Operations Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $58,219.20 - $70,761.60 Annually
Location : City of Vernon City Hall 4305 Santa Fe Ave. Vernon, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 7933-002-06-16-2026
Department: Public Utilities
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Summary
WATER OPERATIONS TRAINEE
MONTHLY SALARY: $4,852 - $5,898
PLUS, AN EXCELLENT BENEFITS PACKAGE
FINAL FILING DEADLINE
SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2026, 11:59 PM OR ONCE 100 QUALIFIED APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.
THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO FILL ONE FULL-TIME VACANCY IN THE AND TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST TO BE USED FOR FUTURE VACANCIES.
Under close supervision, to learn and assist in performing water system maintenance and repair work, operational activities and related tasks as required. Performs routine manual labor involving minor construction, maintenance, repair activities and a wide variety of tasks in the inspection, monitoring, installation, and repair of City water distribution systems and facilities.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Water Operations Trainee is a full-time, entry-level classification in which incumbents gain experience performing increasingly skilled work in the construction, maintenance, and repair of City water distribution systems. Under close supervision, incumbents learn to perform semi-skilled and skilled duties in installation, repair, and maintenance of the City water related operations. Employees in this class typically report to a Supervisor and may receive lead work direction and guidance from Senior or Lead level employees.
Essential Functions
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists with the installation of new fire hydrants, water service and fire service connections; break out and excavates, removes asphalt, concrete, and dirt; set up and removal of traffic control.
• Operates various heavy equipment and motorized vehicles.
• Assists with the repair and maintenance of water service connections, upgrades, and meter replacement.
• Assists with water service turn off and turn on activities.
• Assists and performs confined space entry to water service vaults, and reservoirs.
• Assists with the repair and maintenance of fire hydrants.
• Assists with water distribution system leak repairs and maintenance activities; fire hydrant flushing and main line valve exercising programs.
• Assists with the repair and maintenance of water production wells, booster pumps, reservoirs, and water facilities.
• Assists with a variety of routine maintenance and repair activities at well and pumping plant facilities such as grounds maintenance, trash removal, weed removal, weed spraying; clean, prep and paint wells, booster pumps, and associated piping.
• Assists in performing routine water facility inspections., inspects chlorine pumps, production wells and booster pumps; monitors chlorine levels; collects water and electric reads, inputs data and prepares daily, monthly, and annual water production reports.
• Assists with after-hour emergency calls as needed.
• Assists in responding to Dig Alert tickets; updates logs; extracts information and inputs data into computer systems.
• Assists in updating records and advising supervisor of any materials that need to be ordered.
• Digs and back-fills excavations using manual and/or powered tools and equipment.
• Stocks inventory supplies; inspects tools and City vehicles to ensure they are clean and in safe working order; reports deficiencies to supervisor as necessary.
• Inspects all tools and vehicles to verify they are clean and safe to operate; makes arrangements for or notifies supervisor of necessary repairs or cleaning.
• Performs meter reading for utility billing.
• Loads and unloads materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Installs barricades and flashers for public safety purposes.
• Provides manual assistance to semi-skilled and skilled workers.
• Works with others while engaged in emergency repair and restoration activities.
• Ensures the work areas are maintained in a clean and orderly manner.
• Assists with and performs daily equipment inspections and routine preventive maintenance of equipment; removes trash and weeds; inspects facilities and reports security concerns.
• Contributes to a safety conscious work environment by closely following City, State and industry established general and standard water operating procedures, subscribing to industry best practices, and complying with regulatory requirements.
• May assist in the operation of light to medium trucks, skip loaders, pavement breakers, hydraulic pumps, jackhammers, pipe cutters, power generators, tampers, and a wide variety of other hand and power equipment.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: High School diploma or GED; AND One year of construction, or repair and maintenance of mechanical equipment and machinery, underground utility installation, or water distribution systems repair and maintenance work experience. One year of college level course work or trade school in water distribution, water treatment, or related field may be substituted for one year of experience.
Supplemental Information
Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Regulatory requirements for the operation, maintenance, and repair of water utilities.
• Principles and practices of water distribution system maintenance and repair.
• State and federal environmental protection codes and regulations; Emergency response and first-responder procedures and other safety, environmental compliance rules, requirements, and regulations including Cal-OSHA and Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
• Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.
• Common hand and power tools.
• Customer service standards and protocols.

Skill in:

• Learning the operation of water system equipment and materials.
• Working in an operational capacity in a water system field environment.
• Understanding, interpreting, and applying detailed work procedures and standards applicable to the repair, maintenance, and installation of water systems and facilities.
• Comprehending and executing written and verbal instructions.
• Safely operating various motorized vehicles and equipment.
• Safely operating and maintaining hand tools and equipment.
• Building relationships and fostering teamwork.
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with supervisors and leads, fellow employees and the public.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: A valid California State Driver's License is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed off site and in an outdoor environment around water wells, water pumping plants and water distribution systems. May be exposed to dangerous machinery, energized equipment, and electric shock. May be exposed to extreme weather conditions, hazardous chemicals, and infectious diseases. May be required to climb ladders, work in trenches or confined spaces and work around moving traffic. May be required to lift and carry items weighing over 50 pounds. Routine exposure to the elements. Works a set schedule per department needs, however, 24/7 operations may require the need to work alternative schedules including nights, weekends, and rotating shifts.
Pursuant to California Government Code §3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisors or by law.
SELECTION PROCESS: Completed application packets will be reviewed and only the applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the City, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. The selection process may include a written in-person multiple choice exam and an external virtual panel interview. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for the position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Applications must be submitted onlineIf you submit multiple applications, only the most recent application will be considered. Stating "see resume" is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. To view the complete job description, please visit our website at It is the applicant's responsibility to notify the Human Resources Department of any changes to their contact information.
"The City of Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer"
CITY OF VERNON - HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Leslie Alvarado, Human Resources Technician
- (323) 583-8811, ext. 312
The City of Vernon offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental vision, life, and long term disability insurance.
Retirement Benefit: Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS):
Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired non-safety employees who are new CalPERS members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at 62 benefit formula. New members will be required to pay 7% as their member contribution.
An employee who is a "classic" member of CalPERS, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% at 55 benefit formula. Classic employees urrently pay an 8% employee contribution and a 3% share of the employer contribution.
Cafeteria Benefits Plan: The City offers a monthly allowance towards the purchase of a HMO, PPO or HSA medical plan for the employee and their family members. Any remaining amount can be used towards the purchase of a HMO or PPO Dental plan and Vision coverage for dependents. Vision coverage is included at no cost to the employee. Supplemental Insurance plans are available.
Holiday pay: The City has 13 authorized holidays per calendar year.
Bilingual pay: Employees in eligible positions who successfully demonstrate Spanish speaking skills would be eligible to receive an additional $275.00 a month.
Vacation:
Continuous Years of Service Vacation Hours Earned Bi-Weekly Accrual
1st year thru 4th year 80hrs; 3.08 accrual rate
5th year thru 9th year 100hrs; 3.85 accrual rate
10th year thru 14th year 120hrs; 4.62 accrual rate
15th year thru 24th year 160hrs; 6.16 accrual rate
25th year and more 190hrs; 7.31 accrual rate
Vacation 24/7 Operation:
Continuous Years of Service Vacation Hours Earned Bi-Weekly Accrual
1st year thru 4th year 96hrs; 3.69 accrual rate
5th year thru 9th year 120hrs; 4.61 accrual rate
10th year thru 14th year 144hrs; 5.53 accrual rate
15th year thru 24th year 192hrs; 7.38 accrual rate
25th year and more 228hrs; 8.76 accrual rate
City offers vacation cash out.
Sick Leave: All full-time employees shall accrue up to 80 hours of sick leave per calendar year, at a rate of 3.08 hours per pay period.
Tuition Reimbursement: $2,200.00 is available to those who satisfactorily complete job related college courses.
Hybrid Work Program: The City offers a hybrid work schedule for elgible positions. The City allows a combination/flexible work schedule upto 50% remote work.
Other Benefits: Most employees work a 4/10 schedule. In addition, the City offers paid parental leave, bereavement leave and jury duty.
Miscellaneous Benefits: The City provides an interest-free loan program for the purchase of a computer, corrective eye surgery and a hearing aide device.
The City of Vernon encourages you to log onto our website for the benefit details
01
Completion of the following supplemental questionnaire is REQUIRED for your application. The information you provide will be evaluated to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the recruitment process. Please be detailed and include all information requested. Comments such as "see resume" or "see application" are not valid responses. All submitted information is subject to verification at any time during the recruitment and selection process. Falsification of any information or failure to complete this questionnaire as instructed may result in disqualification. I understand and will abide by the above information and instructions (Please type your full name.)
02
Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you possess at least one (1) Full-Time year of construction, or repair and maintenance of mechanical equipment and machinery, underground utility installation, or water distribution systems repair and maintenance work experience?Please Note: One year of college level course work or trade school