Water Operator Class 2 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $84,367.92 - $102,549.98 Annually
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY 26-00143
Department: Utilities
Division: Utilities - Water Resources
Opening Date: 06/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/12/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
OPPORTUNITY
Updated Application Deadline:
Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
This recruitment is to fill two vacancies
Individuals who hold a Grade 3 or greater certificate in Water Treatment or Water Distribution and a valid Class A or B driver's license are highly encouraged to apply for this leadership opportunity.
SUMMARY/IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS
Under general direction of assigned supervisor, plans, schedules, assigns, and performs work associated with the City's potable water supply, including operation, construction, repair, and maintenance of the water distribution and production systems. Acts as lead worker for other employees or special projects.
The Lead Water Operator position is a Front-Line Supervisor role that provides the necessary tools and resources for the crew to effectively operate the water distribution and production system. Their role enables the city to provide the community's most essential and basic water service in the most efficient, cost-effective and courteous manner possible.
IMPORTANT

• A minimum qualification for this recruitment requires incumbents to possess a valid Grade 3 certificate in Water Treatment or Water Distribution from the State Water Resources Control Board Drinking Water Operator Certification Program, based on area of assignment.
• A condition of employment is to obtain a Class A driver's license with tanker endorsement within 12 months of hire.
• This position requires individuals to enroll in the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Program.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The ideal candidate is an experienced drinking water distribution operator with a strong operational background and advanced technical knowledge in the inspection, operation, maintenance, and repair of municipal water distribution pipelines and metering systems. The City is recruiting for two Lead Water Operator positions: one to lead Construction teams and one to lead Operations and Maintenance teams. The leads will report to the Water Supervisor.
Lead Water Operators serve as steady, hands-on leaders who organize crew activities, ensure safe work practices, and respond effectively to urgent repairs. They communicate professionally and clearly with staff, contractors, and the public, delivering high-quality, timely work that supports the City's water system. As lead workers, they support training, coordinate field activities, promote and model safety and accountability, and provide dependable, customer-centered service. Their blend of technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills ensures efficient and reliable system operations and staff.
While each Lead Operator will have a defined specialty, the City ideally seeks candidates with overlapping operational skills who can support and back-up one another, ensuring seamless continuity of water system operations.
Construction
The ideal Construction Lead is a seasoned water distribution professional with strong expertise in valve replacements, service lateral renewals, and main break repairs. They are skilled in operating heavy equipment and directing its use and bring advanced knowledge of pipeline construction, repair methods, and testing procedures, including pressure testing, leakage testing, and Bac-T sampling. They consistently produce accurate work records and effectively interpret system maps and plans to guide efficient field operations.
Operations & Maintenance
The ideal Operations & Maintenance Lead is a technically proficient and customer-focused operator with strong experience in AMI systems, meter replacements, meter troubleshooting, valve exercising, and day-to-day distribution system operations. They are skilled in using meter-reading software, radio communication systems, Sensus applications, and GIS reporting tools and can quickly diagnose and resolve complex metering and communication issues. They maintain accurate documentation, apply advanced preventative maintenance practices, and communicate professionally and clearly with both customers and team members.
REQUIRED SUBMITTALS

1. Up-to-date application
2. A cover letter which explains how your education and experience align with the Ideal Candidate Statement.

Full Job Description:
DUTIES
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization.
This position:

• Plans, schedules, assigns, and performs work associated with the operation, construction, repair, drainage, and maintenance of the water distribution and production systems, and suggests new methods or procedures.
• Assists with daily planning, assigning, monitoring, and operation of the water production and distribution operations, including storage, treatment, transmission, and distribution facilities.
• Trains and instructs new employees in safe practices and conducts safety meetings as needed; provides direct and indirect supervision over water operations and assists with employee performance evaluations.
• Inspects assigned facilities and makes evaluations of work performed by other operators and performance of equipment.
• Conducts inspections, makes adjustments, reviews records and information for water supply and distribution control, water quality, blending-plant equipment, basic laboratory instruments, etc.
• Prepares cost estimates and assists in development of equipment specifications.
• Responds to emergencies on an on-call basis 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
• Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

CORE COMPETENCIES
Front-line Supervisor:
Incumbents should have a solid foundation of identified by the organization, as well as the following core competencies identified as essential for Front-line Supervisor (click the hyper link to see the full definition :

• Assertiveness - Effective performers are self-confident, readily offer options and take action, and challenge others when appropriate. They trust their judgment.
• Conflict Management - Effective performers recognize that conflict can be a valuable part of the decision-making process. They support and manage differences of opinion and use consensus and collaboration to resolve issues.
• High Standards - Effective performers model professional standards, pay attention to detail, continually seek to improve processes, hold staff accountable, and find best practices.
• Informal Communication - Effective performers clearly and articulately convey information to others. They accurately interpret and understand nonverbal cues.
• Positive Impact - Effective performers make positive impressions on those around them. They are personable, self-confident, optimistic, enthusiastic, and generally likable.
• Delegation - Effective performers willingly entrust work to others, provide clear guidelines, provide challenging assignments, and empower others.
• Active Listening - Effective performers offer their full attention when others speak, actively listen, and demonstrate verbal and nonverbal listening cues to ensure understanding.
• Team Management - Effective performers select and build effective work groups, understand the human dynamics of team foundation, and create and maintain functional teams. They formulate team roles, provide guidance, and reward team behavior.
• Influence - Effective performers are skilled at directing, persuading, and motivating others. They establish a personal power base built on mutual trust, fairness, and honesty, and flex their style to direct, collaborate, or empower others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Ideally, three years of experience as a Water Operator with a minimum Grade 3 certificate or four years of progressively responsible experience in the operation of water systems; and.
• Graduation from high school.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Recent experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity is desired.
• Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
  • Standards, materials, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of domestic water treatment and distribution systems.
  • Mechanical and electrical characteristics of pumps, motors, meters, valves, control panels, telemetry systems, and other water control or measuring devices.
  • Basic math and simple record-keeping.
  • Federal, State and local standards for maintaining water quality.
  • Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in water resources and distribution facilities.
  • Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).
  • Effective use of computer and other office equipment.
• Required licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment:
  • Valid Class "C" Driver's License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
  • At time of appointment, a valid Class "B" California Driver's License is highly desirable.
  • Within twelve months of appointment, attainment of a valid Class "A" California Driver License with Tanker endorsement is required.
  • Valid Grade 3 certificate in Water Treatment or Water Distribution from State Water Resources Control Board Drinking Water Operator Certification Program.
• Desired licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment:
  • Valid Grade 4 certificate in Water Treatment or Water Distribution from State Water Resources Control Board Drinking Water Operator Certification Program.

SELECTION PROCESS
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
• Under the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Program, successfully complete a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and submit to random drug and/or alcohol testing throughout employment with the City.
• Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City.
• The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• May require completion of a pre-employment physical to the satisfaction of the City.
• Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

APPLICATION RANKING
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for this recruitment will be certified to an eligibility list. Your online application materials will be thoroughly evaluated and scored to determine your rank on this list. The Hiring Department will then select and interview those candidates from the eligibility list whose qualifications most closely align with the Department's specific needs.
If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at 1-855-524-5627
The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at
Retirement
The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.
Health Insurance
Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.
Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.