Salary: See Position Description
Location : City of Brea-Public Works Yard
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00023
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. This recruitment may close at any time; all interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.
Salary Range
Water Distribution Operator I: $60,043.42 - $76,860.68 Annually
Water Distribution Operator II: $64,049.80 - $81,989.15 Annually
The position may be filled at either level depending on the candidate's qualifications.
Effective July 4, 2026 this position will receive a 2.5% increase.
The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be utilized to fill future Water Distribution Operator I/II vacancies.
To perform unskilled, semi-skilled, or skilled labor in service activities of the Water Division of the Maintenance Services Department, and perform related duties, as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Water Distribution Operator I
This is the entry level of the Water Distribution Operator series. Incumbents in this classification are distinguished from the Water Distribution Operator II level in that they are not required to perform as broad a range of technically complex tasks, and do not operate heavy equipment as frequently.
Water Distribution Operator II
This is the journey level in the Water Distribution Operator series. Positions in this classification are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower classification of Water Distribution Operator I. Appointment to the higher classification requires the employee be fully trained and satisfactorily performing in a variety of tasks in the Water Division of the Public Works Department. This classification is distinguished from the Water Distribution Operator I level by the greater extent of technical knowledge and experience required; and from the Water Distribution Crew Leader classification in that the Crew Leader classification is regularly expected to perform the most technically complex work, lead field crews, and assist the Water Distribution Supervisor with administrative tasks.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Water Distribution Operator I
Immediate supervision is provided by higher level Water Division personnel or other Maintenance Services classifications progressing to general supervision with training and experience.
Water Distribution Operator II
General supervision is provided by higher level Water Division or other Maintenance Services supervisory or management personnel.
Examples of Duties
Essential job functions include, but are not limited to, the following:(These functions may not be present in all positions in this classification. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.)
Perform manual unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled tasks in water system maintenance, construction and repair.
Repair or replace water meters; read water meters and note amounts used by customers for billing purposes.
Install, replace or repair water main lines and services lines.
Install new service taps onto main.
Repair, replace or adjust water pump packings.
Perform maintenance on wet and dry style barrel fire hydrants.
Perform maintenance on water pressure reducing, altitude, and rate of flow valves.
Exercise and or lubricate gate, butterfly or plug valves.
Raise to grade or replace gate valve boxes.
Read basic blueprints for marking of underground facilities.
Operate computerized water telemetry system.
Maintain and or remove weeds and graffiti from reservoir sites and pump stations.
Perform field repairs on meters, valves, pumps, lift stations and irrigation systems.
Operate jack hammers, main line tapping machines, pressure gauges, water testing instrumentation and other pneumatic, motorized, and manual equipment and tools for purposes of preparing and back filling trenches and placing water lines.
Operate trucks, backhoes, tractors, front-end loaders, Dump trucks, Vactor Truck, and heavy equipment for short periods of time or for training purposes.
Assist in the care, maintenance and cleaning of vehicles, tools and equipment.
Contact residents concerning maintenance and service problems, refer complaints and requests to proper supervisory personnel.
May assist supervisory personnel in preparing and maintaining proper records and logs.
Clickhere for additional information on the Water Distribution Operator I job description.
Click for additional information on the Water Distribution Operator II job description.
Typical Qualifications
Water Distribution Operator I
Experience and Education
To qualify for this classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities and enable the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
A typical combination is:
Experience
Some directly related experience.
Education
Completion of high school or its equivalent, or completion of a trade or vocational school.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Possession of a valid Class A Driver's License issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles is required prior to the completion of one year of employment.
Possession of a Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 certificate issued by the State of California Department of Health Services.
Possession or obtain Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State of California Department of Health Services within twelve (12) months of appointment.
Water Distribution Operator II
In addition to those of the Water Distribution Operator I
Experience and Education
To qualify for this classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities, and enable the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be two years or more of experience performing duties of a Water Distribution Operator I.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a Water Distribution Operator D2 certificate issued by the State of California Department of Health Services
Possession or obtain Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State of California Department of Health Services within twelve (12) months of appointment.
Supplemental Information
TO BE CONSIDERED
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit to submit a City of Brea electronic employment application.
Electronic applications will be accepted until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Resumes cannot be accepted in lieu of a City of Brea employment application. The City of Brea cannot accept responsibility for notifying candidates of incomplete applications.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Shall consist of three phases: (If you should need assistance in completing the employment application or in participating in the selection process, please notify Human Resources prior to the filing deadline or as soon as possible).
Phase One - Application Review: The first phase of the selection process shall be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidate's application and attachments. Those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of education and experience, as submitted, may be invited to participate in the next phase of the selection process. No weight shall be assigned to this phase of the selection process.
Applicants
MUST include electronic copies of ALL required documents as outlined below.
Documents to be ProvidedRequirement of DocumentsPlease name and upload required documents as follows:Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 certificate or higherMust issued by the State of California Department of Health ServicesGrade D1 certificate or higher
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City of Brea employment application. Faxes, emails, postmarks hand deliveries will not be accepted.
FAILURE TO UPLOAD THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AS LISTED ABOVE MAY CAUSE DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE PROCESS.
Phase Two - Practical Examination (Weighted 50%): Candidates achieving a passing score of 70% or higher on the practical examination may be invited to participate in the oral appraisal interview.
Phase Three - Oral Appraisal Interview (Weighted 50%): Candidates who receive a minimum score of 70% on this phase shall have their name placed on the Eligibility List for Water Distribution Operator I/II. Eligibility Lists are generally valid for one year. Once the list is established, the Public Works Department may conduct follow-up assessments.
Prospective candidates must successfully complete a thorough background review. Upon a contingent offer of employment, prospective candidates must successfully complete a medical examination and provide proof of legal work status. All new employees will be fingerprinted as a part of the employment process and a criminal history check will be conducted with the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
THE CITY OF BREA RECRUITS, PROMOTES, AND HIRES WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, PHYSICAL DISABILITY OR CONDITION, GENETIC INFORMATION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AGE OR NATIONAL ORIGIN, EXCEPT IN THOSE SPECIFIC INSTANCES WHEREBY A BONA FIDE OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION DEMANDS OTHERWISE. THE CITY OF BREA HIRES ONLY UNITED STATES CITIZENS OR LAWFULLY AUTHORIZED ALIENS.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Brea offers a comprehensive benefit package for eligible employees and their dependents for the Brea City Employees' Association (BCEA) members, including:
SALARY RANGE: Composed of eleven (11) steps. Merit step increases are based on satisfactory performance.
RETIREMENT: Membership in CalPERS. Classic CalPERS members will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 retirement formula and pay the employee's 7% share. New CalPERS members, or returning CalPERS members with a break in service greater than six months, will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 retirement formula and will be required to pay 50% of the normal CalPERS cost (currently 6.25%). The City does not participate in Social Security; however, employees pay the cost to participate in Medicare.
HEALTH INSURANCE: The City provides up to $1,550 per month towards health insurance for employee and dependents through the CalPERS Health Benefit program. Alternatively, there is a $325 medical opt out payment for employees who are insured outside the City's insurance coverage.
GROUP INSURANCE PROGRAMS: Available to eligible City employees and qualified dependents. These programs include dental, vision, supplemental life and accidental death and dismemberment insurances.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Available where employees use pre-tax salary to pay for regular child care, adult dependent care and/or medical expenses.
RETIRMENT SAVINGS ACCOUNT: The City offers a voluntary 457 (b) Deferred Compensation Plan for an additional tax-deferred savings option.
WELLNESS REIMBURSEMENT: Up to $500 per fiscal year to be paid out second pay in July for employees who are on payroll on July 1.
BILINGUAL PAY: $100 per month for eligible languages in addition to English.
TUITION/CERTIFICATE REIMBURSEMENT: Employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement/certificate reimbursement based on their bargaining group.
HOLIDAYS: Twelve (12) designated holidays provided per year.
GENERAL LEAVE: Employees shall earn and accrue vacation and sick leave time based on their bargaining group.
UNIFORM ALLOWANCE: Employees under the eligible classifications shall earn a lump sum uniform allowance up to $700 per fiscal year.
For a more detailed overview of the benefits, review the Memorandum of Understanding at: Click on the links under "General Employees Unit".
01
Did you retire from an agency under the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)?
02
Which California driver's license do you currently hold? Applicants must possess at minimum a valid California Class C driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Class C
- Class B
- Class A
- None of the above
03
Do you currently possess a Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 certificate or higher issued by the State of California Department of Health Services?
