Water Systems Assistant Operator I/II – Environmental Services Department

City of San Jose • San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA

4d • $78,707 - $103,106 • Onsite

About The Position

The City of San José's Environmental Services Department (ESD) is seeking to fill multiple full-time Water Systems Assistant Operator I/II vacancies in the Water Resources Division. This division provides potable water service through the Municipal Water System and recycled water service through the South Bay Water Recycling program. The Operations and Maintenance Section is responsible for operating and maintaining these systems, including preventative maintenance and customer service. Water Systems Assistant Operators assist in the day-to-day field operations of potable and recycled water systems in a training capacity. This role involves water meter reading, water sampling, maintaining equipment at pump stations and reservoirs, and testing/replacing water meters and valves in accordance with state regulations. The position requires a heavy level of physical exertion and may involve working in confined spaces, outdoors, and around hazardous materials. Incumbents may be required to use respiratory protection. Depending on the work group, schedules may include any type of shift to accommodate around-the-clock operations, including Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. Water Systems Assistant Operator II incumbents may also work standby duty, requiring response to emergencies within 45 minutes.

Requirements

• Water Systems Assistant Operator I: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate. No experience required.
• Water Systems Assistant Operator II: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate. One (1) year of experience as a Water Systems Assistant Operator I with the City of San José.
• Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Distribution Operator Grade 1 certification is required within one (1) year of appointment (for I/II).
• Water Systems Assistant Operator II: Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 certification within one (1) year of appointment.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.
• Pre-employment respiratory physical exam.
• Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies, and federal and state rules and regulations, including but not limited to: Hand and power tool use, Meter reading technologies, Water systems services and local geography.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications.
• Computer Skills: Experience with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel.
• Customer Service: Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.
• Problem Solving: Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem(s); collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.
• Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of water regulations, safety management/OSHA requirements, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) procedures, American Water Works Association procedures, and local compliance regulations as it relates to the Municipal Water System is highly desirable.
• Communication Skills: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.

Responsibilities

• Collect water consumption figures from residential and commercial water meters.
• Work closely with Water Systems Operators and Water Systems Operations Forepersons to learn various aspects of operations and maintenance of the water systems equipment.
• Test meters for proper operation and report malfunctioning meters, including pulling data profiles from endpoints to investigate consumption history.
• Respond to customer inquiries regarding readings and rates.
• Perform minor field repair and service on water meter reading equipment.
• Report leaks in the water system equipment, including hydrants, meters, and pipes.
• Participate in tailgate safety meetings and on-the-job, classroom, and computer-based training.
• Turn water services on and off at customer premises.
• Maintain property and equipment for the water system.
• Assist with route map design and revision.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer.
• The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities.

What This Job Offers

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