Lead Water Distribution Systems Operator

Lead Water Distribution Systems Operator

Salary

$69,480.00 - $88,728.00 Annually

Location

City of Hemet, 3777 Industrial Ave, Hemet, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

26/27-013

Department

Water Department

Opening Date

10/09/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE CITY

• THE CITY OF HEMET IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER*

The City of Hemet is seeking a knowledgeable, motivated, and service-oriented professional to serve as its next Lead Water Distribution Systems Operator. This position provides lead direction and technical guidance to assigned personnel in the operation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of the Citys water distribution systems.

Are you an experienced water distribution professional ready to take the next step in your career? This is an opportunity to put your technical expertise to work while helping lead the daily operations that keep our communitys water flowing. If you take pride in your work, enjoy solving problems, and are passionate about maintaining essential public infrastructure, we encourage you to apply!

Join a team where your experience, leadership, and commitment to public service make a meaningful difference in the lives of Hemet residents. Bring your skills, share your knowledge, and help us deliver reliable water services to our community!

Your next career opportunity starts here. APPLY today and become part of the City of Hemet team!

All required documents MUST be submitted with application to be considered.

Summary Description

DEFINITION

Under direction, leads, reviews, and performs work activities and duties assigned to the Public Works crews involved in the Citys water distribution system; assumes responsibility for the more difficult and complex tasks; schedules crew duties and work assignments; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Lead Water Distribution Systems Operator is the lead class responsible for a wide variety of activities related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of City water systems. Incumbents lead and assist in the supervision of crews, and inspect and review work methods, performance, and quality. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of Water Distribution Systems Operator II by the difficulty and complexity of assignments and the performance of lead responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Leads, reviews, and performs the work of staff responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair and operation of water facilities; develops and implements crew assignments; inspects and reviews work methods, performance, and quality of work performed; conducts safety and training meetings; provides input and recommendations on employee evaluations; assumes responsibility for the more difficult and complex tasks.

Recommends service levels to the Supervisor; performs field observations to ensure compliance with department policies, practices, and City ordinances; prepares reports for the Supervisor related to division activities; serves as acting division supervisor as required.

Oversees the operation and maintenance of public works crew equipment and/or machinery, including trucks, vactors, jet trucks, backhoes, power tools, and equipment; ensures adherence to safe work methods, procedures, and practices; inspects division equipment and ensures compliance with department practices; responds to maintenance needs and schedules appropriate service and repair.

Responds to questions, concerns, and emergency calls from the general public; makes recommendations and/or takes appropriate action to resolve issues and problems; responds to inquiries about department policies, rules, regulations, and City ordinances; establishes and maintains a customer service orientation within the work unit.

Demonstrates a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; evaluates assigned work activities; estimates time, materials, and equipment necessary for the successful completion of assignments; acquires necessary resources as is appropriate.

Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, City management, staff, and the public.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of practices, techniques, and materials used in maintenance, construction, mechanics, and repair of water systems; equipment and tools used in water system construction, repair, and maintenance; methods and techniques of leading, training, and motivating assigned crews; proper methods of traffic control and delineation; basic principles of mathematics; record keeping; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

SKILLS

Skill to operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications; safely and effectively operate a variety of equipment, tools, and vehicles used in construction, maintenance, and repair activities.

ABILITIES

Ability to lead and perform a wide variety of public works construction and maintenance activities related to the Citys water system; operate a variety of vehicles, tools, and equipment used in construction and maintenance; perform journey level work in assigned area; estimate time and materials for completion of projects; read and interpret blueprints, work sketches and specialized maps; prepare work records and routine reports; perform heavy manual labor; plan, organize, and lead the work of subordinate staff; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Lead Water Distribution Systems Operator. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of three years of experience in the construction, maintenance, repair, and operation of water systems, and a high school diploma or equivalent.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE

California Drivers License (Class A or B w/ Tanker Endorsement)

Grade II Water Distribution Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board

Supplemental Information

REQUIRED ATTACHMENT MATERIALS:

• Class "A" or "B" Drivers License ( w/Tanker Endorsement)
• Grade II Water Distribution Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board
• All required documents MUST be submitted with application to be considered.

PLEASE NOTE: IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP ALL CERTIFICATES CURRENT THROUGH THE ENTIRE SELECTION PROCESS. IF AT ANY TIME DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS YOUR CERTIFICATES EXPIRE, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing 25 pounds or more is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The incumbent may use chemicals and lubricants, which may expose the employee to fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Incumbents may be exposed to mechanical, electrical, and biological hazards. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, work at heights over 10 feet, work in confined spaces, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, and work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions. The incumbent may be required to respond to after hours emergency call-outs.

Environment:

Standard office setting with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may travel from site to site, interact with upset customers, interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Selection Process:

All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written exam, oral board interview, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list which will remain valid for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.

RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.

THE PROVISIONS IN THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

Hemet General Employees Association (HGEA)

Benefits Summary

(Updated October 2026)

The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time employees in the HGEA unit. For further information, please refer to the HGEA MOU.

Retirement: The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Classic Members: 2.5% at 55 Formula; 1959 survivor benefit; final compensation based on single highest year; employee contributes 8% (no Social Security deduction).
• PEPRA (New) Members: 2% at 62 Formula; 1959 survivor benefit; final compensation based on a three-year average; employee contributes 50% of total normal cost, currently 8% (no Social Security deduction).

Medical Coverage:

• The City contributes 100% of premium for employee only coverage on the Citys Kaiser plans.

Plan Year 2026/2027

(September 2026 - August 2027)

Dental & Vision Coverage:

• The City pays 100% of the premium for dental & vision coverage for employees and their dependents.

Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance:

• The City pays 100% of the premium for a term-life insurance policy of $50,000.
• The City pays 100% of the premium for long-term disability insurance.

Educational Reimbursement:

• The City will provide up to $2,500 per calendar year, subject to terms set forth in the HGEA MOU.

Leave Accruals:

• 96 hours of Vacation leave
• 8 hours per month Sick Leave
• 10 paid Holidays & 2 floating holidays per year

Deferred Compensation:

• The City contributes $100 per month to a deferred compensation plan in lieu of retiree medical benefits.

Bilingual Pay:

• The City will provide $200 per month for eligible assignments based on the City's needs for bilingual skill and successful completion of a test.

Educational Incentive:

• The City will provide a maximum of $100 per month for an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree to eligible employees.

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract negotiations between the recognized employee association and the City of Hemet.

01

Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Please do not indicate "see resume". The rating of the supplemental questions may determine your application status and/or rank on the eligibility list. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.

• Yes
• No

02

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School / GED
• Associate Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate/Doctoral Degree

03

Do you possess a Class A or B valid Drivers License with Tanker endorsement?

• Yes
• No

04

If you responded "Yes" to the above question, have you attached a copy to your application?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a Water Distribution Systems Operator certification issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board? (D2 or higher)

• Yes
• No

06

How many years of progressively responsible experience in construction, maintenance, repair, and operation of water systems do you have?

• No experience
• Some experience (less than 1 year)
• Mid-level experience (2 - 3 years)
• Advanced level experience (4 or more years)

07

How many years in a lead/supervisory role do you have?

• No experience
• Some experience (less than 2 years)
• Mid-level experience (3 - 4 years)
• Advanced level experience (5 or more years)

08

Briefly describe your supervisory experience. Include number of employees supervised and their title(s).

09

Describe your customer service experience as it relates to assisting difficult, upset or irrational people, in person or on the phone.

10

Did you submit all required documentation in your application packet?

• Yes
• No

11

CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit right to employment considerations by the City of Hemet.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Hemet

Address 445 E. Florida Ave

Hemet, California, 92543

Phone 951.765.2315

Website http://www.hemetca.gov