System Operator I/II

San Diego County Water Authority•Escondido, CA

22h

About The Position

The San Diego County Water Authority is hiring a System Operator I or II to help ensure safe, reliable water delivery through its regional aqueduct system. The position uses a modern Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor, regulate, and control pipelines, pumping stations, valves, hydroelectric facilities, reservoirs, and other infrastructure. Operators interpret system data, adjust flows and pressures, respond to alarms and unusual conditions, and coordinate system changes during scheduled or emergency shutdowns. They also conduct field inspections, make minor adjustments and calibrations, and follow standard operating practices and water delivery schedules. Operators must exercise situational awareness, technical judgment, and independence in operational decisions, and may serve as the rotational duty operator supporting 24/7 operations. System Operator I is the entry-level classification. Work is initially performed under direct supervision and within established instructions, with an emphasis on field inspections and system monitoring. Incumbents learn central-control operations and are expected to work without constant direct supervision following training. System Operator II is the journey-level classification, performing the full range of skilled system monitoring, regulation, control, and maintenance under a supervisor’s direction, with considerable latitude during an assigned shift. The position may be filled at either level based on qualifications. Employees may work night and day shifts as assigned and are subject to 24-hour call-out. Employees assigned to the Escondido office work a Monday–Thursday 4/10 schedule during normal business hours of 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency established in 1944 and serves as San Diego County’s regional water wholesaler. It supplies 22 retail water providers and supports the region through water supply planning, infrastructure operations, and policies promoting fiscal and environmental responsibility. The Operations and Maintenance Department operates the aqueduct delivery system, supports facility security and emergency preparedness, manages assets, and oversees related operations and maintenance.

Requirements

System Operator I: High school completion or equivalent, supplemented by some experience operating and servicing pumps, valves, motors, control systems, or related equipment.
System Operator I: State of California Water Treatment Operator Certificate T-1 and Water Distribution Operator Certificate D-2.
System Operator II: High school completion or equivalent, supplemented by one year of experience equivalent to the System Operator I position.
System Operator II: State of California Water Treatment Operator Certificate T-2 and Water Distribution Operator Certificate D-3.
Valid California driver’s license and ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority’s Vehicle Insurance Policy.
Ability to work night and day shifts as assigned and to respond to 24-hour call-outs.
Selected applicants must pass a post-offer physical and drug test.
Ability to apply principles of water distribution, hydraulics, and system operations; follow established procedures; and make informed operational decisions.
Ability to work independently, solve problems in changing system conditions, and communicate clearly with supervisors, field personnel, and member agencies.
Ability to maintain accurate logs and reports and develop technical knowledge of SCADA operations and aqueduct system behavior.

Responsibilities

Operate aqueduct pipelines and facilities, regulating water flow through control valves, pumping stations, and SCADA systems.
Interpret gauges, meters, charts, and graphs; operate pumps, valves, generators, dams, reservoirs, pressure-control stations, hydroelectric plants, chlorination stations, and related equipment.
Ensure deliveries to member agencies meet schedules, customer demand, and standard operating practices.
Monitor system conditions and control pump stations and valves during scheduled and emergency shutdowns; bypass system segments when needed to maintain operations.
Maintain system flows, levels, and pressures; regulate water flow through hydroelectric facilities to support power production while preserving adequate system flow.
Diagnose operational problems using knowledge of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and water system characteristics; verify unusual readings with field personnel and notify supervisory or maintenance personnel of unusual conditions.
Coordinate system operations with technical and operations staff, member agencies, and Metropolitan Water District personnel; respond to member-agency inquiries and complaints about water quality, pressure, and related matters.
Sample and monitor water quality, advise member agencies of water quality problems, and collect field samples and compliance data.
Order and receive chlorine deliveries; check chlorinators; calculate chlorine use and demand; adjust feed rates; clean and service chlorination stations; and collect chemical residual, turbidity, temperature, and usage data.
Operate pumps, generators, switches, and valves remotely and on site; inspect equipment for safe and proper operation; service and calibrate flow meters; inspect pumping stations and dams; perform routine adjustments and minor repairs; and report repair needs.
Inspect hydroelectric plants and safety equipment, maintain CLA-VAL pilot controls, filters, and screens, and oversee rebuilding of main CLA-VAL bodies.
Implement directed changes to operating strategies, selected valves, and pumping stations; modify SCADA databases and HMI displays; and prepare and analyze SCADA operational reports.
Forecast daily hydroelectric power production, balance production and lake levels, compile and verify production data, and prepare energy production documents and reports.
Coordinate water treatment plant operations based on availability, demands, and water quality; monitor desalination plant water quality before water enters the aqueduct system.
Install, maintain, and calibrate real-time online water quality monitoring stations; analyze data and determine whether an immediate response or system or source change is needed.
Operate and inspect large pumping facilities, coordinate aqueduct system changes, maintain immediate response plans for sudden outages, and report inspection findings.
Monitor real-time acoustic fiber-optic systems for pipeline distress, analyze events, identify potential wire breaks, and notify appropriate personnel.
May serve as the rotational 24-hour duty operator, work assigned night or day shifts, conduct lake limnology testing and reporting under direct supervision, assist with the emergency operations center, and support SCADA facility integration and testing.
Prepare reports and trends for internal and external departments or agencies.