What are the responsibilities and job description for the WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR II position at City of Torrance?
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.
The Department
The Public Works Department's Division of Torrance Municipal Water (TMW) is a full service water agency with approximately 26,500 service connections that provides both retail and wholesale water service to approximately 80% of the City. Torrance Municipal Water is a leading water agency in the South Bay that prides itself on serving its customers in a cost-effective manner, with a reliable supply of high-quality water, essential to maintaining public health and safety, economic vitality, and community well-being.
The Position
As a part of the Torrance Municipal Water Division, the Water System Operator II is a journey level position that performs a full range of complex skilled work in the installation, repair and replacement of the City's water system, including water mains, valves, water service lines, hydrants and/or meters; drives and operates heavy equipment, including a backhoe, boom truck, and dump truck to perform excavations and clean up at work sites; Investigates leaks ranging from meter leaks to large main leaks and determines the level of repairs needed; and may provide training and technical supervision to lower level Water System Operators.Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the knowledge and skills required is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
- Graduation from high school or equivalent.
- Two years experience in the installation, maintenance and repair of water distribution facilities, including water meters;
- State Water Resources Control Board (Previously the State of California Department of Public Health) Water Distribution License, Grade D2 certification;
- Valid California Class A driver license must be obtained before the completion of probation period.
In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will:
- Possess and maintain a valid California Class A driver license;
- Be flexible to work nights, holidays, after hours, and respond to emergency calls;
- Have experience operating heavy machinery;
- Have good interpersonal and customer service skills;
- Be knowledgeable of safety rules and precautions; and
- Experienced in water service and performing water shut-offs.
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position(s) is/are filled. First review of applications will be those received by 8/9/2026 at 11:59 p.m. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.
Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:
- Panel Interview: Weighted 40% & Performance Test: Weighted 60% (Tentatively scheduled on 8/20/2026)
The tentative test date(s) will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date.
In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between TME-AFSCME and the City of Torrance, new employees covered under that memorandum shall become members in good standing and pay the required service fee to said Local.
Positions under this classification perform "Safety Sensitive" functions as defined by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and are subject to Federal drug and alcohol testing. Pursuant to the US DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations – 49 CFR Part 40, Federal Regulations do not authorize the use of Schedule 1 drugs, including marijuana and Cannabidiol (CBD) products, for any reason.
Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about our community.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 before the test date.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and a pre-employment medical examination.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
Salary : $6,732 - $7,797