Small Water System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $75,862.36 - $96,822.24 Annually
Location : City Yard - 2175 28th Street, Signal Hill, CA
Job Type: Full-Time (Non-Exempt)
Job Number: 2026-0005
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Position Description
The City of Signal Hill is looking for motivated individuals to join our Public Works team!
THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME ONCE SUFFICIENT QUALIFIED APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED.
INTERESTED CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY IMMEDIATELY.
Under general supervision, leads and performs a variety of skilled work related to the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of the City's water system and facilities.
Our water facility is proudly classified as both a D4 Distribution and T2 Treatment facility. This dual classification ensures that we efficiently deliver safe, clean water to the community and expertly treat it to meet the highest safety and quality standards, providing reliable, top-tier service for all residents and businesses.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Senior Water Systems Operator is the lead classification responsible for the direction and coordinating the work of those involved in water utility systems maintenance. The incumbent performs lead supervision duties, including assisting in the planning, assigning, and evaluating the work of subordinates, giving recommendations on discipline, and providing training as required. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Water Superintendent in that the latter is responsible for the overall supervision of the maintenance and operations of the City's water distribution systems. This classification is further distinguished from Water Systems Operator and Water Maintenance Worker I/II due to its responsibility for leading, directing and coordinating the work of those involved in maintenance activities.
The submission of California State Water Resources Control Board Grade II Treatment Operator (T2) and Distribution Operation (D2) certificates ARE REQUIRED as a qualifying step for the recruitment.
Please note the exam dates listed below are tentative and subject to change. Please regularly monitor your email for communication regarding exam dates.
Examination PlanWeightTentative Exam DateInterview90%August 2026Writing Skills Exercise10%August 2026
Example of Duties
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include, but are not limited to the following characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Leads, trains, assigns and evaluates work of a crew in the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of the City's water pumping, treatment and distribution systems.
• Installs mains, hydrant valves, meters and meter boxes; cleans, operates and repairs valves and fire hydrants as needed; cleans, repairs, maintains, and operates booster pumps and water storage facilities; coordinates related contractor work.
• Operates the City water system; takes samples; monitors and maintains adequate water levels in City storage facilities.
• Coordinates, conducts inspections and monitors the City's backflow and cross-connection control programs.
• Prepares operation and maintenance reports; maintains records of activities as required by applicable laws and regulations.
• Identifies areas in need of maintenance and/or repair, determines action needed and coordinates implementation with the supervisor; maintains inventory and orders supplies as needed.
• Responds to public service calls and complaints relative to water operations; determines appropriate corrective action.
• Responds to and leads emergency repairs to the water system; responds to water quality complaints and inquiries from water system users.
• Continually monitors water quality analysis results and system water quality to ensure compliance with all federal, state and local regulations.

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:
EDUCATION: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of full-time paid experience in operations and distribution in a municipal or private water company.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

• Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required. A valid Class B California driver's license must be obtained during the one year probationary period.
• Candidates must possess a California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Operator Grade II (T2) Certificate and a California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Grade II (D2) Certificate. In addition, the incumbent must obtain a Grade III Distribution Operator Certificate within one year of employment.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal, State and City rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to water facilities and systems.
• Knowledge of administrative and supervisory procedures, principles and practices.
• Knowledge of water treatment and distribution system operation.
• Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in truck and heavy equipment operations.
• Knowledge of capabilities, limitations, and safe operating characteristics of heavy equipment, materials, and tools used in water supply and distribution systems.
• Knowledge of the general construction and maintenance techniques.
• Knowledge of techniques for estimating job requirements in terms of manpower, time, materials and equipment.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in the work.
• Knowledge of current State of California Department of Public Health Water Works Standards.
• Skill reading meters, gauges and instruments.
• Skill operating a variety of heavy construction equipment including backhoes, tractors and loaders.
• Skill performing maintenance tasks and routine mechanical repairs and adjustments to tools and equipment used in water supply and distribution systems.
• Skill developing and maintaining computerized files, logs and records.
• Skill accurate record keeping and reporting.
• Skill making arithmetical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Skill utilizing public relations techniques in responding to inquiries and complaints.
• Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, other City employees, vendors and the public.
• Skill in the efficient and safe operation of assigned vehicles, equipment, hand and power tools.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work, reading documents, and operating assigned office and/or field equipment. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 70 pounds may also be required. Additionally, the position may require outdoors field work in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The position may use chemicals and lubricants, which may expose the employee to fumes, dust, and air contaminants, and be exposed to mechanical, electrical and biological hazards. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to work in confined spaces, climb ladders, and work at heights over 10 feet; use power and noise producing tools and equipment, and drive motorized vehicles in heavy vehicle traffic conditions. The incumbent may be required to respond to afterhours emergency callouts and be able to respond preferably within 60 minutes.
SUPERVISORY/LLEAD RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to assign, review, plan and coordinate the work of other employees.
• Ability to provide instruction and guidance to staff.
• Ability to assess the work of employees and write performance appraisals.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• A valid Class B California driver's license within one year of employment required.
• California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade II Certificate required.
• California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Grade III Certificate required.
• LA County Department of Health Services Backflow Tester Certificate required.
• AWWA Cross-Connection Specialist Certificate highly desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Combination of office environment and fieldwork conditions.
• Regularly exposed to environmental factors such as temperature variations, odors and wetness.
• Occasionally may work in confined spaces, in close proximity to structural, electrical, noise and mechanical hazards including chemicals and bio-hazardous materials.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
Selection Procedure:
All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification. Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City of Signal Hill. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City application and supplemental questionnaire.
Admission to competitive examination may be limited to those whose applications show the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position. Any part of the examination process may be qualifying only.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The City of Signal Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workplace diversity.
Americans with Disabilities:
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at or (562) 989-7307/10 no later than 5 business days before the test date.
Fingerprinting:
Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre- placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.
Physical Examination:
Employment offers are conditional based, upon the successful completion of a medical examination which may include drug and alcohol screening. Physicals are performed by the City's designated physician at the City's expense. Candidates are cautioned not to quit their jobs or give notice to their current employers until they are determined to be medically qualified.
Oath and Disaster Service Worker:
All City employees are required to sign the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Public Employees upon the beginning of employment. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all City employees are required to perform assigned emergency service duties in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to sign a Disaster Service Worker Statement upon hire.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS- AVAILABLE TO FULL-TIME CITY EMPLOYEES

• 96 hours of vacation leave annually
• 96 hours of sick leave annually with buy-back program
• 10 paid holidays per year (80 hours)
• 36 hours personal holiday leave per year
• 2% @ 60 retirement formula - Employees contribute 7% of the required employee contribution. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This retirement formula is available to those candidates who currently work for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency or have worked for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency within the last six (6) months.
• 2% @ 62 PERS retirement formula - Employees contribute 7.75% of the normal cost of the benefit . There will be no Employer Paid Member Contribution. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This formula is provided for all new PERS members and those who have been separated from a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency for more than six (6) months.
• Medical insurance - The City participates in the CalPERS health benefit program and contributes up to $1,200 per month toward medical premiums. An additional $800 is available for individuals with health, dental and/or vision premiums not fully covered with the $1,200. 75% of any monies remaining (of the $1,200) after medical premiums are paid may be applied toward optional benefits including: vision, dental, or deferred compensation plan. No cash pay-out in lieu of benefits
• Dental - City contribution of $70 per month
• Vision insurance - Employee premium paid by City
• Based on years of City service, qualified retirees may be eli