Water System Operator Jobs in Rialto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Summary Under limited supervision, the Wastewater Collections Equipment Operator performs skilled technical work operating heavy and specialized equipment to maintain, clean, inspect, and repair the City's wastewater and stormwater collection systems. The position supports field crews and ensures safe and efficient equipment use during routine maintenance, construction, and emergency response operations. This classification is distinguished by its emphasis on the operation of heavy construction and maintenance equipment, including combination sewer cleaning units (vacuum/jetting trucks), backhoes, excavators, and other specialized equipment.

It differs from the Wastewater Collections Senior Equipment Operator, which performs complex and advanced equipment operations and provides field leadership, and from the Senior Wastewater Collections Worker, which primarily performs field maintenance duties rather than specialized equipment operation. Essential Functions Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following: Operates a full range of heavy and specialized field equipment, including combination sewer cleaning units (vacuum/jetting trucks), backhoes, excavators, graders, dozers, dump trucks, front-end loaders, and related equipment to clean, inspect, repair, and maintain wastewater and stormwater collection systems. Performs excavation, trenching, shoring, grading, backfilling, and compaction to support pipeline repair, replacement, rehabilitation, and new infrastructure installation.

Assists in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of pipelines, manholes, pump stations, valves, motors, and control systems, including work requiring confined space entry. Operates and supports closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection equipment to assess pipeline condition, identify infiltration and inflow (I/I), and locate structural defects. Prepares work sites by coordinating utility locates, pre-marking excavation zones, and communicating with Dig Alert and utility providers.

Deploys, operates, and monitors bypass pumping systems and auxiliary pumping equipment during planned maintenance and emergency operations. Transports heavy equipment, materials, and supplies to and from project sites, ensuring safe loading, unloading, and securement. Implements work zone traffic control measures and ensures compliance with confined space, trench safety, and environmental protection requirements.

Responds to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), wastewater blockages, stormwater system failures, and emergency service requests by assisting with mitigation, containment, and corrective actions. Provides technical guidance and equipment operation training to less experienced personnel in the absence of senior staff. Participates in after-hours emergency response, standby duties, and storm operations as required.

Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED equivalent and two (2) years of experience in public works or underground utilities, including heavy equipment operation and the repair and installation of underground utilities. License(s)/Certifications: Must possess a valid California Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement.

Must possess a valid California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Collection System Maintenance Grade I certification. Must obtain a National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) certification within twelve (12) months of employment. Flagger certification is desirable.

Confined Space certification is desirable. Knowledge of: Federal, state, and local regulations, ordinances, and codes governing wastewater collection, stormwater management, and public works operations. City policies, departmental procedures, and industry best practices related to wastewater collection system maintenance and equipment operation.

Construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, excavation, grading, trenching, and backfilling methods used in wastewater and storm drain systems. Hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical principles applicable to heavy equipment and pumping systems. Operation, inspection, servicing, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance of heavy and specialized equipment, including vacuum/jetting units, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks, trailers and related equipment.

Confined space entry procedures, trench safety, shoring methods, lockout/tagout procedures, and atmospheric monitoring requirements. Work zone traffic control and flagging principles in accordance with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD). Wastewater collection system cleaning and inspection techniques using closed-circuit television (CCTV) and high-pressure jetting technology.

Environmental protection practices, spill prevention, wastewater containment, and proper disposal procedures. Regulatory requirements established by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS), and Statewide Sanitary Sewer Systems Waste Discharge Requirements (SSS WDRs). Reading and interpreting maps, blueprints, construction drawings, utility records, and work orders.

Inventory management and material estimation processes. Time management, workflow prioritization, and project coordination techniques. Modern office and field technology, including computers, tablets, GIS, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), digital inspection reporting software, and mobile data collection systems.

English language usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mathematical principles required for field measurements and documentation. Skill and Ability to: Provide excellent customer service and represent the City professionally in all interactions. Exercise initiative, discretion, and independent judgment when operating and maintaining specialized heavy equipment.

Analyze technical problems in the field and apply effective solutions based on experience and established procedures. Operate, inspect, and maintain heavy equipment such as vacuum/jetting units, backhoes, loaders, and dump trucks safely and efficiently. Perform preventive maintenance and minor mechanical repairs on vehicles, pumps, and hydraulic systems.

Read and interpret maps, blueprints, and construction drawings to locate and assess underground utilities. Safely excavate, backfill, and compact trenches using proper techniques and shoring equipment. Implement work zone safety and traffic control measures according to the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD).

Apply confined space entry, lockout/tagout, and gas detection procedures per California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) standards. Calculate and document materials, time, and equipment used for daily work assignments. Prioritize multiple projects and manage time effectively in both routine and emergency conditions.

Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with supervisors, coworkers, and the public. Operate personal computers, tablets, and digital equipment for data entry, work orders, and regulatory reporting. Use geographic information systems (GIS), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) databases accurately.

Maintain accurate written and electronic records of maintenance, inspections, and repairs. Work cooperatively with City departments, contractors, and regulatory agencies. Recognize and correct unsafe work practices, adhering strictly to City and regulatory safety standards.

Perform duties with attention to detail, reliability, and professionalism in all field operations. Physical Demands & Working Environment (Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations) Work is performed primarily outdoors environment, walking on/in level, uneven, and slippery surfaces and exposed to weather conditions such as wind, heat, cold, and rain. Positions in this class typically require balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally (up to one-third of the workday), and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently (one-third to two-thirds of the workday), and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly (two-thirds or more of workday) to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work. Incumbents may be subjected to machinery and its moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, intense noise, travel, and environmental conditions such as wide temperature variations, fumes, smoke, grease, odors, and dust.

The incumbent must be able to see and hear in the normal range, with or without correction. Must be able to work an irregular schedule including weekends, holidays, evenings, and/or varying shifts.