high-quality standards. With strong technical expertise and a commitment to excellence, they are an effective communicator and problem-solver who takes pride in serving the community.Why PomonaThe City of Pomona offers a rewarding career opportunity for individuals dedicated to water systems and ensuring the reliable delivery of this vital resource to the community. This role is ideal for those who take pride in hands-on work, value safety and teamwork, and wish to contribute to the sustainable operation of essential infrastructure. Join a team that plays a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of the Pomona community.

This position has an excellent benefits package that includes a 4/10 work schedule with Fridays off and medical, dental, and vision coverage. The position offers participation in CalPERS, the option to join a deferred compensation plan, tuition reimbursement plan, and medical flex spending account program. In addition, the City of Pomona offers Water Certification Pay. Qualifying employees in this position who hold a certificate which surpasses the minimum certificate requirements of the job classification will receive additional payment after education verification.

This position provides a path for continued professional advancement and financial stability. The City of Pomona maintains a competitive compensation structure with a 5% scheduled salary increase on October 1, 2026.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO APPLY
Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalency, supplemented by training in skilled heavy equipment operation.
• Four years of experience as a Water Utility Worker which includes three years of experience operating heavy equipment.

License or Certificate

• Must possess a valid drivers license with a good driving record.
• Must possess or obtain a valid CA Class "B" driver's license with air brake and tanker endorsements within six (6) months of employment.
• Must possess a Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate at the time of application.
• Must possess or obtain CPR, First Aid, Respirator, Confined Space, Trench Shoring, Forklift, and Hazwoper certificates within one (1) year from date of employment.
• Must possess or obtain a Leak Detection, Pressure Regulating Valve, and Buried Infrastructure Locating Certificates of Competency within six (6) months of employment.

Core Competencies:

To excel in this position, one must possess a set of core competencies. These competencies include, but are not limited to the following:

• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Developing Others: Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities
• Leadership: Guiding and encouraging others to accomplish a common goal
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Lead, plan, and review the work of staff responsible for the maintenance, repair, installation, and construction of the water production and distribution pipeline system, associated appurtenances, and operating light, medium, and heavy equipment.
  
• Supervise the use of and operate a wide variety of light, medium and heavy equipment including backhoes, cranes, skiploaders, dump trucks, semi-tractor trailers, water wagons, forklifts, welding trucks, hammers and compressors.
  
• Install, renew, and disconnect water services; repair service leaks; install and repair mains, laterals, valves, and fittings; install and repair hydrants; read, replace, repair, and rebuild water meters; turn on and off main line valves, hydrants, and fire service lines; install tanker meters to hydrants; exercise valves and hydrants.
  
• Raise vault lids and value caps; form, pour, and finish concrete around hydrants in alleys and sidewalks and around meter boxes; lay asphalt; install and repair fences and gates; install shoring in ditches.
  
• Operate a variety of technical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or motorized equipment used to maintain or operate water systems.
  
• Monitor, analyze, evaluate, and maintain mechanical operation of equipment used to produce, distribute, or treat potable and recycled water.
  
• Read and work from maps, blueprints, and sketches; draw maps and record measurements.
  
• Estimate time, material, and equipment required for assigned jobs; requisition materials as required; order parts as necessary and ensure parts ordered are received in a timely fashion.
  
• Observe safety precautions regarding traffic control, confined space, trenching, excavating, and power equipment operation.
  
• Maintain records and logs; complete reports as necessary.
  
• Train assigned employees including in the areas of work methods, techniques, and the use and operation of equipment.
  
• Verify work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, and techniques.
  
• Ensure the adherence with applicable standards and specifications; maintain cleanliness of work area and tools.
  
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
  
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
  
• Perform the full range of duties in the assigned area of work.
  
• Repair and patch streets by sweeping surfaces, loading asphalt, and raking, shoveling, and rolling asphalt.
  
• Remove concrete with front loader and jack hammer.
  
• Perform emergency work such as road closures, street failures, and drain work.
  
• Set up traffic control equipment; direct traffic in the street during construction projects.
  
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs., and wear protective apparel; exposure to heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and traffic hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations; availability for on-call, stand-by, and emergency call. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisors or by law.

SELECTION PROCESS
Open & Promotional Recruitment

This recruitment is open to external candidates as well as any City of Pomona employee not serving an initial probationary period and any other hourly City employee.
Examination Procedure

Screening of qualifications and "most qualified" is based on the information provided on the official City Application. A resume may be attached to your application, but will not substitute for the completion of your application. Applications that are not entirely completed may be rejected. This recruitment may also establish a list for future vacancies.
Supplemental Questions

To complete your application for this position you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. Incomplete responses, false statements, omission, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application. The information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed and scored by a panel of raters familiar with this position.
City Mission Statement
The City of Pomona is dedicated to improving the quality of life for our diverse community.
The City of Pomona offers the following generous benefit package. Employees in this group serve a 12-month probationary period. The Salary Scale Plan is composed of five steps. Merit step increases are based on meets standards performance.

WORK SCHEDULE:
Most employees including certain Police Department employees work a 4/10 work schedule.
24-hour operations personnel may be assigned to a 12-hour (12/80) schedule.
City Hall Employees work Monday through Thursday, with City Hall being closed every Friday.

In order to maintain service to the public, departmental effectiveness, productivity and/or efficiency, a Department Director may assign an employee a different work schedule that is in compliance with the requirements of FLSA with Human Resources approval.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS: Provided by the California Public Employee's Retirement System. Every regular employee becomes a member immediately upon employment. New employees who become a "new" member of CalPERS for the first time on or after January 1, 2013 will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% @ 62, FAS 3 Plan. New members will be required to pay at least 50% of the normal cost (Govt. Code Section. 7522030(c)). However, a new employee who is a "classic" member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% @ 60, FAS 3 Plan. Currently, all new PCEA employees shall pay the CalPERS member's retirement contribution of 7.5%. City of Pomona employees do not contribute into Social Security.

PAID HOLIDAYS: 13 paid holidays & 1 floating holiday is provided per year.
VACATION LEAVE:

• 1-4 years = 80 hours
• 5-9 years = 160 hours
• 10-14 years = 184 hours
• 15 years = 200 hours
• Extending through the 20th year, employee shall accrue 8 hours of additional vacation leave per year with a maximum accrual of 240 hours per year.

SICK LEAVE: 12 days per year (prorated if on any leave without pay).

GROUP INSURANCE PROGRAMS are available to eligible City employees. These programs include medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurances.

• HEALTH INSURANCE: $700 per month; cash-in-lieu program available
• DENTAL: $75 per month
• VISION: Voluntary participation by the employee
• 125 BENEFIT PLAN CONTRIBUTIONS: City paid contributions that goes towards medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. They are applied in addition to the other contributions listed above.
  • Waiving coverage = $45 per month
  • Single coverage = $205 per month
  • Two-party coverage = $1,075 per month
  • Family coverage = $1,775 per month
• LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: 66 2/3 of base salary for a maximum of 2 years after 60 days
• LIFE INSURANCE: $30,000 policy plus AD&D

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PLAN available for eligible employees to develop their knowledge and abilities.

• TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: $3,500 per year

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: A voluntary deferred compensation 457 plan is available.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS are available where employees use pre-tax salary to pay for regular child care, adult dependent care and/or medical expenses.

LEGAL PROTECTION AND IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION: Offered by LegalShield under two separate plans, provides the protection and peace of mind your family needs and deserves. LegalShield provides a variety of legal services, while IDShield is focused on identity theft protection. These offerings may be purchased individually or bundled together.

PET INSURANCE: Offered by Nationwide, allows you to select from two pre-made plans, or create a customizable plan that addresses the specific needs of your beloved pets.

CREDIT UNION membership is available to all City employees and provides access to low interest loans.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.
FIVE-YEAR VISION STATEMENT: Pomona will be recognized as a vibrant, safe, beautiful community that is a fun and exciting destination and the home of arts and artists, students, and scholars, business and industry.

CORE VALUES: The City of Pomona values Cultural Diversity; Fiscal Responsibility; Focusing on the Future; Excellent Customer Service; Leadership; Quality of Life; and Clear and Open Communication.
01

Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalency?

• Yes
• No

02

Which best describes your level of education?

• Some high school
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College (includes water courses)
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree or higher
• None of the above

03

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

04

What class driver's license do you possess?

• I have a Class "C" driver's license
• I have a Class "B" driver's license
• I have a Class "A" driver's license
• I have an out of state license

05

This position requires obtaining a valid California Class B Driver's License (with air brake and tanker endorsements) within six (6) months of employment, and the following certifications within one (1) year: CPR, First Aid, Confined Space, Trench Shoring, Forklift, and HAZWOPER. Are you willing and able to meet these requirements within the specified timeframes?

• Yes
• No

06

Tell us about your experience performing Water Utility Worker duties (this includes operating heavy equipment in the water industry).

• None
• I have some experience performing water utility worker duties.
• I have 1 year or more, but less than 2 years of experience performing water utility worker duties.
• I have 2 years or more, but less than 3 years of experience performing water utility worker duties.
• I have 3 years or more, but less than 4 years of experience performing water utility worker duties.
• I have 5 or more years of experience performing water utility worker duties.

07

How many years of experience do you have in the maintenance, repair, installation, and construction of pumps, electric motors, and reservoir storage tanks?

• None
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 year or more, but less than 2 years of experience
• 2 years or more, but less than 3 years of experience
• 3 years or more, but less than 4 years of experience
• 4 or more years of experience

08

How many years of experience do you have in the maintenance, repair, installation, and construction of a water distribution pipeline system?

• None
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 year or more, but less than 2 years of experience
• 2 years or more, but less than 3 years of experience
• 3 years or more, but less than 4 years of experience
• 4 or more years of experience

09

Select the valid certificate you currently possess.

• None
• Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate
• Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate
• Grade III or higher Water Distribution Operator Certificate

10

If you possess other valid water certificates, please list them below. Include the expiration date.
11

Which of the following valid certificates do you possess?

• CPR and First Aid
• Confined Space
• Trench Shoring
• Forklift
• Hazwoper
• Crane Certificate of Competency
• Leak Detection Certificate of Competency
• Pressure Regulating Valve Certificate of Competency
• Infrastructure Locating Certificate of Competency

12

In 200 words or less, describe your experience related to the maintenance, repair, installation, and construction of water distribution systems. Include details about your work with water mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and other distribution system appurtenances. Be sure to highlight your experience leading or training crews, operating light, medium, and heavy equipment, interpreting plans or blueprints, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations and water quality standards. If you do not hold any related experience, please type "N/A".
Required Question