Water Operator In Training

February 2022
FLSA: Non-Exempt

WATER OPERATOR-IN-TRAINING
DEFINITION
Under immediate supervision, learns to perform skilled work in the construction, maintenance, operation,
and repair of the City's water production and distribution systems in order to attain water treatment and
distribution certifications from the California Department of Health Services; develops skills in performing
the full scope of duties related to water production and distribution systems; learns to operate a variety of
manual and power tools and light to heavy power-driven equipment; provides assistance to other areas of
the Public Works Department as needed including streets, parks, and landscape maintenance; and performs
related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives immediate supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no direct
supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the trainee-level classification in the Water Operator series. Working under direct supervision,
incumbents learn and perform routine construction, maintenance, operation, and repair duties related to the
City’s water production and distribution systems while fulfilling the training and experience requirements
necessary to gain the appropriate water treatment and distribution certificates as mandated by the State of
California.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different
positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential
functions of the job.
Positions in the Water Operator-in-Training classification perform these duties and responsibilities in a
learning capacity and under the direct supervision of experienced staff who possess the State-required
certifications.
Ø Performs duties required in the operation, construction, maintenance and repair of the City’s water

system, including laying and repairing water lines, connecting and disconnecting water services,
reading water meters, taking water samples, operating chlorinating equipment and testing for chlorine
residuals, and maintaining and operating other water treatment/disinfecting systems as required by State
Department of Health Services.

Ø Tests, maintains, and repairs pumps, chlorinating equipment, valves, meters, gauges, and electrical
and gas water-pumping equipment.

Ø Obtains and records static or pumping water levels in water basins, monitors the operation of wells,
boosters, and treatment sites.

Ø Performs routine daily inspections of all water production and storage facilities, identifies any improper
function of equipment or operations.

Ø Reads water usage meters on an assigned route and on an ad-hoc basis; investigates low and high usage
reads; responds to customer complaints and inquiries.

Water Operator-In-Training

Ø Maintains, repairs, and installs water meter readers and related appurtenances; troubleshoots

malfunctioning meters.
Ø Installs, cleans, adjusts, overhauls, rebuilds, paints, and operates valves; troubleshoots valves when

problems occur within the water distribution system.
Ø Verifies underground pipe locations through 811 call system.
Ø Prepares detailed reports of performance and condition of pumping facilities.
Ø Performs daily check of chlorine residuals in distribution system and records results.
Ø Takes samples from wells and sampling station outlets for laboratory testing.
Ø Maintains and repairs reservoirs and pumping facilities.
Ø Performs general maintenance and clean up duties around water facilities.
Ø Operates and maintains specialized vehicles and a variety of light, medium, and heavy equipment

used in the operation and maintenance of water production and distribution systems operates a variety
of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignment as instructed.

Ø Assist with the general maintenance, repair, and construction of City streets, sidewalks, parks, park
buildings, trees, equipment, and facilities, as assigned.

Ø Maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used.
Ø Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Some knowledge, skills, and abilities are performed in a learning capacity by positions at the Water
Operator-In-Training level.
Knowledge of:

Ø Maintenance principles, practices, equipment, and materials used in the maintenance and repair of
water production and distribution systems as well as streets, parks, facilities, and landscape
maintenance.

Ø Methods, maintenance, and repair of valves, hydrants, services, mains, pumping systems, and water
distribution systems, water samples, and chlorination systems.

Ø The operation, maintenance, and minor repair of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and
light to heavy power equipment.

Ø Methods and techniques of collecting and preserving water samples.
Ø Operational characteristics of water production and distribution systems.
Ø Operational characteristics of specialized water utilities maintenance and repair equipment.
Ø Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the

handling of hazardous chemicals.
Ø Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to

assigned area of responsibility.
Ø Principles and practices of record keeping.
Ø City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Ø Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public,

vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Ø The structure and content of the English language at a level necessary to successfully perform

assigned duties and responsibilities.
Ø Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and

task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Water Operator-In-Training

Ability to:

Ø Perform construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work on water production and

distribution systems as well as streets, parks, facilities, and landscape.
Ø Operate a variety of pumps, controls, and water distribution/transmission equipment.
Ø Read meters, gauges and schematics.
Ø Learn to prepare and maintain accurate reports required by the California State Water Board

(SWRCB).
Ø Read, interpret, and apply technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications.
Ø Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and light to

heavy equipment required for the work.
Ø Maintain accurate logs and basic written records of work performed.
Ø Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ø Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Ø Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern

business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Ø Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, at a level necessary for successful

job performance.
Ø Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in

the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and some experience in grounds maintenance,
construction, or other trades work.
Licenses and Certifications:

Ø Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license upon appointment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in the field; 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 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; and vision to inspect and operate equipment.
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. Employees must possess the ability
to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in
all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement
weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical
hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with
upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and
procedures.