SENIOR WATER SYSTEMS OPERATOR

SENIOR WATER SYSTEMS OPERATOR

Salary: $73,652.78 - $94,002.17 Annually

Location: Signal Hill, CA

Job Type: Full-Time (Non-Exempt)

Job Number: 2025-0020

Department: Public Works

Opening Date: 02/05/2026

Description:

The City of Signal Hill is looking for motivated individuals to join our Public Works team! Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis. This recruitment may close at any time once sufficient qualified applications are received. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

Under General Supervision:

Under general supervision, leads and performs a variety of skilled work related to the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of the Citys water system and facilities. Our water facility is proudly classified as both a D4 Distribution and T2 Treatment facility. This dual classification ensures that we efficiently deliver safe, clean water to the community and expertly treat it to meet the highest safety and quality standards, providing reliable, top-tier service for all residents and businesses.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Senior Water Systems Operator is the lead classification responsible for the direction and coordinating the work of those involved in water utility systems maintenance. The incumbent performs lead supervision duties, including assisting in the planning, assigning, and evaluating the work of subordinates, giving recommendations on discipline, and providing training as required. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Water Superintendent in that the latter is responsible for the overall supervision of the maintenance and operations of the Citys water distribution systems. This classification is further distinguished from Water Systems Operator and Water Maintenance Worker I/II due to its responsibility for leading, directing, and coordinating the work of those involved in maintenance activities.

SUBMISSION OF CERTIFICATIONS:

The submission of California State Water Resources Control Board Grade II Treatment Operator (T2) and Distribution Operation (D2) certificates are required as a qualifying step for the recruitment. Example of Duties

Essential Functions:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include, but are not limited to the following characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Leads, trains, assigns, and evaluates work of a crew in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of the Citys water pumping, treatment, and distribution systems.
• Installs mains, hydrant valves, meters, and meter boxes; cleans, operates, and repairs valves and fire hydrants as needed.
• Cleans, repairs, maintains, and operates booster pumps and water storage facilities; coordinates related contractor work.
• Operates the City water system; takes samples; monitors and maintains adequate water levels in City storage facilities.
• Coordinates, conducts inspections, and monitors the Citys backflow and cross-connection control programs.
• Prepares operation and maintenance reports; maintains records of activities as required by applicable laws and regulations.
• Identifies areas in need of maintenance and/or repair, determines action needed, and coordinates implementation with the supervisor; maintains inventory and orders supplies as needed.
• Responds to public service calls and complaints relative to water operations; determines appropriate corrective action.
• Responds to and leads emergency repairs to the water system; responds to water quality complaints and inquiries from water system users.
• Continually monitors water quality analysis results and system water quality to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:

• EDUCATION: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of full-time paid experience in operations and distribution in a municipal or private water company.
• LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required. A valid Class B California drivers license must be obtained during the one-year probationary period. Candidates must possess a California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Operator Grade II (T2) Certificate and a California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Grade II (D2) Certificate. In addition, the incumbent must obtain a Grade III Distribution Operator Certificate within one year of employment.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and City rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to water facilities and systems.
• Knowledge of administrative and supervisory procedures, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of water treatment and distribution system operation.
• Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in truck and heavy equipment operations.
• Knowledge of capabilities, limitations, and safe operating characteristics of heavy equipment, materials, and tools used in water supply and distribution systems.
• Knowledge of the general construction and maintenance techniques.
• Knowledge of techniques for estimating job requirements in terms of manpower, time, materials, and equipment.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in the work.
• Skill reading meters, gauges, and instruments.
• Skill operating a variety of heavy construction equipment including backhoes, tractors, and loaders.
• Skill performing maintenance tasks and routine mechanical repairs and adjustments to tools and equipment used in water supply and distribution systems.
• Skill developing and maintaining computerized files, logs, and records.
• Skill accurate record keeping and reporting.
• Skill making arithmetical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Skill utilizing public relations techniques in responding to inquiries and complaints.
• Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, other City employees, vendors, and the public.
• Skill in the efficient and safe operation of assigned vehicles, equipment, hand, and power tools.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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, reading documents, and operating assigned office and/or field equipment. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 70 pounds may also be required. Additionally, the position may require outdoors field work in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The position may use chemicals and lubricants, which may expose the employee to fumes, dust, and air contaminants, and be exposed to mechanical, electrical, and biological hazards. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to work in confined spaces, climb ladders, and work at heights over 10 feet; use power and noise-producing tools and equipment, and drive motorized vehicles in heavy vehicle traffic conditions. The incumbent may be required to respond to after-hours emergency callouts and be able to respond preferably within 60 minutes.

SUPERVISORY/LEAD RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ability to assign, review, plan, and coordinate the work of other employees. Ability to provide instruction and guidance to staff. Ability to assess the work of employees and write performance appraisals.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

A valid Class B California drivers license within one year of employment required. California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade II Certificate required. California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Grade III Certificate required. LA County Department of Health Services Backflow Tester Certificate required. AWWA Cross-Connection Specialist Certificate highly desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Combination of office environment and fieldwork conditions. Regularly exposed to environmental factors such as temperature variations, odors, and wetness. Occasionally may work in confined spaces, in close proximity to structural, electrical, noise, and mechanical hazards including chemicals and bio-hazardous materials.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

Available to full-time City employees

• 96 hours of vacation leave annually
• 96 hours of sick leave annually with buy-back program
• 10 paid holidays per year (80 hours)
• 36 hours personal holiday leave per year
• 2% @ 60 retirement formula - Employees contribute 7% of the required employee contribution. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This retirement formula is available to those candidates who currently work for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency or have worked for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency within the last six months.
• 2% @ 62 PERS retirement formula - Employees contribute 7.75% of the normal cost of the benefit. There will be no Employer Paid Member Contribution. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This formula is provided for all new PERS members and those who have been separated from a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency for more than six months.
• Medical insurance - The City participates in the CalPERS health benefit program and contributes up to $1,200 per month toward medical premiums. An additional $800 is available for individuals with health, dental, and/or vision premiums not fully covered with the $1,200. 75% of any monies remaining (of the $1,200) after medical premiums are paid may be applied toward optional benefits including: vision, dental, or deferred compensation plan. No cash pay-out in lieu of benefits
• Dental - City contribution of