Limited Term Operator I/II (Distribution)

Description

SALARY RANGE: (Depending Upon Qualifications)

Operator I (D1 Certificate): $32.33 - $44.56 hourly

Operator I (D1 & T1 Certifications): $34.82 - $47.98 hourly

Operator II (D3 & T2 Certifications): $38.43 - $52.96 hourly

Mesa Water District (Mesa Water) is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for a Limited Term Operator I/II to work in our Water Distribution section. This is a temporary, but fully benefitted position, with an expected duration of about two years - through June 30, 2027. The person selected for this role will work on a crew of 2-3 Operators repairing and maintaining our water distribution infrastructure.

What we offer:

- Competitive salary that is regularly reviewed (3% increase effective January 2026).

- Rich benefit package that includes $2,400/month in flex credits, enrollment in CalPERS and matching up to 3.5% into 401a plan.

- Hands on training opportunities.

- Being a part of an agency that is on the cutting edge of water technology and innovation.

Ideal Candidate:

- Experienced in repairing and installing main and service lines, hydrants and water valves.

- Likes to collaborate with others to achieve shared goals.

- Responsive, pleasant, and professional with customers.

This recruitment is open on a continuous basis until filled with an initial filing deadline of Wednesday, September 17, 2025at 11:59 PM. Only completed online applications and supplemental questions will be considered. This is a safety sensitive position, meaning final candidates will be subject to a drug test during the pre-employment process.

The Position

Operator I: This is the entry level class in the Operator series that operates, maintains, installs, and repairs the District’s water distribution infrastructure. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine duties associated with the work. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Operator II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Operator series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment, initiative, and leadership. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Additionally, positions at this level may lead lover-level staff and/or take on additional duties in the absence of the Senior Operator. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Operator II level are normally filled by advancement from the Operator I level.

Representative Duties

- Performs construction, maintenance, operation, and repair of the District’s water distribution system; performs a variety of water facilities maintenance work including main line, service line, and fire hydrant installation, replacement, and repair; water main line and hydrant valve turning and flushing; pipe cutting; line tapping; water meter installation, replacement, repair, and testing; and angle stops, ball valves, and various size meter box installations.

- Cuts, breaks, and hauls asphalt and concrete; mixes and finishes concrete; prepares for and lays asphalt; operates a variety of equipment and tools including backhoes, front loaders, forklifts, skip loaders, rollers, dump trucks, boom truck, service truck, jack hammers, pavement saws, cutting torches, compressors, compactors, pneumatic tools, pumps, and hand and power tools; loads and unloads vehicles and equipment.

- Assists in performing water quality samples analyses; assists in preparing tests and analyzing distribution system well, reservoir, and treatment plant samples for a variety of items including ammonia, nitrites, chlorine, monochloramines, color, turbidity, conductivity, and related items.

- Trains other staff on minor water infrastructure repairs and meter replacement procedures.

- Maintains assigned equipment and vehicles; performs safety checks and checks fluid levels of vehicles and equipment; cleans assigned vehicles and equipment.

- Sets traffic control including safety devices, signs, and barricades; ensures safety of public and work crew.

- Performs a variety of other duties in support of department operations; cleans service yard; cleans and paints buildings and well sites; paints hydrants; repairs fences and gates; maintains grounds by planting and weeding; performs event set-up/break-down functions; assists in performing minor repairs and electrical work; may respond to public inquiries.

- Performs emergency repairs; responds to emergency calls at irregular hours.

- Maintains work, time, and material records; may prepare statistical reports and data analyses of assigned activities; may prepare daily reports.

- Attends safety and training sessions and seminars.

- Participates in mandatory standby duty based on operational needs and responds to emergencies.

- Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum & Desired Qualifications

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:

Operator I

- Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade. Vocational training in maintenance and repair is desirable.

- One year of experience in the construction, operation, maintenance, and/or repair of water systems or related electrical or mechanical equipment or systems. Experience working with water distribution is preferred.

Operator II

- Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade, supplemented by vocational or technical training in water utility science, water distribution infrastructure maintenance and repair practices, mechanical maintenance and repair practices, or construction inspection.

- Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation, maintenance, installation, and repair of water distribution infrastructure.

Certifications and Licenses:

- Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

- Operator I: Possession of Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 Certification issued by State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).

- Operator I: Valid California class A driver’s license with air brake endorsement desirable, but not required.

- Operator I: Possession of Water Treatment Operator Grade T1 issued by SWRCB desirable, but not required.

- Operator II: Possession of Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 Certification issued by SWRCB.

- Operator II: Possession of Water Treatment Operator Grade T2 issued by SWRCB.

- Operator II: Must possess a valid Class A driver’s license at time of appointment.

Other:

- Must reside within 25 miles of the nearest boundary to Mesa Water District in order to participate in the mandatory standby program based on operational needs and respond to emergencies.

Knowledge:

- Procedures, methods, tools, and equipment used in the operation of motors, pumps, compressors, electrical panels, automatic controls, valves, timers, and related equipment.

- Title 22, CCR and OCWD’s programs impacted by numerous regulatory agencies, including the State Water Resources Control Board, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Orange County Department of Public Health, and Cal OSHA.

- Domestic water sampling techniques.

- Mathematical principles related to the computation of flows and volumes in water storage and distribution systems.

- Proper work safety standards.

- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.

- The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.

- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.

- Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Abilities:

- Inspect and diagnose operating problems on pumps, electric motors, engines, valves, automatic control systems, and related equipment.

- Disassemble pump systems, perform repairs, and reassemble repaired systems.

- Read and interpret pump and reservoir charts and gauges.

- Collect water samples.

- Perform arithmetical calculations, including the calculation of chlorine dosages, reservoir volumes, and production.

- Maintain accurate records.

- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

- 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 the work.

- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, and procedural guidelines.

- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Demands:

Mobility to perform heavy, moderate or light lifting; walk, stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; exert moderate to heavy physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling; ability to verbally communicate to exchange information; and operate motorized equipment and vehicles; ability to see in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment.

Working Conditions:

Field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical hazards, toxic/poisonous substances, unpleasant odors, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.

Holidays – Mesa Water provides full-time employees with 107 holiday hours per year, comprised of twelve observed holidays (96 hours) and (11) floating holiday hours.

Vacation – Employees accrue between eighty-eight (88) and one hundred and sixty (160) hours annually, depending on tenure. Accrued time is available to use after six months.

Sick Leave – Employees accrue ninety-six (96) hours per year, with no maximum accrual cap.

Retirement – Mesa Water employees participate in CalPERS retirement.

Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired employees who are new CalPERS members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at age 62 defined benefit plan with a three-year final compensation in accordance with PEPRA. New members will be required to pay 8.25% of pension reportable salary as their full share of their member contribution.

An employee who is a "classic" member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% @ 55 benefit formula with one-year final compensation. Effective 1/6/17, employees pay 7.0% of the employee contribution to CalPERS.

The District participates in Social Security. Please contact Human Resources if you have more questions.

Cafeteria Plan Benefits – Employees receive a $2,400 “Flex Credit” allocation per month to be used towards health benefits including medical, dental and vision. Flex credits not used towards benefits may be taken as additional taxable non-“Persable” income.

Deferred Compensation – A voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan (Section 457) is available to employees through Empower Retirement. Eligible employees may receive dollar for dollar employer match up to 3.5% of salary per calendar year.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Employees may participate in either or both of Mesa Water's Section 125 plan flexible spending accounts: Dependent Care Reimbursement (eligible upon hire) and Medical Expense Reimbursement (after one-year).

Life Insurance – Full-time employees are covered by $200,000 in group term life insurance paid by District (benefit decreases at age 65).

Long Term Disability (LTD) – Full-time employees receive District-paid LTD insurance coverage equal to 2/3 of salary ($12,000 maximum monthly benefit) after a 90-day waiting period.

Short-Term Disability – The District participates in State Disability Insurance (SDI).

Automobile Allowance – Management employees receive an Automobile Allowance per month.

9/80 Work Schedule – Employees are offered a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.

Tuition Reimbursement and Educational Incentives

Salary Increases – Based on performance, new Mesa Water employees are eligible for merit step increases at 6-months and 12-months, and annually thereafter.