Entry Utility Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $61,880.00 - $101,025.60 Annually
Location : 83101 Avenue 45, Indio, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 07/08/2026
Department: WATER PROD/STORAGE
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: 8/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
***DISCLAIMER: The City reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received. The City is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make all reasonable accommodations for the disabled to participate in employment programs and facilities. Women, minorities, and disabled individuals are encouraged to apply. The finalist candidate must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen.*** DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
IWA Water Utility Worker I
This is an entry/trainee level classification in the Utility Worker series. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine and less complex assignments within an established procedural framework, where there are minimal consequences of error, including a wide variety of maintenance and installation tasks in water distribution systems construction, maintenance, and repair. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This classification is alternatively staffed with IWA Water Utility Worker II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience, obtaining a Grade D2 Water Distribution Certificate from the State of California, and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher level class.
IWA Water Utility Worker II
This is a journey level classification in the IWA Water Utility Worker series. This position is responsible for performing the full range of assigned duties and demonstrate experience in installation, preventative maintenance, and repair activity of water distribution systems. This classification is alternatively staffed with Senior IWA Water Utility Worker and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience, obtaining a Grade D3 Water Distribution Certificate from the State of California, and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher level class.
Duties
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
IWA Water Utility Worker I
Receives immediate supervision or direction from the Senior IWA Water Utility Worker depending on assignment to work crews. Incumbents in this class do not routinely exercise supervision.
IWA Water Utility Worker II
Receives general supervision from the Senior IWA Water Utility Worker. May provide technical and functional supervision to entry-level water utility personnel, seasonal, and/or temporary staff.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Learns to perform and performs various tasks involved in the maintenance and repair of water distribution systems, and related facilities and equipment, including water mains and lines, water meters, hydrants, valves, and backflow devices; collects water samples; turns on and/or shuts off water under special circumstances; locates and marks underground utilities for contractors.
• Installs water lines, water meters, and related equipment involved in water hook-ups; participates in the limited construction of water systems; participates in the reading, maintenance, and repair of water meters; maintains daily records of meter maintenance and repair activities.
• Operates heavy equipment, such as dump trucks, backhoes, and other power-driven equipment; cleans and performs routine maintenance on tools and small motorized equipment.
• Patches and otherwise repairs roadways due to water leaks.
• Responds to emergency call-outs and well site alarms.
• Assists in maintaining the Asset Management Program, including tracking existing and the addition of new assets, tracking operations and maintenance activities, implementing standardized business processes, and other related reporting.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

OTHER DUTIES: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Answers emergency calls from the public and other agencies taking appropriate action.

• Assists street crews in street/roadway repairs.
• Assists Police Department in traffic coning and control at accident sites.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)
IWA Water Utility Worker I
Education:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
Experience:
One year of experience in construction and/or maintenance work in which the use of plumbing or pipefitting skills and tools were required. Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment
License/Certificate:
Possession of a valid Class B California driver's license.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Grade DI Water Distribution Certificate from the State of California within one year of employment.
May be assigned by management to perform duties that do not require a D1 Water Distribution Certificate.
IWA Water Utility Worker II
Education:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
Experience:
The required qualification is to possess one additional year of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems equivalent to that of an IWA Water Utility Worker I in the City of Indio.
License/Certificate:
Possession of a valid Class B California driver's license.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Grade D2 Water Distribution Certificate from the State of California within one year of employment.
Additional Information
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: (The following are a representative sample of the KSA's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)
Knowledge of:
Equipment and procedures involved in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems and related equipment and facilities; related laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; modern office procedures, practices, methods, and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation; proper English, spelling, and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Skill to:
Safely and effectively operate a variety of diagnostic equipment and power and hand tools used in water production and distribution systems maintenance; operate modern office equipment including computers and applications related to the work, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet software.
Ability to:
Maintain and repair water distribution systems and all related equipment; keep routine records; read and interpret plans and maps; work effectively in the absence of supervision; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow-up on work assignments; operate assigned light and heavy equipment in maintenance and repair work; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A flex benefit is provided monthly. There are several medical insurance programs, two dental plans and one vision plan from which to choose.
RETIREMENT: City participates in the 2% @ 62 for new PERS miscellaneous members and 2.7 @ 57 for New PERS sworn program. The City also participates in social security. Please contact Human Resources if you are an existing PERS member.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution, a choice of two 457 plans.
VACATION LEAVE: Based on length of employment with the City. 0<4 years = 3.08 hours, 4<7 years = 4.62 hours, 7<10 years = 5.54 hours, 10 years = 6.15 hours, 11 years = 6.46 hours, 12 years = 6.77 hours, 13 years = 7.08 hours, 14 years = 7.39 hours and 15 more years = 7.69 hours.
Maximum vacation accumulation shall be three (3) times that employee's annual accrual coinciding with his/her current rate of earning. Upon reaching this ceiling, no more vacation shall accumulate until vacation is taken.
HOLIDAYS: City observes thirteen (13) holidays each year.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY (LTD): Benefit pays 66.67% of earnings to a maximum of $10,000 per month; 60 day waiting period; pays to age 65. Benefit can be coordinated with other available leave balances providing 100% of pay.
LIFE INSURANCE: $50,000 term life. Premiums paid by the City. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for purchase.
MILEAGE: Employees who are required to use their personal vehicles for City business shall be reimbursed at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) standard mileage rate.
EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT: May be reimbursed for actual cost, subject to availability of funds.
OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, or Resolution. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.
01
Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess at least one year of experience in construction and/or maintenance work in which the use of plumbing or pipefitting skills and tools were required?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you possess one additional year of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems equivalent to that of an IWA Water Utility Worker I in the City of Indio?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you possess a valid Class B California driver's license?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you possess a Grade DI Water Distribution Certificate from the State of California?

• Yes
• No

06
Do you possess a Grade D2 Water Distribution Certificate from the State of California?

• Yes
• No

07
List the name of the employer, your job title, and the dates of employment where you gained the required experience. You must provide the requested information. Responses including "see resume" or "see application" will result in rejection of your application.
Required Question