Small Water System Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $59,443.90 - $83,221.22 Annually
Location : Water Service: 251 South Hayes Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2100-PW-2606-VM
Department: PUBLIC WORKS
Opening Date: 06/26/2026
Description
*This recruitment is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Early submissions are encouraged.*
The City of Oxnard's Public Works Department is seeking qualified Water Distribution Operators to join the Water Division team. Reporting directly to the Water Distribution Chief Operator, this position plays an essential role in the operation and maintenance of the City's water distribution system.
As a member of a dedicated, service-focused team, the Water Distribution Operator will work in a collaborative environment that values teamwork, leadership, and professional development at every level. The Water Division is committed to providing the community with safe, reliable drinking water while delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Operate heavy equipment, including but not limited to backhoes, dump trucks, and skid steers
• Perform routine distribution maintenance on water system appurtenances
• Install, repair, and replace water services, water mains, water meters, and other distribution appurtenances
• Work in traffic and provide traffic control, and set up appropriate traffic control signs, barricades, and message boards
• Provide quality customer service to both internal and external customers
• Train new staff members on maintenance procedures
• Keep abreast of current water regulation and safety requirements
• Work in trenches and confined spaces
• Perform on-call duties and after-hours work as necessary

PAYROLL/CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Utilities Field Technician, Senior
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This classification is distinguished from the Utilities Field Technician in that it performs skilled inspection, maintenance, and repair work of assigned equipment, and may serve as a lead worker by assigning work and monitoring work completion.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED/SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Incumbents may serve as lead workers, assigning and monitoring the work of others.
WORK SCHEDULE: The normal work schedule is a 4/10 work schedule, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, or Tuesday through Friday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. 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 are required to work rotational stand-by assignments outside of normal working hours and report to work on a callback basis, as needed, within an hour 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.

• Performs skilled installation, maintenance, repair, and/or replacement of equipment in the assigned area of water distribution, and/or utility meter operations; may serve as a lead worker by assigning and monitoring the work of others.
• Performs inspections of equipment, systems, and work sites in assigned area; identifies issues related to equipment, operating processes, measurements, calibration, and/or service quality; addresses issues by making repairs, recommendations, adjustments, and/or referring complex issues to appropriate resource.
• Organizes and maintains assigned equipment, tools, supplies, and materials; maintains activity records, files, and documentation related to the assignment area.
• Receives and responds to inquiries and information requests; provides general information related to the area of assignment; refers specialized, technical requests to the appropriate resource. Responds to emergency requests, as required.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Positions assigned to water distribution system may be responsible for:

• Providing maintenance for the water distribution system;
• Operating heavy and light equipment;
• Locating and marking water mains and other appurtenances;
• Assisting with sampling;
• Performing traffic control during repairs;
• Installing and removing water services and connections;
• Performing janitorial and grounds maintenance for facilities.

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

• High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE:

• One (1) year of related utilities maintenance and/or repair experience

LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution D1 Certification upon hire
• Valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record
• Valid California Class A Driver's License within 12 months of hire
• California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution D2 Certification within 12 months of hire

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

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

General Information
APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Submit NEOGOV/Government Jobs online 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.
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
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 one (1) year of related utilities maintenance and/or repair experience?

• Yes
• No

03
Are you available to work on-call, after hours, weekends, and holidays during emergencies and as required?

• Yes
• No

04
Please select the level of Water Distribution Operator Certification you possess.

• I do not possess a Water Distribution Operator Certification
• Water Distribution Operator D1 Certificate
• Water Distribution Operator D2 Certificate
• Water Distribution Operator D3 Certificate
• Water Distribution Operator D4 Certificate
• Water Distribution Operator D5 Certificate

Required Question