Senior Operator (Production)

Mesa Water•Costa Mesa, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Mesa Water District is hiring a Senior Operator in its Production division. This advanced journey-level position is the District’s water production system expert and performs the most complex water production duties. Senior Operators independently maintain, test, and repair water production infrastructure to help ensure an uninterrupted supply of potable water. The role leads, plans, trains, and reviews staff work and participates in operating water production facilities and maintaining related mechanical, electrical, electronic, and computer systems. The position receives direction from the Water Operation Supervisor and provides lead direction to staff. A Class A California driver’s license is not required. Work includes inspecting well, reservoir, and Mesa Water Reliability Facility sites; monitoring and adjusting chemical treatment; troubleshooting and repairing wells, reservoirs, treatment and import equipment, engines, pumps, valves, and membrane systems; maintaining instrumentation, telemetry, and SCADA systems; preparing reports and analyses; and responding to emergency repairs and production alarms. The operator also serves on a rotating basis as Production Duty Operator, managing water quality and supply demands through well and reservoir operations and setpoint adjustments. The position requires mandatory standby duty based on operational needs and responding to emergencies. Employees must reside within 40 miles of the nearest boundary to Mesa Water District to participate in the standby program. Applicants must submit an online application and completed supplemental questions by November 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM, and attach evidence of water treatment/distribution certifications. Candidates meeting the minimum and desirable qualifications will be invited to a skills assessment and interview panels.

Requirements

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.
Four years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water production infrastructure.
Possession of a Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 Certification issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
Possession of a Water Treatment Grade T2 Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
A valid U.S. driver’s license upon application; must obtain a California driver’s license after hire in accordance with California DMV regulations.
Must reside within 40 miles of the nearest boundary to Mesa Water District to participate in mandatory standby duty and respond to emergencies.
Knowledge of water production systems and methods, materials, techniques, and terminology for operating, maintaining, and repairing mechanical equipment and systems at water production facilities.
Knowledge of maintenance and repair principles for electronic equipment and systems, including control systems, SCADA, and instrumentation.
Knowledge of functional direction and training, applicable laws and codes, water utility construction requirements, tool maintenance and repair, traffic control, basic mathematics and record keeping, and safe work practices.
Knowledge of flow control and pressure valves, water quality sampling and testing, customer service, English language, modern business equipment and communication tools, computers, and software such as Microsoft packages.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate assigned staff and provide effective leadership and work direction.
Ability to operate, maintain, and repair water distribution systems, production facilities, and related equipment; detect faulty materials and poor workmanship; and determine when construction defects can be remedied.
Ability to read maps, blueprints, and diagrams; ensure safe work practices; and interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards.
Ability to perform accurate arithmetic, including chlorine dosage, reservoir volume, and production calculations; test water quality and adjust chemical dosing based on laboratory results.
Ability to use tools and equipment, diagnose and repair equipment, and set and calibrate equipment.
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 build effective working relationships.
Ability to work with tools, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

Lead, plan, train, and review staff responsible for operating water production facilities and maintaining and repairing related equipment and systems.
Inspect well and reservoir sites, including the Mesa Water Reliability Facility; read meters; calculate chemical usage; check oil drippers and pumps; and conduct general site inspections.
Adjust chemical feed pumps based on test results; add chemicals to reservoirs, receive chemical shipments, and transport chemicals.
Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain wells, reservoirs, water treatment and import stations, chemical feed systems, engines, motors, gear heads, valves, and related equipment.
Repair, maintain, and replace mechanical components such as cylinder heads, bearings, water pumps, thermostats, drive shafts, seals, gaskets, carburetors, and starters.
Perform preventive maintenance and servicing on pump engines, motors, and gear heads; check and maintain batteries; and lubricate moving parts.
Install and maintain electronic equipment, field instrumentation, and telemetry devices.
Install, operate, and maintain SCADA systems; control the water system using SCADA software; maintain SCADA computers; and assist with computer file backups.
Prepare statistical and daily reports and analyses of production activities.
Respond courteously to public inquiries, provide information, and resolve complaints efficiently and promptly.
Estimate and record labor time, materials, and equipment required for assigned jobs and requisition materials as needed.
Oversee and participate in emergency repairs and respond to emergency calls at irregular hours.
Serve on a rotating basis as Production Duty Operator, managing water quality and supply demands by operating wells, rotating reservoirs, and monitoring and modifying setpoints.
Monitor and respond to water production alarms and perform daily Production Duty Operator checks under the Production Systems Operations Plan.
Participate in mandatory standby duty based on operational needs and respond to emergencies.
Perform related duties as assigned.