Senior Water Distribution Operator

The Position

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

9/11/25, 9/25/25, 10/24/25, 11/24/25, 12/26/25, 1/26/26, 2/26/26 (final)

Senior Water Distribution Operators perform the most complex duties in connection with the operation, maintenance, construction, and repair of water distribution systems, hydraulic power systems and hydro-pneumatic systems. Positions in this class also serve as a lead worker over one or more Water System Operators.

Examples Of Knowledge And Abilities

Knowledge of

• The California Safe Drinking Water Act
• EPA Standards, Rules and Regulations ensuring safe drinking water and protecting ground water
• The methods, tools, materials, and equipment used in the construction, inspection, troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of water distribution systems and the interrelationship of equipment and systems
• Safety regulations, practices and procedures required when working in a variety of working conditions using hand tools, light equipment, and vehicles
• Identity of underground utilities and recognition of potential excavation conflicts
• First aid and CPR
• A variety of computer software applications to include word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs, SCADA and CMMS
• Welding techniques and practices
• Procedures and corrective actions to respond to emergency and special operating conditions
  
  

Ability to

• Provide lead direction
• Train and mentor personnel
• Construct, inspect, troubleshoot, repair and maintain water distribution systems
• Perform strenuous physical labor
• Use a variety of hand, precision, and power tools
• Drive a variety of mobile equipment such as dump trucks, water trucks, backhoes, tractors, vacuum vehicles, utility trucks, step vans, and forklifts on paved and/or uneven terrain such as hills, slopes, rocky or wet ground
• Read, interpret and utilize manufacturer’s specifications, operations manuals, piping schematics, water system maps, plans, blueprints, etc.
• Perform operational mathematics
• Maintain courteous and effective relationships with County employees and the general public
• Read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance
• Effectively communicate verbally and in written correspondence
• Handle contact with external customers or the public with tact and good judgment
• Work effectively in a team environment
• Provide first aid and CPR
• Use computer equipment and related peripheral equipment to enter and extract information
  
  

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Either: 1. One year of full-time experience in the class of Water System Operator or Assistant Underground Construction and Maintenance Specialist in Sacramento County service performing duties which have included the construction, repair, maintenance and operation of water distribution systems, water treatment facilities, water wells, water booster pumping stations, water storage facilities, and storm water pumping stations.

Or: 2. Two years of full-time experience in the construction, repair, and maintenance of one or more of the following systems: underground pipeline, wastewater collection, storm water collection, or underground water distribution.

Note: If the word “experience” is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

General Qualifications

Licenses:

• A valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher is required prior to appointment to this class. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• A valid California Driver’s License, Class A, and/or special endorsements including but not limited to the Hazardous Materials Endorsement is required for some positions.
  
  

Note: Failure to maintain the appropriate California Driver’s License and/or endorsement(s) constitutes cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining unit agreements

Certifications:

• Water Distribution Grade 2 (D2) certificate: All incumbents must possess and maintain a valid Water Distribution Operator Grade 2 (D2) certificate issued by the State of California, Department of Health Services (DHS) at time of appointment.
  
  

Note: Failure to maintain the certificate may constitute a cause for termination from this class in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining unit agreement. The appropriate amount of continuing education hours must be completed as required by the State of California to maintain the required certification.

Criminal History Check: The County may access criminal history information on all candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment for this class consistent with the provisions of Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 82-602, Personnel Policies and applicable Federal and State law. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate's ability to perform the job duties of this class unless it is determined that mitigating circumstances exist. For purposes of accessing criminal history information, the candidate will be fingerprinted. A subsequent arrest notification may be obtained.

Physical Requirements:

• Perform strenuous manual labor
• Perform tasks requiring manual dexterity
• While carrying equipment which may weigh up to 25 pounds, safely climb and work on ladders with a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds
• Stand on a ladder while performing tasks with both hands
• Wear respiratory protection
• Lift and carry heavy equipment and tools weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance; lift heavier items with assistance
• Frequently bend, stoop, squat, kneel, crouch and reach above the shoulder
• Work for extended periods of time in a bent, stooped, kneeling or prone position
• Work in areas with unsteady footing
• Enter and exit through restricted entrances of 24 and 36 inches in diameter Note: Some employees will be required to operate a jackhammer weighing up to 90 pounds.
  
  

Note: Individuals who do not meet these physical requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Working Conditions:

• Work in enclosed areas where the temperature may exceed 100 degrees
• Enter, exit, and work in enclosed and confined spaces
• Work in trenches up to 23 feet in depth
• Work outside in all types of climatic conditions including inclement or very hot weather
• Work around dust, dirt, noise, and odors
• Work on uneven terrain
• Work in hip boots during muddy conditions.
• Work around dust, dirt, noise, and odors
  
  

Shift, Weekend and Holiday Work: Water distribution functions are a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operation. All employees in this class will be subject to working shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime and standby.

Age Requirement: Candidates must be 18 years of age prior to appointment because of the hazards of the job, as defined in the Fair Labor Standard Act.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.