Job Description

Water Operator I 

SALARY $4,217.21 to $5,128.35 Monthly

FINAL FILING DATE Tuesday, July 29, 2025, by 5:00 pm

The City of Waterford is inviting qualified individuals to apply for the position of Water Operator I. The starting pay at Level I is $24.33 per hour, paid bi-weekly. This is a full-time position with an exceptional benefit package, including CalPERS retirement. The information below is a detailed job description and outlines the requirements for this position. Only qualified individuals who submit a completed and original signed City of Waterford application and current resume will be considered.

INTERVIEWS: The most highly qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the interview process.

HOW TO APPLY: Submit an original signed employment application, current resume and a list of work-related references with contact information to: City of Waterford, Attn: Human Resources, 101 E Street or PO Box 199, Waterford, CA 95386 by Tuesday, July 29, 2025, no later than 5:00 PM.

City of Waterford application including all required submittals is required by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. The City of Waterford employment application are available in a pdf fillable form on the city website, and available at City Hall, 101 E Street, Waterford, CA 95386. Completed applications and associated required documents can be mailed to City of Waterford, ATTN: Human Resources, PO Box 199, Waterford, CA 95386 or delivered to 101 E Street, Waterford, CA 95386, or emailed to pkrause@cityofwaterford.org. Application materials will be used to identify candidates who will be invited to participate in other components of the examination process which may include an oral board and department interview.

THE POSITION

WATER OPERATOR I

This is the entry level class in the Water Operator series. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or non-directly related work experience. Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. This classification is flexibly staffed with Water Operator I and incumbents may advance to the higher level after obtaining the required certification, gaining experience, and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher-level class.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Operates and maintains water wells and pumping equipment to include electric motors. Diesel engines, pumps, meters, air compressors, and emergency alarm and piping systems within the City’s water system.

• Maintains the SCADA system and related equipment; monitors and adjusts chemical doses; cleans and maintains the motor control centers and VFDs; conducts inspections of pump facilities and makes adjustments as needed.

• Reviews plans for major maintenance, repair, and construction projects; inspects work completed by outside contractors to ensure completion and compliance with established specifications.

• Operates, services, and repairs strand-by generators, natural gas, and diesel engine; maintains electrical panels, controls, and VFD enclosures.

• Utilizes and maintains a variety of hand tools, meters, trucks, and equipment used in water testing and the maintenance and repair of water and wastewater systems.

• Communicates with City personnel and various outside agencies to exchange information, coordinate activities, and resolve issues or concerns.

• Installs, maintains, and repairs water meters and related service lines; inspects meters and service lines for leaks and malfunctions; identifies abnormally high consumption levels.

• Identifies water lines, sewer, and storm locations for underground excavations; maps system schematics and manhole locations as needed.

• Collects water samples at various points throughout the water system; performs test on samples; prepares samples for deliveries to laboratories.

• Reviews and analyzes operational information and test results; notifies supervisors of unusual situations; makes corrections to system as instructed.

• Maintains accurate records of gauge, chart, graph, and meter readings, chemical test results, and work performed.

• Performs clean-up and mitigation of sewer spills; coordinates emergency response staff.

• Participates in instructing, guiding, and directing assigned staff on work procedures.

• Utilizes a teamwork approach to learn the department functions necessary to continue effective City operations to allow the City to carry on in case of illness, or unexpected employee turnover; participates in cross-training as needed to accomplish this goal.

• Assists with Wastewater Operator duties, as needed.

• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

WATER OPERATOR I

Education and/or Experience:

High school diploma or GED equivalent; one (1) year of progressively responsible public works or utility operations and maintenance experience is desirable.

Licenses/Certificates:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class B Commercial driver’s license.

Possession of a Grade I Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State of California Department of Health Services.

Knowledge of:

• AWWA standards.

• Cross connection prevention.

• Applicable State, Federal, and local codes, laws, and regulations.

• Safety requirements for operation of trucks and other equipment.

• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

• Record maintenance policies, procedures, and practices.

Skill in:

• Perform maintenance, repair, and installation of water and wastewater systems and equipment.

• Operating a variety of tools and equipment.

• Operating hand and power tools competently and safely.

• Reading, interpreting, and recording data accurately.

• Working independently and as part of a team; working with little or no direct supervision.

• Following written and oral directions; communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Observing safety principles and working in a safe manner.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION AND FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE

Employment Process: Applications are screened for relevant education, experience and/or licensing requirements as stated on the job announcement. Those persons most qualified may be required to compete in any combination of written, oral, performance and/or assessment center examinations. Successful completion of a medical examination, which includes drug testing, is required subsequent to the offer of hire. A probationary period is the final part of the selection process.

Immigration and Reform Act: In compliance with the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the City of Waterford will only hire individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Job Classification and Salary: Water Operator I reports directly to the Water Supervisor and indirectly to the Public Works Director. The Water Operator I is a represented classification of the Miscellaneous Bargaining Unit and has an FLSA status of non-exempt. Starting salary is the first step of the range listed for Water Operator I; however, subsequent salary increases within the range are scheduled annually and may be granted based upon satisfactory service.

Holidays: The City presently recognizes 11 regular holidays, plus one floating personal holiday.

Vacation: Full-time employees accumulate vacation at the rate of 80 hours per year increasing to a maximum of 160 hours based on years of service.

Sick Leave: Full-time employees accumulate 8 hours per month.

Deferred Compensation (ICMA 457 plan – Employee Funded): Employees may defer up to a maximum of $23,500 in 2025. 

Employee Assistance Program: The City offers full-time employees and their dependents an EAP program which provides a variety of professional services.

Insurance: The City provides a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental and vision for full-time employees and their dependents.

Life Insurance: Basic Life Insurance with a maximum value of $40,000. Additional life insurance is available for employee purchase.

Retirement: The City participates in the P.E.R.S (Public Employee Retirement System). Full-time City employees contribute 8% of their salary to their P.E.R.S retirement account. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee. The City is subject to the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). The City’s retirement plan has reciprocity with various other California Public Retirement Systems. The retirement formula for new employees is based on the category below that the new employee falls under.

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