Water System Operator Lead
Salary
$78,124.80 - $94,952.00 Annually
Location
Davis, CA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
00940
Department
Public Works Department
Division
Water Division
Opening Date
10/06/2026
Closing Date
10/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the maintenance and repair of water meters and valves, cross connection control, backflow prevention, and related assemblies; performs water consumption checks, leak checks, and water conservation audits; responds to all water calls; investigates water problems, determines responsibility, and takes corrective action; serves as technical lead of water system operators and/or other staff working on water system assets locates water, sewer, and storm drain system components; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. As Lead, works closely with staff assigned to water systems, providing technical and functional supervision while working in the field. May serve as acting supervisor in the absence of assigned supervisor.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey level in the Water System Operator class series. Positions in this class are distinguished from the Water Systems Operator position in that they regularly lead other assigned staff, perform and functionally supervise the most technically complex tasks in the assigned area, and are required to operate and train others in the operation and maintenance of the water systems including the maintenance and repair of water meters and valves, cross-connection control, backflow prevention, and related systems as assigned. Positions in this class are distinguished from supervisory classes in that they do not perform direct supervisory duties.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Inspects, tests, repairs, and maintains backflow prevention assemblies; operates and maintains backflow prevention testing equipment.
- Performs meter maintenance functions such as meter accessibility, operation, accuracy, testing, and repairs; replaces meter boxes, covers, lids, and related components; installs, programs, troubleshoots, maintains, and repairs advanced meter reading hardware and software; manually reads and records customer water usage at meters.
- Participates in cross-connection control surveys of City facilities, private property, and equipment pertaining to backflow prevention assemblies.
- Performs water consumption checks, leak checks, and water conservation audits for residential customers; investigates and responds to consumption alerts generated by advanced metering software and reporting.
- Services and maintains water mains and service lines; inspects water leak issues; determines responsibility and informs the party responsible to make the necessary repairs; participates in major repairs as required; performs water pressure and flow tests.
- Disinfects, backflow assemblies, meters, laterals, and other water system components after repair or replacement.
- Prepares cost estimates on work performed.
- Performs routine preventive maintenance on equipment as assigned.
- Participates in all safety programs required to effectively perform associated job requirements.
- Responds to customer inquiries and complaints regarding excessive watering, water waste, and water conservation questions.
- Responds to emergency calls from the public with regard to broken mains and house valves; investigates the problem to determine responsibility and takes corrective actions; responds to requests from the public to have their water service turned off and on.
- Reads and interprets maps of all underground utilities owned or maintained by the City; locates and marks out water, sewer, and storm drain system components for different utility companies, private contractors, outside agencies, and the public; investigates problems with the City portion of water lines and takes corrective actions to solve them.
- Receives work orders electronically; prepares, maintains, and inputs detailed logs, records, and reports of maintenance and repair activities via mobile and stationary digital devices into automated software systems.
- Collaborates with billing staff to investigate discrepancies between billing and amount of water used by customers; shuts off customer water service if bills are not paid.
- Keeps records on file on all City water services.
- Observes and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Oversees and inspects backflow prevention devices for residential, commercial, and industrial properties; installs backflow prevention assemblies; provides backflow testing data to other City staff.
- Assists with preparation of State mandated reports; sends notices to property owners requiring backflow repairs, second and third testing notices; shuts off water if backflow devices are not tested, fail inspection, test report inputs and are not repaired, per State regulations; trains personnel in the testing, inspection, and repair of backflow prevention devices.
- Implements and maintains the Citys cross connection control program; surveys and inspects City buildings and facilities for compliance with cross connection control regulations.
- Assists with administering the City's automated water meter reading system; trains personnel in the testing, inspection, and repair of water meters; programs meters to ensure accurate billing; collaborates with Finance staff regarding customer water billing issues and concerns.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Tools, equipment, methods, practices, and materials used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water systems including backflow prevention assemblies, valves, meters, and other components.
- Principles and practices of water systems operation and maintenance.
- Backflow prevention and cross connection control principles and practices.
- Methods and techniques of troubleshooting and locating leaks within large water systems.
- Underground Service Alert (USA Dig-Alert) procedures.
- Methods and techniques for record-keeping and report preparation.
- Traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
- Water sampling techniques.
- Basic mathematics.
- Principles and practices of plumbing.
- Operational characteristics of specialized water utilities maintenance and repair equipment.
- Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals.
- Operations and techniques for the operation of construction equipment such as backhoes and dump trucks.
- Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
- Purposes and uses of a variety of vehicles, equipment, power tools, and hand tools including motorized and hydraulic equipment.
- City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols; principles and practices of work safety.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
- The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform work.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
- Be familiar with and use City standards and specifications including materials, methods, equipment, and tools used in water utilities maintenance and operations activities.
- Principles and practices of cross connection control.
Ability to:
- Perform skilled maintenance, construction, and repair work involving the Citys cross connection control program, and all water distribution systems and assemblies.
- Troubleshoot and diagnose equipment malfunctions.
- Interpret work orders.
- Perform water pressure and flow tests.
- Perform isolation exercises to verify water use.
- Operate and maintain stationary and portable water meter testing equipment and accessories.
- Operate a variety of vehicles in a safe and effective manner.
- Obtain certifications as required by OSHA/Cal OSHA and provided by the City, to perform assigned duties.
- Read and interpret basic maps and blueprints.
- Work safely and adhere to principles of safety when working near traffic or in other environments.
- Perform water consumption leak checks and water conservation audits for residential customers as requested.
- Perform heavy manual labor.
- Maintain neat and accurate records.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to effectively perform work.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Perform private backflow notifications letters second, and final notices
- Inspect work in progress and upon completion providing feedback; identify areas make basic estimates of materials and labor requirements for a job or project needing improvement.
- Make basic estimates of materials and labor requirements for a job or project.
- Make recommendations relating to cross connection control programs including plan check surveys, field meets, and inspections.
- Test, inspect, and repair backflow prevention devices, and water meters.
- Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
- Use and train staff on GIS data collection asset management tools. Trimble unit.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:
- Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by specialized training in water systems operations and maintenance tasks or a related field.
Experience:
- Three (3) years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution system backflow prevention and cross connection control, and related water system devices or components.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid Class "A" California Drivers License with appropriate endorsements, to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of a valid Grade D-2 Water Distribution Operator Certification, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of, or successful acquisition within 24 months from date of appointment, a valid Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator Certification, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid Certification as a Backflow Prevention Assembly General Tester issued by AWWA, to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of, or successful acquisition within probationary period, a valid certification to operate a Crane Truck.to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of, or successful acquisition within 24 months from date of employment, a valid Cross Connection Control Specialist Certification issued by the American Water Works Association, to be maintained throughout employment.
- State Water Resources Control Board Grade T-2, highly desirable.
Supplemental Information
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a field environment; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to work in confined spaces and around machines; to climb and descend ladders; to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to detect shades of color, read printed materials, and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment and to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 90 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff. Employees must wear and use the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Must also possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer or keyboard; ability to use a mobile device or handheld communication device; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspaces, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Working Conditions
May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
CITY OF DAVIS
BENEFIT SUMMARY SHEET
DCEA
Leave Time
- 3 Weeks of Vacation Per Year to start (increases with years of service)
- 2 Floating Holidays per fiscal year (pro-rated for new hires)
- 13 paid Holidays
- Sick Leave: Accrual of 8 hours per month / 12 days per year.
- Parental Leave - 2 Months Paid Parental Leave Available After 1 Year of Employment.
Health Dental and Vision
125 Cafeteria Plan.
The city contributes an amount up to 100% of the CalPERS Kaiser rate by category. The 2026 CalPERS Kaiser monthly rates by category are listed below.
Employee Only - $1,168.86
Employee Plus One - $2,337.72
Family Rate - $3,039.04
The city contributes the premium for the family rate of the City's self-funded dental plan
2026 monthly premium for family is $210.00
Up to $500 Cash-in-lieu Per Month if Opting Out of Medical & Dental
Option to purchase Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
- 30k Employer Paid
- Voluntary/Supplemental Coverage Available for Purchase
- The new hire guarantee issue amount is $200,000
Retirement
CalPERS Pension
2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS Members
2% at 62 for PEPRA Members (membership date of 1/1/2013 or later)
The City participates in Medicare (1.45% employee deduction).
The City does not participate in Social Security
Survivor Benefit
The city contracts with the Public Employees Retirement System for the 1959 Survivor Benefit Level Four (4).
Other Benefits
Longevity Pay
2.5% at 10 years of service
2.5% at 20 years of service for a maximum of 5%.
Retiree Health Contribution
Medical and Dependent Care Flexible spending accounts available
City paid long term disability program
Access to purchase supplemental benefits including short term disability insurance, accident insurance, and additional life insurance products, etc.
457 Deferred Compensation Plans Available, including Roth Options
City paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Bicycle and Computer Loan Programs Available (upon successful completion of probation)
Alternative schedules available (e.g. 9/80)
MOU-Davis City Employees Association (DCEA) 01.2025-06.2028
Employer City of Davis
Address 23 Russell Blvd
Davis, California, 95616
Phone (530) 757-5644
Website http://www.cityofdavis.org/