The Presidio Trust is seeking a Water Distribution Operator to join its Utlities department. The Presidio Trust is a unique federal agency that stewards and shares the Presidio, one of the most visited national park sites in America and a place where people live and businesses thrive. The Trust manages the Presidio through a triple bottom line focus: being visited and loved by all, being a model of environmental stewardship, and demonstrating excellence in all our operations.
Reporting to the Water Treatment Supervisor, the Water Distribution Operator performs skilled work in the operation, maintenance, repair, and monitoring of the Presidio Trust's potable water distribution system and provides operational support for the Presidio Water Treatment Plant. The position performs preventive, corrective, emergency, and recurring maintenance to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of potable water throughout the Presidio.
This is a full-time position with benefits and a starting at $54.86 per hour, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. This position is included in a bargaining unit, specifically the Laborer’s International Union of North America, Local 792, United Public Employees of California. Applications received by November 13, 2026, will receive first consideration. The projected start date for this role is early January 2027.
Responsibilities
- Perform skilled pipefitting work associated with potable water distribution and treatment systems, including planning, layout, installation, modification, repair, and routing of piping and related components.
- Perform and document preventive, corrective, and recurring maintenance on water distribution and treatment equipment, facilities, and systems.
- Inspect materials, equipment, and components for proper application, condition, and suitability; safely and effectively operate tools and equipment associated with the water utility trade.
- Apply established health, sanitary, mechanical, and water treatment principles and practices to support the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of potable water treatment and distribution systems.
- Assist with planned and emergency system shutdowns, leak and main-break response, system isolation, flushing, and restoration of water service.
- Inspect, operate, and maintain surface water supply infrastructure, and associated water production equipment and systems.
- Operate, inspect, maintain, exercise, repair, and replace distribution system infrastructure, including valves, hydrants, service connections, meters, piping, and related appurtenances.
- Independently troubleshoot, repair, modify, test, calibrate, and install industrial instrumentation and equipment associated with water treatment and distribution operations.
- Install, inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, and calibrate water quality instrumentation, including analyzers and monitoring equipment for turbidity, chlorine, pH, and associated recording and control equipment.
- Perform water quality monitoring, field testing, and sampling activities as assigned, including collection and documentation of samples in accordance with established procedures.
- Read, interpret, and apply blueprints, plans, diagrams, schematics, technical manuals, operating procedures, and manufacturer specifications in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of water system infrastructure and equipment.
- Maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance, repairs, equipment condition, and other water system operational activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in water distribution, water treatment, utility operations and maintenance, or a closely related field.
- Knowledge and ability to troubleshoot various systems and components to ensure their safe operation and delivery of water.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans, diagrams, schematics, technical manuals, manufacturer specifications, and operating procedures.
- Knowledge of water system instrumentation, pipefitting practices, and mechanical and electrical equipment commonly used in water distribution and treatment operations.
- Ability to diagnose mechanical and operational problems and safely disassemble, repair, replace, reassemble, and test equipment and system components.
- Ability to communicate effectively, maintain accurate records, and work independently or collaboratively in the performance of assigned duties.
Required Licenses and Certifications
- Possession of a valid California State Water Resources Control Board Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a California State Water Resources Control Board Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate within two years of appointment.
- Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to maintain a driving record that meets Presidio Trust requirements.
- Obtain and maintain a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification within one year of appointment, if required by the Presidio Trust.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience operating or monitoring water systems using SCADA or similar control systems.
- Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), GIS, electronic work orders, or other utility asset-management systems.
- Experience performing water quality sampling and field testing.
- Experience with cross-connection control and backflow prevention programs.
- Experience responding to water main breaks, leaks, shutdowns, and other water distribution emergencies.
- A passion for the mission and values of the Presidio Trust.
Background Check
This position is subject to an employment background check which shall consist of a review of applicable county, state and Federal criminal and civil records, state bankruptcy indexes, driver’s license, education, and employment history. An individual’s granting of a background check and resulting report is voluntary. However, employment is contingent upon the successful completion of an employment background check. The Presidio Trust may refuse to hire an individual, may rescind an offer of employment to an individual, or may review and terminate the employment of a current employee not successfully completing the background check.
The Presidio Trust is an equal opportunity employer, offering a competitive benefits package. To learn more, visit www.presidio.gov/about/presidio-trust/careers.