Backflow Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $51,254.94 - $78,410.80 Annually
Location : Water Service: 251 South Hayes Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2195-PW-2607-VM
Department: PUBLIC WORKS
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
Closing Date: 7/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
The City of Oxnard's Public Works Water Division is seeking a Backflow Specialist Technician to become part of the Team. This position is a member of a dedicated service-oriented team where collaboration, leadership, and growth are promoted at all levels. The Water Division's priority is to provide safe and reliable drinking water to our customers and to provide the highest level of customer service.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Ensure compliance with field backflow assemblies, cross connection management, and hazard assessments as required under the State Water Resources Control Board Cross Connection Policy Handbook of the California Health and Safety Code (CHSC, section 116275 (h)).
• Perform installations, repairs, assembly, cleaning, certification, testing, and inspections of backflow/cross-connection assemblies.
• Work with contractors to ensure proper size, type, location, and placement of backflow preventers.
• Estimate time and materials for work projects.
• Assign service orders to staff.
• Identify water theft and changes in consumption patterns and other potential repair issues on multiple routes.
• Inspecting work in progress.
• Make safety recommendations to supervisors.
• May serve as a lead worker, training personnel, and assuring adherence to safe work methods.

PAYROLL/CLASSIFICATION TITLE:
Backflow Specialist Technician
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is a stand-alone classification in the Utilities job family.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED/SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Receives general supervision on routine items which are performed according to established standards and procedures and receives specific work instruction regarding non- routine matters and deadlines.
WORK SCHEDULE:
The normal work week is Monday through Thursday, 7:00am to 4:30pm, and alternating Fridays 7:00am-3:30pm.Depending on the work assignment, staff may be assigned to a shift that is outside the standard work hours. In addition, this position may be required to be available to work additional hours in response to peaks in workloads and changes in department needs. Employees may be required to work rotational stand-by assignments outside of normal working hours and report to work on a callback basis, as needed, within a designated response time. Standby assignments are at the discretion of the Division Head.
Essential Functions
This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Department.

• Assembles backflow prevention assemblies, excavates to expose pipes, soldering pipes and connecting fittings, and replaces damaged and faulty backflow preventers, assembles and installs backflow cages and mixing, and finishes concrete pads.
• Installs fittings on backflow prevention assemblies to connect the differential pressure gauge for periodic testing
• Conducts periodic and routine tests and assessments of backflow prevention assemblies.
• Conducts hazard assessments/inspections of all service connections within the City service area to ensure appropriate backflow prevention assemblies are in place for the risk at hand and makes recommendations to customers for corrective device actions if necessary
• Performs documentation for data and record management; verifies existing field data and makes and/or recommends corrective action when necessary
• Operates equipment such as backhoes, truck-mounted cranes, pneumatic tools, compactors, and other
• specialty tools and equipment; operates basic technical equipment such as computers and smart devices for data recording and management
• Inspects, tests, repairs, and/or replaces all assemblies not in compliance as necessary to assure compliance with City and State Regulations.
• Maintains all testing devices and ensures calibration and compliance; Maintains test data records on backflow preventers
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
• Maintains bi-annual recertification and CEU requirements for Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification

Minimum Qualifications
The following are the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the classification:
EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE:

• Three (3) years of related utilities maintenance and/or repair experience that may include specialized vocational training.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
• Completion of an approved and qualifying Backflow Tester Course within 12 months of employment.
• Possession of a valid Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification from a certifying organization recognized by the State Water Resources Control Board within 12 months of employment.
• Continual Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification in good standing is a condition of continued employment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing

General Information
APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Submit NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line application.
• Complete and submit responses to the supplemental questions, if required.
• Upload resume, cover letter, proof of degree (transcript), or other requested documents.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the online application and include the information only on the resume. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted. Cover letters and/or optional resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.
The list of qualified candidates established from this recruitment may be used to fill other full-time, part-time, and temporary assignments. There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy within the Public Works Department, Water Division.
Selected candidate(s) must pass a thorough reference check and background investigation. Some positions that work with or have access to the Police Department may require a polygraph exam. Select positions may require candidates to undergo a pre-employment medical and/or psychological evaluation.
UNION MEMBERSHIP:
Positions in this classification are represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE).
NOTE:
For most positions, the City of Oxnard relies on office automation (Microsoft Office/Google) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions.
Employees are required to participate in the City's direct deposit plan and are paid on a bi-weekly basis.
This position requires a 12-month probationary period. Internal applicant probationary periods will be governed by the applicable MOU.
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them.
If a candidate accepts a conditional job offer with the City of Oxnard, any and all pending applications for active recruitments with the City of Oxnard will be withdrawn and no longer considered.
This position is governed by the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime pay.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or sexual orientation.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodation for individuals/people with disabilities. If you believe you require special arrangements to participate in the testing process, you must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the filing date. Applicants who request such accommodation must document their request with an explanation of the type and extent of accommodation required.
LEGAL REQUIREMENT:
On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended. The City participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS. 888-897-7781
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Vivian Morales at vivian.morales@oxnard.org
NOTE:
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice
Retirement Contributions:
New members (as defined by PEPRA), 2% @ 62; "Classic" members 2% @ 55. The employee will be required to pay a portion of their annual earnings toward their retirement. The City of Oxnard does not participate in social security.
Vacation Time:
Full time employees accrue vacation time at a rate of 4.39 - 8.08 hours per pay period based on years of service.
Sick Time:
Full time employees accrue sick time at a rate of 3.70 hours per pay period.
Bilingual Pay:
A regular full time employee may receive bilingual pay at the rate of $50.00-$125.00 bi-weekly depending on the level the employee is required to provide bilingual services as determined by the City Manager or designee.
Educational Incentive:
For positions that do not require aBachelor's Degree, the City offers an educational incentive award of 2.5% for employees that complete 30 work-related college semester units above the minimum education requirements for the position.
Health and Dental:
Employees can choose from a variety of medical plans provided by the City. The City's contribution to medical coverage is outlined below:
Level One - For employees hired before January 1, 2023, the City contributes $1,543.00 per month toward medical insurance premiums and an additional $74.21 per month toward dental insurance premiums. Employees will receive cash back if the medical plan they choose is less than the City's monthly contribution of $1,543.00 per month. Employees who waive medical insurance will receive cash back in the amount $1,243.00 per month provided they provide proof of other qualifying coverage. Any unused dental premium monies are paid to the employee. If employees hired prior to January 1, 2023 make any changes to their health plan, they will be placed in level two.
Level Two - For employees hired on or after January 1, 2023, the City will contribute $2,054.00 towards medical insurance premiums with no cash back. Employees who waive medical insurance will receive $500.00 per month cash back provided they show proof of other qualifying coverage. The City will provide $66.80 per month towards dental insurance.
Life Insurance:
City employees receive Basic Life Coverage and have the option to purchase additional insurance.
Deferred Compensation:
The City contributes 1% to a deferred compensation program.
Tuition Reimbursement:
Full-time employees receive reimbursement of educational expenses including the costs of tuition, registration fees, laboratory fees, and books at a rate of 50% for work related coursework up to a maximum of $500 per fiscal year.
Holidays:
The City observes 12 holidays per year
01
Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess three (3) years of related utilities maintenance and/or repair experience that may include specialized vocational training?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you possess a valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No

Required Question