Distribution Operator I/II

Distribution Operator I/II

Salary

$76,648.00 - $100,256.00 Annually

Location

San Clemente, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

2627-09

Department

WATER

Opening Date

10/06/2026

Closing Date

11/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The City of San Clemente

is excited to announce we are currently accepting applications

for the position of:

Distribution Operator I/II (Public Works, Utilities/Water)

Distribution Operator I: $36.85-$44.79/hourly

Distribution Operator II: $39.67-$48.20/hourly

The City of San Clemente is looking for a dependable, safety-minded, and hardworking individual to join our Utilities team as a Distribution Operator I/II.

This is an exciting opportunity to perform meaningful, hands-on work that directly supports public health, reliable water service, emergency readiness, and the daily operations of our community. Distribution Operators help maintain the Citys water distribution system, water lines, valves, hydrants, meters, pump stations, reservoirs, and related facilities.

If you enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, solving problems, learning technical skills, and being part of a team that provides an essential public service, this may be a great opportunity for you.

This position works a four (4) day workweek, 10 hours each day. Enjoy a 3-day weekend, every weekend!

What Youll Do:

As a Distribution Operator, you will help support the operation, maintenance, construction, and repair of the Citys water distribution system. Duties may include:

• Maintaining and repairing water lines, valves, hydrants, meters, pump stations, reservoirs, and related facilities
• Reading, inspecting, repairing, and replacing water meters
• Performing leak detection surveys and utility mark-outs
• Supporting fire hydrant inspection, repair, and flushing activities
• Operating construction and maintenance equipment, vehicles, hand tools, and power tools
• Creating and updating work orders in the Citys maintenance management system
• Assisting with capital improvement projects and field maintenance activities
• Responding to public inquiries and providing helpful, professional service
• Following safety procedures and supporting safe working conditions in the field

At the Distribution Operator II level, employees may perform more advanced assignments, work more independently, operate specialized equipment, assist with training lower-level staff, explain work methods and procedures, and help support operational decisions to water system performance, water quality, flows, pressures, and system reliability.

Essential Functions

Essential and other important functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with the maintenance and repair of the Citys the water distribution system and water filtration plant including water lines, valves, and hydrants; ensure safe working conditions of system; make recommendations for improvements.
• Read water consumption meters; turn on and off meters as needed; inspect meters to ensure accurate readings; repair and replace faulty meters.
• Assist with the maintenance and operation of pump stations; record data; generate work orders for maintenance and repairs.
• Operate various construction and maintenance equipment, including high velocity cleaning equipment, skid steer, front end loader and backhoe tractor equipment, dump trucks; use and maintain hand and power tools and assigned equipment; perform preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Maintain fire hydrant inspection program; inspect fire hydrants; ensure water quality and proper fire hydrant operation; make repairs as necessary.
• Utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed.
• Assist in the construction of capital improvements projects.
• Perform leak detection surveys using various sound sensitive leak detection equipment.
• Perform Utility mark-outs related to water in accordance with Common Ground Alliance best practices and California law.
• Generate preventive and corrective work orders using the City's CMMS-Lucity to document and track the work performed.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Participation in the Citys on-call rotation is required, including responding to after-hours water system emergencies, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Typical Qualifications

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Takes pride in providing reliable public service
• Enjoys hands-on field work and working outdoors
• Is dependable, safety-focused, and willing to learn
• Has experience with water systems, construction, maintenance, utilities, or related field work
• Can operate tools, vehicles, and equipment safety and effectively
• Communicates well with coworkers, supervisors, and members of the public
• Can stay organized, follow procedures, and document work accurately
• Is interested in building a career in water utilities and obtaining required certifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Distribution Operator I

Experience:

One (1) year of responsible experience performing field maintenance work, construction, plumbing or related work is desirable.

License/Certification Requirements:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 12 months of employment, a valid Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issue by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class B Driver License within 18 months from date of appointment.

Distribution Operator II

Experience:

Two (2) years of responsible experience performing field maintenance work, construction, or related work on water distribution facilities or similar systems is desirable

License/Certification Requirements:

• Possession of a valid Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of a valid Grade I Water Treatment Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class B Driver License within 18 months from date of appointment.

(Both Distribution Operator I and II)

Education/Training:

High School Diploma, or equivalent, supplemented by specialized training in maintenance, construction, water distribution, utilities, or a related field.

For more information, you can review the full Classification Specification: here.

Supplemental Information

All applicants must submit a completed City of San Clemente application form and supplemental questionnaire in order to be considered. Applications will not be accepted by fax or email.

Applications must be submitted via the Citys web site at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanclemente.

Prior to employment, the prospective candidate must successfully complete a background review, medical examination, including drug screen, and be fingerprinted, all at City expense. If selected, acceptable identification showing entitlement to legally work in the United States will be required.

SELECTION PROCESS

• Applications and Supplemental Questions will be reviewed and evaluated for relevant education and experience.
• Candidates considered to have the best qualifications will be invited to participate in the selection process.
• The selection process will consist of an Oral Interview weighted at 100%.
• An eligibility list will be established and may be used to fill future vacancies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment:

Work involves working within an indoor office, laboratory environment, water treatment plants, and water operations facilities. Work involves exposure to water, mud, sewage, noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, traffic, chemicals, machinery, dirt, vibration head, cold and dampness; exposure to biological hazardous environments. Work may take place in inclement weather conditions; at elevated heights on scaffolding and/or ladders; within confined spaces, underground, on slippery or uneven surfaces; and/or around heavy construction equipment.

Physical Requirements:

Essential functions require:

• Strenuous and manual tasks for prolonged periods of time
• Operating motorized vehicles and heavy equipment
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavy items
• Standing, walking, or sitting for prolonged periods of time
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment, handle files and documents.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone
• Visual acuity to see/read documents and computer screen and to read instrumentation dials, measures devices, or other related components

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Cara Morin at (949) 361-8203 or morinc@san-clemente.org.

As an equal opportunity employer, the City strongly encourages people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.

The City of San Clemente provides excellent benefits which include:

FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE - Most positions work a 9/80 work schedule.

HOLIDAYS - The City presently recognizes 12 regular holidays, plus two floating holidays.

VACATION - Employees accumulate vacation at the rate of 104 hours per year increasing to a maximum of 176 hours based on years of service.

SICK LEAVE - Accrual of 8 hours per month.

INSURANCE - The City provides a comprehensive benefit package including employee medical, dental, vision.

LIFE INSURANCE - Value equal to two times annual earnings up to a maximum of $100,000.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION - Employees may elect to enroll in a voluntary plan and defer up to the IRS permitted annual maximum. Employees may defer up to a maximum of $24,500 annually in 2026. Individuals aged 50 and older can contribute up to $8,000 in catch-up contributions to these plans.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT - Employees may participate in either or both of the Health Care or Dependent Care programs.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - The City offers full-time employees and their dependents an EAP program which provides a variety of professional services.

ON-SITE FITNESS CENTER - The City provides a no fee on-site fitness center with state of the art equipment located in City Hall.

RETIREMENT - The City of San Clemente is a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), and is subject to the Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). The retirement formula for new employees is based on the category below that the new employee falls under. Employee contribution rates will be determined by the employees classification and requirements under PEPRA.

NOTE: The City is also a member of the Social Security system. As such, Full Time employees make contributions to Social Security in addition to their CalPERS contributions.

Classic Member:

Retirement Formula: 2% @ 55

Definition:

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the PEPRA definition of a "new member" as "classic members" who are subject to the Public Employees Retirement Law (PERL). PEPRA allows a member after January 1, 2013, to retain his/her classic member retirement benefit status if the member continues his/her membership in all previous California Public Retirement System(s) by leaving his/her service credit and contributions (if any) on deposit, and the member enters into employment that results in CalPERS membership within six months of separating from the most recent California Public Retirement System. Classic member status also requires the membership date to be on or before December 31, 2012, in a California Public Retirement System in which reciprocity is established.

New Member:

Retirement Formula: 2% @ 62

Definition: A new member is defined in PEPRA as any of the following:

• A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
• A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, who has a break in service of greater than six months with another California Public Retirement System that is subject to Reciprocity.
• A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, who is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six months.

01

Please describe your experience performing field maintenance, construction, utility work, water distribution work, or other related hands-on work. If none, please state, "n/a".

02

Please list any water distribution, water treatment, equipment operation, or other related certifications/licenses you currently possess. If none, please state "n/a".

03

Describe your experience operating vehicles, construction equipment, hand tools, power tools, or other maintenance or related equipment. If none, please state, "n/a".

04

This position requires outdoor field work, physical labor, public contact, documentation, and safe work practices. Please describe how your experience has prepared you for these responsibilities.

05

Why are you interested in working in water utilities for the City of San Clemente?

Required Question

Employer City of San Clemente

Address Human Resources Division 910 Calle Negocio

San Clemente, California, 92673

Phone 949-361-8313

Website http://san-clemente.org/jobs