Small Water System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water System Operator

This is a continuous filing exam. The next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 6/8/26, 9/8/26, 12/8/26. Water System Operator is the journey level class for both the Water Distribution series and the Water Treatment series. Under direction, Water System Operators perform work in connection with the operation, maintenance, construction, and repair of water distribution systems, water treatment facilities, water wells, water booster pumping stations, water storage facilities, and storm water pumping stations. The positions in this class also operate, maintain and repair chemical handling systems, hydraulic power systems and hydro-pneumatic systems, and operate diesel driven electrical generation systems. Incumbents may be required to perform routine tasks independently when they work alone in the field.

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 tools, materials, equipment and methods used in the maintenance, repair and operation of complex mechanical equipment such as: pumps, motors, various valve and gate operators, hydraulic drives, chain and socket assemblies, air compressors, electric and pneumatic controls, chlorination, and pneumatically and hydraulically controlled valves, and associated equipment
• The tools, materials, equipment and methods used in the treatment of surface and ground water and in the construction of underground pipelines
• Basic safety precautions and practices required when working in a variety of working conditions using hand tools, light equipment, and vehicles
• The basic tests used in water treatment process control
• Computer software such as Computer Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)

Ability to:

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• 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
• Use laboratory chemicals and equipment to analyze domestic and reclaimed water
• Read, interpret and utilize manufacturer's specifications, operations manuals, piping schematics, etc.
• 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
• Use computer equipment and related peripheral equipment to enter and extract information

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Either: 1. One year of full-time experience performing duties which have included the repair, maintenance, or construction of one or more of the following systems: underground pipeline, wastewater collection, storm water collection, or underground water distribution. Or: 2. One year of full-time experience in maintenance, construction, operation, or repair of mechanical components of equipment in one or more of the following facilities: wastewater treatment plants, potable water pump stations, water treatment plants, lift stations, storm drain pumping stations, or other mechanical facilities with similar systems and equipment. Or: 3. A certificate of completion from a two-year mechanical-electrical technology program. Or: 4. Completion of two-years of a stationary engineer, plumbing, or similar trade apprenticeship program. Note: The word "experience" referenced in the minimum qualifications means full-time paid experience unless the job announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here or speak to someone in our office before the final filing or cut-off date listed in this notice.

General Qualifications 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. Driver's License: A valid California Driver 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 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. Certificates/licenses: Water Distribution Grade 1 (D1) certificate: All incumbents must possess and maintain a valid Water Distribution Operator Grade 1 (D1) certificate issued by the State of California, Department of Health Services (DHS) within one year after the date of appointment to this class or within two consecutive DHS exam cycles after the date of appointment to this class, whichever is greater. Water Treatment Grade 1 (T1) certificate: All incumbents must possess and maintain a valid Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 (T1) certificate issued by the State of California, Department of Health Services (DHS) within two years after the date of appointment to this class or within four consecutive DHS exam cycles after the date of appointment to this class, whichever is greater. Note: Failure to obtain and maintain the appropriate certificates 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 certifications. 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 Procedure 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 Abilities: 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; 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; Some positions will be required to wear respiratory protection; Demonstrate color vision sufficient to distinguish the colors on a computer screen that indicate equipment status and conditions. 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 F; 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 often at heights of 40 feet and may work occasionally at greater heights up to 100 feet. Shift, Weekend and Holiday Work: Water distribution and water treatment 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. Probationary Period The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.

Application and Testing Information

APPLICATION Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date. Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified. A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each