Utility Operator I/II/III

City of Lathrop•Lathrop, CA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Lathrop is seeking a Utility Operator I/II/III. The level at which an individual is hired will be based on their qualifications and experience. This position is assigned to a 4/10 work schedule, currently Monday-Thursday, and will train into an on-call rotation schedule which may include weekends. The application period will close on 9/28/26, or when 125 applications have been received, whichever occurs first. The Utility Operator I is the entry-level class in the series, allowing incumbents to develop journey-level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform routine and less complex assignments within an established procedural framework with minimal consequences of error, including system maintenance, repair, and customer service. Incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of assigned duties. This classification is alternatively staffed with Utility Operator II, and incumbents may advance after gaining experience, obtaining required water and wastewater certifications, and demonstrating proficiency. The Utility Operator II is the journey-level class, where incumbents independently perform the full scope of assigned duties. Incumbents perform a full range of duties related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water distribution, sewer collection, recycled water, and storm drain systems. This classification is distinguished from the Utility Operator III. The Utility Operator III is the journey-level shift operator classification. Incumbents perform a full range of duties related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water distribution, sewer collection, recycled water, and storm drain systems. Utility Operator III’s perform complex duties in connection with the operation, maintenance, and repair of ground water treatment plants, water wells, and water storage facilities. Work is performed independently and may include acting as a lead worker with an assistant. Incumbents shall possess the ability to diagnose malfunctions in a variety of water quality processes. The position requires employees to perform a variety of specialized water quality testing and be skilled in working SCADA and HMI systems. Utility Operator III – Classification is distinguished from the next higher level of Utility Plant Supervisor in that the latter is the advanced journey level and lead level supervisory class responsible for supervision of staff involved in operation, maintenance and repair of City’s water, sewer and storm water systems. Under general supervision, learns to perform and performs the full array of duties assigned to classes in the Utility Operator series, including skilled and semi-skilled work in the operation, maintenance and repair of the City’s water distribution, sewer collection, recycled water, and storm drain systems; assists other units of Public Works in the maintenance of streets, facilities and buildings as needed; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required. About Lathrop: Incorporated in 1989, the City of Lathrop is located in the Northern San Joaquin Valley. We are experiencing significant growth, with an anticipated population of approximately 70,000 residents. Lathrop is centrally located within a 30-minute commute of several major cities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Utility Operator I: One year of experience in the maintenance and repair of water and sewer systems is desirable.
Utility Operator II: Two years of experience equivalent to that of a Utility Operator I in the City of Lathrop, including experience in the maintenance and repair of water and sewer systems.
Utility Operator III: Five years of increasingly responsible experience in the operations and maintenance of water treatment facilities and water distribution systems and collection systems maintenance and repair.
Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a valid class C California driver’s license.
Utility Operator I: Possession of a Water Distribution Operator, Grade D1, Water Treatment Grade T1 certificates issued by the State of California Department of Public Health, and a Collection System, Grade I certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), within one year of appointment.
Utility Operator II: Possession of a Water Distribution Operator, Grade D2, and Water Treatment T2 certificates issued by the State of California Department of Public Health, and a Collection System, Grade I issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), and Backflow Tester and Specialist Certificates issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
Utility Operator III: Possession of and ability to maintain a State of California Water Treatment Operator T2 license, State of California Water Distribution Operator D3 license and an AWWA General Backflow Tester at time of employment.

Nice To Haves

California Class B Driver’s license is highly desirable for Utility Operator I.
California Class B driver’s license is highly desirable for Utility Operator III.
Supplemental coursework or specialized training in water treatment, water distribution systems and collection systems maintenance and operations is desirable for Utility Operator III.
An AWWA Cross Connection Specialist and a California Water Environment Association Collection System Technologist grade 1 is desirable for Utility Operator III.

Responsibilities

Performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water distribution, sewer collection, wastewater, and storm drain systems.
Excavates to repair underground utilities.
Marks underground utilities for Underground Service Alert (USA).
Participates in traffic control activities at the work site.
Inspects, flushes, cleans, and repairs water mains, lines, and laterals.
Repairs, maintains, and overhauls pumps, motors, chlorinators, and control valves.
Monitors water wells and operates pumps to regulate system flow and pressure.
Checks and documents recordings on instrumentation equipment.
Operates computerized SCADA control program.
Takes water samples.
Tests and calculates water pressure and flow.
Tests backflow devices.
Conducts cross-connection surveys.
Maintains required records.
Performs stand-by duties on a rotational basis.
Responds to after-hours emergency calls at irregular hours.
Repairs and maintains storm drains, manholes, and pump stations.
Inspects drains, culverts, and gutters and removes obstructions.
Maintains and repairs sewer lines and lift stations.
Diagnoses and repairs electrical control panels and backup generators.
Assists other Public Works units when required.
Performs semi-skilled and skilled manual work in the maintenance and repair of streets and alleyways.
Assists in the repair of curbs and gutters.
Assists in the maintenance of City buildings and facilities.
Operates trucks, loaders, backhoes, boom trucks, hydro flushers, and other light and heavy duty maintenance and construction equipment.
Maintains and cleans assigned vehicles and equipment.
Operates a variety of hand and power tools.
Inspects tools and equipment for safety and mechanical defects.
Assists with City sponsored functions.
Responds to after-hours call-outs as assigned.
Demonstrates a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties.
May provide training to lower-level staff.
Responds to questions and concerns from the general public.
Provides customer services and information as appropriate and resolves public service complaints.
Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
Responsible for maintaining hazardous materials and supply inventory in an organized, clean, and safe configuration.
Conducts daily/weekly/monthly, etc. inspections of the facility, including all hazardous materials and hazardous waste.
Maintains hazardous material and/or hazardous waste inspection logs and facility records.
Performs ongoing maintenance, completes corrective actions to maintain waste facilities and equipment in safe working condition in accordance with Permit conditions.
Follows procedures for waste management and hazardous material or chemical handling, including sampling, weighing, and storing chemical containers.
Assists in preparing and completing hazardous waste profiles, and maintaining waste processing records.
Follows prescribed safety procedures and complies with state and federal laws regulating hazardous materials handling, hazardous waste management, and proper disposal methods.
Participates in hazardous material and waste management training and professional development activities, including necessary certification.