Water Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $98,612.80 - $134,971.20 Annually
Location : 3512 Michelson, Irvine, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 01071
Department: Water Operations
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for an Operator II in the Water Operations Department.
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on September 9, 2026. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.
The District:
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.
IRWD Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.
IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.
THE POSITION
Monitors, analyzes, and controls the domestic and irrigation water systems through direct field control devices or the computer-based regional telemetry control system. Under minimal supervision, plans, implements, delegates, and monitors routine and non-routine mechanical work activities within the treatment facilities.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Operator II classification is distinguished from the Operator I classification in that it is the beginning of the journey-level for the series and incumbents are required to possess a California Water Resources Control Board issued Grade II (D2) Water Distribution Certificate upon hire and must obtain a California Water Resources Control Board issued Grade III (T3) Water Treatment Certificate within one (1) year at the time of hire. Assignments vary from routine to difficult and, at times, require sound judgment. Work assignments for incumbents at the Operator I level with a Grade I Water Distribution certificate are normally designed to provide developmental experience in the full range of the Operator's duties. Incumbents typically follow prescribed and standardized procedures and refer unusual problems or questions to a senior operator, supervisor, or designated operator in charge. At the Operator Grade II level, employees may work more independently without close supervision on a variety of regular ongoing tasks and assignments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Patrols the District's water system and takes corrective measures to ensure its continued efficient operation and to maintain water quality standards.
Performs routine water quality sampling and adjusts chemicals to comply with Federal, State and local regulations.
Performs the chlorinating and testing of pipelines and reservoirs; checks chlorine dosage rates; weighs cylinders; records daily usage.
Reads and documents critical water system pressures, flows, reservoir elevations and water quality.
Operates, maintains and monitors chlorination, chloramination and de-chlorination facilities, pumping stations, wells, hydro-electric pump stations, pressure regulating/flow control structures and reservoirs.
Operates the domestic, irrigation, and treatment systems using a computer-based telemetry control, monitoring, and alarm system.
Diagnoses complex operating problems and takes effective courses of action.
Evaluate and interpret lab tests and implement changes indicated.
Meets with customers regarding complaints and resolves the problems.
Maintains daily journals and other control data to document the progress and completion of projects.
Participates in pipeline shutdowns and startup of new facilities.
Responsible for the maintenance of tools and supplies assigned to vehicles.
Conducts accurate physical and chemical tests of water.
Works according to safety standards under potentially hazardous conditions.
Takes readings from meters, gauges, graphs and related instrumentation.
Troubleshoots variations in operating conditions; report findings to the Water Operations Supervisor and make recommendations to prevent a process imbalance or upset.
Performs lab tests and analyze data to determine unit process and overall treatment efficiency.
Performs mathematical calculations that project blend needed at different locations and operates to DHS standards for NO3, chlorine, ammonia, sodium bisulfate, coagulants or other constituents.
Calculates and adjusts chemical dosages based on test results, plant flows and plant performance; maintains predetermined water quality parameters; applies mathematical formulas to calculate chemical dosages, chemical usage, pump rates and flow changes.
Makes appropriate calculations from meter, gauge, graph or other instrumentation readings.
Compiles statistics and forwards to appropriate staff for analysis.
Participates in the department after-hours standby program.
Complies with District safety work-related practices and attends relevant safety training.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:
High School diploma or equivalent with additional college-level courses in Water Treatment.
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience in water distribution/treatment systems operations.
Licenses and Certifications:
A valid Class 'C' California Driver's License is required.
California State Water Resources Control Board Grade II (D2) Water Distribution certificate is required.
California State Water Resources Control Board Grade III (T3) Water Treatment certificate required within one (1) year of hire date.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas and working in confined spaces. Must be certified annually to wear respiratory equipment. Must be clean-shaven such that facial hair does not interfere with the fit of a tight-fitting respirator. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing 50 pounds, and up to 90 pounds with the use of proper equipment. All of this in various weather conditions (hot,cold,rainy) and environments, often exposed to wet muddy conditions.
When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.
New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time:
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for October 6, 2026): will assess candidates' experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate's interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.
IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive, and may not be applicable to all employees.
Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.
Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.
IRWD does not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare p