What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operator I/II - Distribution position at Mesa Water District (Mesa Water)?
SALARY RANGE: (Depending Upon Qualifications)
Operator I (D1 Certificate): $33.28 - $45.86 hourly
Operator I (D1 & T1 Certifications): $35.83 - $49.39 hourly
Operator II (D3 & T2 Certifications): $39.55 - $54.52 hourly
Mesa Water District (Mesa Water) is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for a Operator I/II to work in our Water Distribution section. The person selected for this role will work on a crew of 2-3 Operators repairing and maintaining our water distribution infrastructure.
What we offer:
- Competitive salary that is regularly reviewed (3% increase effective January 2027).
- Rich benefit package that includes $2,400/month in flex credits, enrollment in CalPERS and matching up to 3.5% into 401a plan.
- Hands on training opportunities.
- Being a part of an agency that is on the cutting edge of water technology and innovation.
- Experienced in repairing and installing main and service lines, hydrants and water valves.
- Likes to collaborate with others to achieve shared goals.
- Responsive, pleasant, and professional with customers.
This recruitment is open on a continuous basis until filled with an initial filing deadline of Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Only completed online applications and supplemental questions will be considered. This is a safety sensitive position, meaning final candidates will be subject to a drug test during the pre-employment process.
Operator II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Operator series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment, initiative, and leadership. 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. Additionally, positions at this level may lead lover-level staff and/or take on additional duties in the absence of the Senior Operator. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Operator II level are normally filled by advancement from the Operator I level.
- Performs construction, maintenance, operation, and repair of the District’s water distribution system; performs a variety of water facilities maintenance work including main line, service line, and fire hydrant installation, replacement, and repair; water main line and hydrant valve turning and flushing; pipe cutting; line tapping; water meter installation, replacement, repair, and testing; and angle stops, ball valves, and various size meter box installations.
- Cuts, breaks, and hauls asphalt and concrete; mixes and finishes concrete; prepares for and lays asphalt; operates a variety of equipment and tools including backhoes, front loaders, forklifts, skip loaders, rollers, dump trucks, boom truck, service truck, jack hammers, pavement saws, cutting torches, compressors, compactors, pneumatic tools, pumps, and hand and power tools; loads and unloads vehicles and equipment.
- Assists in performing water quality samples analyses; assists in preparing tests and analyzing distribution system well, reservoir, and treatment plant samples for a variety of items including ammonia, nitrites, chlorine, monochloramines, color, turbidity, conductivity, and related items.
- Trains other staff on minor water infrastructure repairs and meter replacement procedures.
- Maintains assigned equipment and vehicles; performs safety checks and checks fluid levels of vehicles and equipment; cleans assigned vehicles and equipment.
- Sets traffic control including safety devices, signs, and barricades; ensures safety of public and work crew.
- Performs a variety of other duties in support of department operations; cleans service yard; cleans and paints buildings and well sites; paints hydrants; repairs fences and gates; maintains grounds by planting and weeding; performs event set-up/break-down functions; assists in performing minor repairs and electrical work; may respond to public inquiries.
- Performs emergency repairs; responds to emergency calls at irregular hours.
- Maintains work, time, and material records; may prepare statistical reports and data analyses of assigned activities; may prepare daily reports.
- Attends safety and training sessions and seminars.
- Participates in mandatory standby duty based on operational needs and responds to emergencies.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
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:
Operator I
- Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade. Vocational training in maintenance and repair is desirable.
- One year of experience in the construction, operation, maintenance, and/or repair of water systems or related electrical or mechanical equipment or systems. Experience working with water distribution is preferred.
Operator II
- Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade, supplemented by vocational or technical training in water utility science, water distribution infrastructure maintenance and repair practices, mechanical maintenance and repair practices, or construction inspection.
- Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation, maintenance, installation, and repair of water distribution infrastructure.
Certifications and Licenses:
- Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
- Operator I: Possession of Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 Certification issued by State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
- Operator I: Valid California class A driver’s license with air brake endorsement desirable, but not required.
- Operator I: Possession of Water Treatment Operator Grade T1 issued by SWRCB desirable, but not required.
- Operator II: Possession of Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 Certification issued by SWRCB.
- Operator II: Possession of Water Treatment Operator Grade T2 issued by SWRCB.
- Operator II: Must possess a valid Class A driver’s license at time of appointment.
Other:
- Must reside within 40 miles of the nearest boundary to Mesa Water District in order to participate in the mandatory standby program based on operational needs and respond to emergencies.
Knowledge:
- Procedures, methods, tools, and equipment used in the operation of motors, pumps, compressors, electrical panels, automatic controls, valves, timers, and related equipment.
- Title 22, CCR and OCWD’s programs impacted by numerous regulatory agencies, including the State Water Resources Control Board, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Orange County Department of Public Health, and Cal OSHA.
- Domestic water sampling techniques.
- Mathematical principles related to the computation of flows and volumes in water storage and distribution systems.
- Proper work safety standards.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
- The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
- Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.
Abilities:
- Inspect and diagnose operating problems on pumps, electric motors, engines, valves, automatic control systems, and related equipment.
- Disassemble pump systems, perform repairs, and reassemble repaired systems.
- Read and interpret pump and reservoir charts and gauges.
- Collect water samples.
- Perform arithmetical calculations, including the calculation of chlorine dosages, reservoir volumes, and production.
- Maintain accurate records.
- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing to effectively perform the work.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, and procedural guidelines.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Physical Demands:
Mobility to perform heavy, moderate or light lifting; walk, stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; exert moderate to heavy physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling; ability to verbally communicate to exchange information; and operate motorized equipment and vehicles; ability to see in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment.
Working Conditions:
Field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical hazards, toxic/poisonous substances, unpleasant odors, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.
Salary : $69,222 - $113,402