Water Testing Jobs in Fresno, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $45,320.30 - $57,857.01 Annually
Location : Madera
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Public Works
Division: Water & Sewer Operations
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: GBU
Overview
Now hiring certified Water System Workers to join our team and help maintain the reliable, safe delivery of one of our most essential resources-clean water. Under general supervision, assists in the testing, cleaning, maintenance, inspection, repair, installation, replacement, surface and groundwater treatment, and construction and operation of the City's water systems.; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; occasionally assists in the training of lower level Public Works positions; performs other related duties as required. Build a career and grow professionally with automatic Promotion to Water System Worker II with D2 and Backflow Prevention Device General Testing Certification. This position is also eligible for up to 2 incentive pays, at 5% each with possession of a Bachelor's Degree and/or D3 certification.
Primary Responsibilities
The Water System Worker I is the entry level class in the Water System Operator series. Incumbents perform semiskilled and skilled duties in the testing, cleaning, maintenance, inspection, repair, installation replacement, surface and groundwater treatment, distribution, construction and operation of water system infrastructures. This class is distinguished from Water System Operator II in that incumbents of the latter may have lead responsibility. It is distinguished from Public Works Maintenance Worker II, in that it requires skills, knowledge and experience in water system repair, maintenance and installation.
Minimum Qualifications

• At least one (1) year of full-time work experience in the testing, cleaning, maintenance, inspection, repair, installation, replacement, construction, distribution and operation of water systems.
• A high school diploma or equivalent
• Possession of a valid California driver's license, or equivalent license from another issuing government entity.
• Possession of a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate

Additional Information
Only those applicants who meet the qualification standards of this position by the application filing deadline will be allowed to participate in the examination process. Examination scores determine standing on Civil Service eligibility lists. The City Manager, upon recommendation of the department head, will make the final selection and appointment from the established eligibility list.
The examination process may consist of the following parts: Application Package Review: Qualifying Only; Practical Exam 100% Weight Value. Candidates must earn a score of 70% or higher to be considered for the eligibility list.
Applicants who require special examination accommodations due to a disability should contact the Human Resources Department five (5) business days prior to any scheduled examination at (559) 661-5404.
Applicants may be eligible for Veteran's Preference Points (5 points) and should attach a DD214 to their employment application for consideration of this preference.
LONGEVITY
General Bargaining Unit employees are eligible for Longevity Pay, up to 7.5%, based on continuous full-time City service.
Years of Service
Longevity Pay
10
2.5%
15
5.0%
20
7.5%
RETENTION BONUS
Employees will receive a $1,500 lump sum Retention Bonus in January 2026 and January 2027.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The City contributes a monthly amount for the employee to use to purchase health, dental and vision coverage. For medical coverage, the City contracts with Anthem and Kaiser. Dental insurance is through Delta Dental and vision coverage is through Superior. The City's contribution covers 100% of the health, dental, and vision premium for the employee and family on both the Anthem and Kaiser Core Plans.
PAID LEAVE
The City of Madera offers a generous paid leave program, including paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation. Holiday Closure without loss of pay between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The City offers a paid/vested contribution of 4.2% of base pay to one of two 457 plans offered to the employee. In addition, the employee may also contribute, though not required.
EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT AND INCENTIVE PAYS
Up to $2400/year reimbursement for college coursework. Employees are eligible for the following incentive pays. Employees may receive up to 2 education or certificate incentives, as applicable to their position, up to a maximum incentive of 10%.

• 5% for a Bachelor's Degree
• 5% for certifications as listed in MOU for General Bargaining Unit

BOOT ALLOWANCE
$250-$500/year depending on position for individuals required to wear steel-toed boots
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE
Up to $200/month English/Spanish for qualifying individuals and positions after passing annual bilingual test.
RETIREMENT
The City participates in the CalPERS defined benefit retirement system. Retirement formulas and contributions are as follows. The terms "Classic Member" and "New Member" are as defined by CalPERS.
Classic Members employed with the City prior to 10/20/2012

• 2.5% at 55 formula, single highest year final compensatio
• Employee Contribution paid by the employee pre-tax: 3.375%

Tier I Members employed with the City on or after 10/20/2012

• 2% at 60 formula, average three year final compensation
• Employee Contribution paid by the employee pre-tax: 3.375%

New Members employed with the City on or after 1/1/2013

• 2% at 62 formula, average three year final compensation
• Employee Contribution paid by the employee pre-tax: 7.75%

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The City of Madera offers an employee assistance program or employees and dependents that provides counseling and other services for dealing with life's challenges at no cost to the employee.
LIFE INSURANCE
The City provides a $25,000 life and accidental death and dismemberment policy along with $5,000 dependent life. The employee may purchase additional supplemental life insurance for him/herself, spouse and/or dependents.
LONG TERM DISABILITY
This city paid benefit provides up to 2/3-income protection.
MEDICARE
The City contributes an amount equal to 1.45% of the employee's salary; the employee also contributes 1.45%.
01
Your application will be reviewed based on work history, education, and required attachments. Please review your applicant profile and ensure it is current and accurate. A resume cannot be submitted in lieu of completing your application.

• Yes, I have reviewed my application
• No

02
Do you have a High School diploma or GED? Please note, it is a requirement to attach your diploma or transcripts to your application upon submission. Foreign education documents must include a Foreign Credential Evaluation.

• Yes, and it is attached
• No

03
Do you have a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate from the State of California, or equivalent certification from another state or jurisdiction? You must attach a copy of your certification to your application.

• Yes, and it is attached
• No

04
Please describe your work experience with water delivery system maintenance and operations.
Required Question