Limited Term Operator I/II (Distribution)

Mesa Water•Costa Mesa, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Mesa Water District is hiring a Limited Term Operator I/II in its Water Distribution section. The role is temporary, fully benefitted, and expected to last about two years, through December 21, 2028. The selected employee will work on a crew of two to three Operators repairing and maintaining water distribution infrastructure. Operator I is the entry-level classification. Employees initially work under close supervision while learning routine duties; as they gain experience, assignments become more varied and supervision less frequent. Operator II is the fully qualified journey-level classification, performing the full range of duties independently and exercising judgment, initiative, and leadership. Operator II employees may lead lower-level staff or assume additional duties in the Senior Operator’s absence. The series is flexibly staffed, and Operator II positions are normally filled through advancement from Operator I. The work includes constructing, maintaining, operating, installing, and repairing water distribution infrastructure and facilities. Duties also include supporting water-quality sampling and analysis, maintaining equipment and vehicles, setting up traffic control, keeping work and material records, and performing emergency repairs. The position participates in mandatory standby duty based on operational needs and responds to emergencies, including calls at irregular hours. Employees must reside within 40 miles of the nearest boundary to Mesa Water District to participate in the standby program. The work is performed in the field and may involve exposure to noise, temperature extremes, inclement weather, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical hazards, toxic or poisonous substances, unpleasant odors, fumes, dust, and other air contaminants. The position requires substantial physical activity, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, and working in crouched or kneeling positions. The salary depends on qualifications: Operator I with a D1 certificate earns $33.28–$45.86 per hour; Operator I with D1 and T1 certifications earns $35.83–$49.39 per hour; and Operator II with D3 and T2 certifications earns $39.55–$54.52 per hour. The District offers a benefit package that includes $2,400 per month in flex credits, CalPERS enrollment, and a matching contribution of up to 3.5% into a 401a plan. A 3% salary increase is effective January 2027. Hands-on training opportunities are also offered. The recruitment is open continuously until filled, with an initial filing deadline of November 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Only completed online applications and supplemental questions will be considered. This is a safety-sensitive position, and final candidates are subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Requirements

Operator I: Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade.
Operator I: One year of experience in construction, operation, maintenance, and/or repair of water systems or related electrical or mechanical equipment or systems.
Operator I: Possess a Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 Certification issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
Operator II: Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade, supplemented by vocational or technical training in water utility science, water distribution infrastructure maintenance and repair, mechanical maintenance and repair, or construction inspection.
Operator II: Two years of increasingly responsible experience operating, maintaining, installing, and repairing water distribution infrastructure.
Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license on the application date and obtain a California driver’s license after hire in accordance with California DMV regulations.
Operator II: Possess a Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 Certification issued by the SWRCB and a Water Treatment Operator Grade T2 Certification issued by the SWRCB.
Operator II: Possess a valid Class A driver’s license at appointment.
Reside within 40 miles of the nearest boundary to Mesa Water District to participate in mandatory standby duty and respond to emergencies.
Knowledge of procedures, methods, tools, and equipment used with motors, pumps, compressors, electrical panels, automatic controls, valves, timers, and related equipment.
Knowledge of Title 22, CCR and regulatory programs and requirements, including those involving the SWRCB, Environmental Protection Agency, Orange County Department of Public Health, and Cal OSHA.
Knowledge of domestic water sampling techniques, mathematical principles for computing water-system flows and volumes, work safety standards, and customer-service techniques.
Knowledge of English language structure and content; modern communication and business equipment; and computers and software, including Microsoft software packages.
Ability to inspect and diagnose problems with pumps, motors, engines, valves, automatic control systems, and related equipment; disassemble, repair, and reassemble pump systems.
Ability to read and interpret pump and reservoir charts and gauges, collect water samples, and calculate chlorine dosages, reservoir volumes, and production.
Ability to maintain accurate records; organize work independently; set priorities; meet critical deadlines; and follow up on assignments.
Ability to use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment; communicate clearly orally and in writing; exercise tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment; and foster positive working relationships.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, operate motorized equipment and vehicles, and see in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Nice To Haves

Operator I: Vocational training in maintenance and repair is desirable.
Operator I: Experience working with water distribution is preferred.
Operator I: A valid California Class A driver’s license with air brake endorsement is desirable but not required.
Operator I: A Water Treatment Operator Grade T1 Certification issued by the SWRCB is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

Construct, maintain, operate, install, and repair the District’s water distribution system and facilities.
Install, replace, and repair main lines, service lines, fire hydrants, valves, meters, and meter boxes; turn and flush water main and hydrant valves; cut pipe and tap lines.
Perform water meter installation, replacement, repair, and testing, and work on angle stops and ball valves.
Cut, break, and haul asphalt and concrete; mix and finish concrete; and prepare for and lay asphalt.
Operate construction and maintenance equipment and tools, and load and unload vehicles and equipment.
Assist with water-quality sampling and analysis of distribution system, well, reservoir, and treatment plant samples.
Train other staff on minor water infrastructure repairs and meter replacement procedures.
Maintain, inspect, clean, and check fluid levels in assigned equipment and vehicles.
Set traffic control using safety devices, signs, and barricades, and help protect the public and work crew.
Support department operations by cleaning the service yard, buildings, and well sites; painting hydrants; repairing fences and gates; maintaining grounds; setting up and breaking down events; and assisting with minor repairs and electrical work.
Respond to public inquiries as needed.
Perform emergency repairs, respond to emergency calls at irregular hours, and participate in mandatory standby duty based on operational needs.
Maintain work, time, and material records; prepare daily reports and, as needed, statistical reports and data analyses.
Attend safety and training sessions and seminars, and perform related duties as assigned.