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Water Systems Operator I/II

City of El Monte
City of El Monte Salary
El Monte, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/23/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/22/2025
DEFINITION

Under immediate (Water Systems Operator I) or general (Water Systems Operator II) supervision, performs skilled work in the construction, maintenance, operation, and repair of the City's water production and distribution systems; uses and operates a variety of manual and power tools and light to heavy power-driven equipment; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Water Systems Operator I) or general (Water Systems Operator II) supervision from the Water Systems Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Water Systems Operator I: This is the entry-level classification in the water systems operator series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine construction, maintenance, operation, and repair duties related to the City’s water production and distribution systems. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Water Systems Operator II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Water Systems Operator II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Water Systems operator series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Water Systems Operator I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from Water Systems Crew Leader in that the latter is responsible for technical and functional supervision of lower-level maintenance staff and is capable of performing the most complex duties assigned to the division.

Positions in the Water Systems Operator class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Water Systems Operator II level are normally filled by advancement from the Water Systems Operator I level; progression to the Water Systems Operator II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Water Systems Operator II level.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Positions at the Water Systems Operator I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

  • Tests, maintains, and repairs pumps, chlorinating equipment, valves, meters, gauges, and electrical and gas water-pumping equipment; operates telemetry system and SCADA system.
  • Obtains and records static or pumping water levels in water basins, monitors the operation of wells, boosters, reservoir sites, and treatment sites.
  • Performs routine daily inspections of all water production and storage facilities, identifies any improper function of equipment or operations.
  • Installs, cleans, adjusts, overhauls, rebuilds, paints and operates valves; troubleshoots valves when problems occur within the water distribution system.
  • Inspects reservoirs, water levels, and telemetry; makes adjustments to maintain proper water levels.
  • Prepares detailed reports of performance and condition of pumping facilities.
  • Performs daily check of chlorine residuals in distribution system and records results.
  • Takes samples from wells, reservoirs, and sampling station outlets for laboratory testing.
  • Maintains and repairs reservoirs and pumping facilities.
  • Reads and works from maps, blueprints, and sketches.
  • Reads watt-hour meters, water productions meters, and other devices.
  • Performs general maintenance and clean up duties around water facilities.
  • Makes emergency changes of equipment in the event of mechanical failures.
  • Operates and maintains specialized vehicles and a variety of light, medium, and heavy equipment used in the operation and maintenance of water production and distribution systems.
  • Operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignment as instructed.
  • Responds to customer inquiries and refers to the proper City personnel if additional information is requested.
  • Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules regulations and protocols.
  • Maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Positions at the Water Systems Operator I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

Knowledge Of

  • Maintenance principles, practices, equipment, and materials used in the maintenance and repair of water production and distribution systems.
  • Methods, maintenance, and repair of valves, hydrants, services, mains, pumping systems, and water distribution systems, water samples, and chlorination systems.
  • The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and light to heavy power equipment.
  • Methods and techniques of collecting and preserving water samples.
  • Operational characteristics of water production and distribution systems.
  • Operational characteristics of specialized water utilities maintenance and repair equipment including SCADA systems.
  • Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals.
  • Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
  • Principles and practices of record keeping.
  • City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
  • The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To

  • Perform construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work on water production and distribution systems.
  • Operate a variety of pumps, controls and water distribution/transmission equipment.
  • Read meters, gauges and schematics.
  • Read, interpret, and apply technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications.
  • Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and light to heavy equipment required for the work.
  • Maintain accurate logs and basic written records of work performed.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
  • Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Work standby assignments/schedules if/when assigned.

Education And Experience

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Water Systems Operator I/II: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Water Systems Operator I: One (1) year of experience in water production and distribution and water facility operation, maintenance, and construction.

Water Systems Operator II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in water production and distribution and water facility operation maintenance and construction.

Licenses And Certifications

Water Systems Operator I/II:

  • Possession of a California Driver’s License to be maintained throughout employment.

Water Systems Operator I

  • Possession of a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), to be maintained throughout employment.
  • Possession of a Grade I Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), to be maintained throughout employment.

Water Systems Operator II

  • Possession of a Class B California Driver’s License with tanker endorsements, to be maintained throughout employment.
  • Possession of a Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), to be maintained throughout employment.
  • Possession of a Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), to be maintained throughout employment.

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