Lead Water Operator- Construction & Lead Water Operator - Operations & Maintenance

Lead Water Operator- Construction & Lead Water Operator - Operations & Maintenance

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

6/28/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

OPPORTUNITY

Application Deadline:

Sunday, June 28, 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

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

Full Job Description: Lead Wastewater Operator

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 Individual Contributor Core Competencies 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 Front Line Supervisor Core Competencies:

• 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 Departments 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 https://www.cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/human-resources/salary-group-agreements.

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 (PPOs) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) 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.

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage

All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Employee Assistance Program

The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through AETNA for all full and part time employees and their eligible dependents. The confidential EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and services that can help resolve emotional health, family and work-life issues, or provide help with childcare and eldercare assistance, financial and legal services, identity theft recovery services and daily living services.

Wellness Program

Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The Citys Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work. Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.

Mentorship Program

This professional development program of mentoring and job shadowing provides mentees with an opportunity to be mentored by experienced staff with the objective of developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the participants leadership skills and promote professional growth.

Succession Planning

The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.

Deferred Compensation

Employees may participate in the Citys 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.

The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).

Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)

Based upon your bargaining unit the City may participate in a PEHP plan that will provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket cost of qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, eyeglasses and cover the reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon separation or retirement.

Holidays

The City offers seven (7) paid holidays per year. In addition, based upon your bargaining unit a bank of floating holiday hours is available to be used at the employees discretion.

Vacation

The City initially offers two weeks of paid vacation per calendar year for all full time employees. Accrual rates increase thereafter based upon your bargaining unit.

Sick Leave

Sick leave shall accrue a rate of eight hours for each month of continuous service, or approximately two weeks per year for all full time employees. Employees may use up to half of their annually accrued sick leave for family illness and up to five days (40 hours) per calendar year for bereavement leave.

Management Leave

Management level employees may receive a prorated amount of management leave time each new calendar year.

Educational Incentive Program

In addition to regular pay when education is in addition to the regular requirements of the job specifications and is work related.

Tuition Reimbursement

Based on your bargaining unit, you may be reimbursed for tuition and book costs of approved job related courses. The maximum amount of tuition reimbursement in any calendar year will vary based upon your bargaining unit.

Auto Allowance

Management level employees may receive auto allowance based upon the need of the position.

Telephone/PDA Stipend

Management level employees may receive a telephone and/or PDA stipend based upon the need of the position.

Bilingual Pay

Bilingual pay is provided to employees who are required by their department head to use both English and Spanish in communicating with the public while performing the duties of his/her position and who demonstrate appropriate skills in both speaking and understanding the Spanish language shall receive compensation. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

01

How many years of experience do you have operating and maintaining water treatment and/or distribution systems?

02

Do you currently hold a valid Grade 3 (or higher) Water Treatment or Distribution Operator certification issued by the State Water Resources Control Board?

• Yes
• No

03

List the type of driver's license you currently hold, the expiration date, and any endorsements.

04

How many years of experience do you have in a lead or supervisory role in water operations? Briefly describe your responsibilities.

05

Acknowledgment Requirement: I understand that, if selected for this position, I am required to obtain a valid Class A California Driver's License with Tanker endorsement within twelve (12) months of appointment.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Maria

Address 110 East Cook Street, Room 1

Santa Maria, California, 93454

Phone 805-925-0951 ext. 2203

Website http://www.cityofsantamaria.org