Water System Operator II (Distribution)

City of Downey • Downey, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice. First review of the applications will occur on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Please thoroughly review the entire job flyer including the application instructions. Failure to submit a completed application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration. In addition to the above compensation, this position is eligible for certificate level one pay for incumbents that maintain a CWEA Grade 1 at a rate of $115 per month, certificate level two pay for incumbents that maintain a CWEA Grade 2 and/or D2/T2 at a rate of $265 per month, and certificate level three pay for incumbents that maintain a CWEA Grade 3 and/or D3/T3 at a rate of $295 per month. Currently there is one (1) openings in the Water Distribution Section. Under direct supervision an incumbent performs semi-skilled work in the operation and maintenance of assigned section. This position may be assigned to the Water Distribution, Sewer and Storm Water, Water Supply, or Customer Service sections of the Utilities Division of the Public Works Department.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• One (1) year of full-time equivalent work experience in Water Distribution, Sewer and Storm Water, Water Supply, or Customer Service utilities construction, operation, and maintenance with experience performing the essential functions listed above is required.
• Work experience within a municipal water, sewer, or storm water agency or district is preferred.
• Knowledge of various aspects of water, sewer, and storm water system operations; general construction and maintenance procedures; equipment capabilities, limitations and safe operating characteristics; traffic laws, ordinances and regulations relating to the operation of assigned equipment; operation of water, sewer, and storm water facilities; operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of pumps/motors; rehabilitating groundwater wells; performance and coordination of electrical and electronic work; operation, maintenance, and analysis of SCADA systems; water meter reading and repair; pipe laying and pipe fitting; tools and equipment used in the installation, maintenance and repair of water/sewer/storm water mains, water services, water meters, water valves, sewer and storm water manholes and associated facilities; state laws and regulations related to water, sewer, and storm water; the safety precautions and procedures used in water, sewer, and storm water service work; customer service delivery; current computer technology, modern office practices, methods, and equipment.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision in the performance of field assignments; present ideas and communicate effectively in oral and written form; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relations with those contacted in the performance of duties including the public and co-workers; meet schedules and time lines; perform work using a personal computer and mobile computerized equipment with proficiency in Microsoft Office program, utilizing Word and Excel; knowledge of general municipal computer software programs; follow City work rules and Department policies and procedures.
• A State of California Grade One (1) Water Distribution Operator Certificate is required within twelve (12) months of appointment.
• A valid California Class C Driver's License to carry out the essential functions of the position and an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
• Employees employed with the City on or after January 1, 2022, in the Sewer and Storm Water section are required to obtain a commercial Class B Driver's license with Air Breaks and Tanker Endorsements within twelve (12) months of appointment.
• Employees employed with the City on or after January 1, 2022, in the Distribution or Water Supply sections are required to obtain a commercial Class A Driver's license with Air Breaks and Tanker Endorsements within twelve (12) months of appointment.
• Physical mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties assigned.
• Ability to drive a City vehicle or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to travel to different work sites and locations to carry out job-related duties.
• Ability to stand for long periods and/or walk long distances. Some walking may occur on sloping, slippery and/or uneven surfaces.
• Mobility to sit, stand, kneel, crawl, climb, crouch, stoop, reach, twist, and bend.
• Ability to twist at the lower body, at the waist, and at the upper body.
• Mobility of both arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small and large objects or tools, from overhead to the ground positions.
• Perform work, which involves hand/arm and upper/lower body dexterity to grasp, lift, push, pull, move and drag objects, which may weigh approximately 75 pounds and up to 100 pounds.
• Based on job assignment, required to wear protective apparel including hardhats, gloves, goggles, respirators, face protectors, ear protection, aprons, coveralls, and steel-toed shoes.
• Based on job assignment, may be required to work at heights above ground level.
• Utilities Division job assignments may require work in confined spaces and wearing of required protection devices for confined space entry.
• Based on job assignment, may operate power equipment requiring hand, arm, and upper body strength (includes, but not limited to the following: electric drills, circular saws, reciprocating saws; pneumatic jackhammers, clay spades, impact wrenches; vibratory plate compactors and rollers; grinders, air compressors, trash pumps, pipe threaders, power drain snakes; rototillers, power trenchers; chain saws, and, hand tools such as shovels, rakes, lutes, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, chisels, scrapers, crowbars, pry-bars, manhole picks, pipe cutters, bench vises.
• Required to respond to emergency situations, during on and off regular hours of work.
• Work performed in an office environment requires the performance of duties which require the ability to speak, hear, touch and see.
• Also required is the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area to another; occasionally bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling (drawers opened and closed to retrieve and file information); occasionally lifting and carrying materials that weigh less than 25 pounds.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter, or calculator; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing on a keyboard, filing, data entry and/or use of a personal computer or other office equipment and supplies; may involve sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time.
• Work is primarily performed outdoors in the field with exposure to the weather.
• Based on job assignment, exposures may also include: contact with hot and cold surfaces, loud noises and exhaust fumes from equipment and vehicle engines, vibrations, working in close proximity to moving mechanical parts (mechanical hazards), electrical current (electrical hazards), vehicular traffic and confined spaces; and, contact with potential natural irritants such as vegetation, dust, soil, tree pollens, sawdust, etc.
• The incumbent stands and walks on level and uneven/slippery surfaces.
• Other work is performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels.
• Based on job assignment, may be exposed to chemicals including but not limited to: gasoline, diesel, motor oil, grease, paint thinner, strippers, solvents, ammonia, bleach, cleansers, volatile organic compounds, fertilizers and non-restricted pesticides.

Nice To Haves

• Recently completed college level coursework in Water, Sewer, Storm Water, and/or Environmental Science, Engineering, or other related field is desired.
• Completed college level coursework in Water, Sewer, Storm Water, and/or Environmental Science, Engineering, or other related field may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to six (6) months of the experience requirement.

Responsibilities

• Perform tasks related to the basic operation and maintenance of assigned section.
• Utilize adequate and appropriate tools, equipment, and materials for each task assigned; implement necessary changes in work methods, practices, and priorities as directed.
• Respond to service requests, issues of regulatory compliance and complaints from the public; respond to emergency calls, including after hour calls from the public and other agencies, coordinating with other City staff as necessary; notify customers of interruption of services; explain priorities, programs and policies to the public; provide appropriate follow-up.
• Participate in required training; perform work in a safe and efficient manner including proper and safe operation and maintenance of equipment.
• Collect and input data into spreadsheets and/or databases using desktop and mobile computers and equipment for compliance and infrastructure management programs.
• Document material inventory, field safety, construction activity, operational and infrastructure management data.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Conduct water distribution operation and preventative maintenance projects and programs including but not limited to: water valve exercising and rehabilitation, water service line, meter, and box replacement, fire hydrant maintenance and rehabilitation, water system flushing, and air release valve maintenance and rehabilitation.
• Conduct timely repair of water distribution system and service line leaks.
• Assist in the coordination and inspection of City-owned water distribution construction activities including City contract and developer work.
• Conduct Underground Service Alert (USA) markings for City-owned utilities.

Benefits

• certificate level one pay for incumbents that maintain a CWEA Grade 1 at a rate of $115 per month
• certificate level two pay for incumbents that maintain a CWEA Grade 2 and/or D2/T2 at a rate of $265 per month
• certificate level three pay for incumbents that maintain a CWEA Grade 3 and/or D3/T3 at a rate of $295 per month

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED