System Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $65,677.33 - $83,822.79 Annually
Location : City Yard - 2175 28th Street, Signal Hill, CA
Job Type: Full-Time (Non-Exempt)
Job Number: 2026-0004
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, performs a variety of skilled work in the operation, maintenance and repair of water treatment, pumping, boosting, control and distribution equipment and facilities that supply and distribute potable domestic water.
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.
Water Systems Operator I
The Water Systems Operator I is the entry/trainee level class in the Water Systems Operator series that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. 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 operation and maintenance tasks in water treatment plant operations, maintenance, and repair. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the next higher level classification of Water Systems Operator II by the performance of work requiring a lesser degree of skill in performing installation, preventative maintenance, and repair to water systems equipment.
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 (D2) Operator Grade II Certificate.
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.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Inspects, operates, and maintains municipal water related motors, pumps, meters and storage facilities; maintains pumping and chlorination/chloramination equipment; collects water samples and sounds deep wells to determine static and pumping levels; adjusts and monitors chemical dosages; flushes water distribution system.
• Monitors and makes minor tests and repairs to telemetering equipment to ensure proper system operation.
• Reads water production meters and gauges; assesses need to pump additional water as necessary.
• Responds to water quality complaints and inquiries from water system users; maintains and prepares routine records and reports.
• Participates as a crewmember in responding to emergency calls for assistance from the public; takes appropriate public safety measures and initiates corrective action.
• Independently performs other water system maintenance duties, including but not limited to monthly meter reading, performing re-reads as assigned by the Billing Specialist and/or supervisor, daily rounds, flush-outs, meter replacement, procurement of parts as needed, and performing all work related to day-to-day ancillary and miscellaneous activities associated with operating a full-service water system.
• Performs sample collection in accordance with all Title 22 requirements and City standards.
• Assigned work will primarily be focused on distribution until the incumbent is well-trained and deemed ready to take on responsibilities associated with treatment.

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: One (1) year 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.
• Water science courses are desirable.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of pumps, motors valves, pressure gauges and telemetering devices.
• Knowledge of water treatment and distribution system operation.
• Knowledge of capabilities, limitations, and safe operating characteristics of materials, tools, and equipment used in water supply and distribution systems.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods used in plumbing activities.
• 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 using computers and related software programs.
• Skill reading meters, gauges and instruments.
• Skill performing maintenance tasks and skilled mechanical repairs and adjustments to tools and equipment used in water supply and distribution systems.
• Skill accurate record keeping and reporting.
• Skill making arithmetical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, other City employees and the public.

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 50 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 is required to be on call, work weekends, and respond to after-hours emergency callouts and be able to respond preferably within 60 minutes. The water department is a year round operation and will require working on holidays.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Regularly exposed to environmental factors such as temperature variations, odors, and wetness.
Occasionally may work in confined spaces, near structural, electrical, noise and mechanical hazards including chemicals and bio-hazardous materials.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONThe 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 the 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) 989-7310 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 eligible for City contribution to retiree health premium. Employees contribute 1% of their salary towards their future retiree health benefit.
• $50,000 Life Insurance Policy
• Short & Long Term Disability Plans
• Social Security Participation
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Flexible Benefits Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

City of Signal Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, military or veteran status, ancestry, disability, and age (over 40), or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws.
AN EEO/ADA/VET Employer.
01
Candidates will be evaluated based on the information provided on both the application and the responses to the following Supplemental Questions. Failure to fully detail all experience or stating experience in response to the Supplemental Questions but not listing the experience in the application, copy/pasting information, or responses referring to your resume may eliminate you from consideration.I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No