Senior Operator - Distribution (Promotional Only)

Description

Promotional Only: This is an internal only recruitment. Only current Mesa Water employees are eligible to apply.

Mesa Water District (Mesa Water) is currently in search for it's next Senior Operator (Distribution)! The Senior Operator, under direction, leads, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for performing a variety of skilled and semi-skilled work involved in the operation of water distribution systems. The Senior Operator also leads, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work of field crews responsible for performing a variety of skilled and semi-skilled work involved in operating, maintaining, installing, and repairing the District’s water distribution infrastructure to ensure an uninterrupted supply of quality potable water; and performs related duties as assigned.

This is the advanced journey level class in the Operator Series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including serving as a lead worker over assigned staff and work sites. Employees perform duties requiring specialized knowledge of water system operations and water maintenance, water system utility construction methods, plan specification interpretation for field installations, and working knowledge of engineering practices. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility. Work requires judgment in the interpretation of policies, procedures, and guidelines and may require the development of recommendations consistent with policies and procedures.

Interested candidates must submit applications by the deadline of March 15, 2026.

Example of Duties

- Leads, plans, trains, and reviews the work of staff responsible for the operation of the District’s water distribution system, and the maintenance and repair of related mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment and systems.

- Supervises work site and participates in performing the most complex work of the unit performing a variety of water facilities maintenance work including main line, service line, and fire hydrant installation, replacement, and repair; water main line valve turning and flushing; pipe cutting; line tapping; and angle stops, ball valves, and various size meter box installations; writes repair tickets, records valve and hydrant data.

- Inspects work-in-progress for compliance with work safety regulations; inspects and tests construction materials, lines, valves, fire hydrants, connections, joints and tie-ins; recommends acceptance of work.

- Coordinates new line pressure testing; coordinates new line collection of samples for public health water quality tests.

- Inspects construction projects for compliance with applicable codes, plans and District standards, including excavations, grades and alignment, lines and related appurtenances, and backfill compaction; checks a variety of construction plans, determines plan changes, and inspects changes; works with contractors and District engineering personnel to resolve differences with projects/designs.

- Reviews plans, specifications, calculations and other technical data developed by engineering staff and contractors; reviews construction plans and plumbing specifications; prepares and reviews permits and work orders; prepares and submits project status and activity reports.

- Oversees and participates in the use, care, and operation of assigned equipment, including backhoes, front loaders, forklifts, skip loaders, rollers, dump trucks, boom truck, service truck, jack hammers, pavement saws, cutting torches, compressors, compactors, pneumatic tools, and hand and power tools; oversees and participates in the loading and unloading of vehicles and equipment.

- Performs underground service alert/utility location duties; marks out location or District water lines for contractors and crews.

- Participates in special operational projects; attends pre-construction meetings, as needed, and prepares contact change orders.

- Creates Mesa Water notify in GIS and prepares updates as needed.

- Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

- Estimates and records time, materials, and equipment required for jobs assigned; requisitions materials as required.

- Oversees and participates in the performance of emergency repairs; responds to emergency calls at irregular hours.

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

- Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum & Desired Qualifications

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 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.

- Experience: Four years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution infrastructure.

Certifications and Licenses:

- Must possess a valid class “A” California Driver’s License with air brake endorsement and a satisfactory driving record.

- Possession of Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 Certification issued by State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).

- Possession of a Water Treatment Grade T2 Certificate issued by SWRCB.

Other:

- Must reside within 40 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.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

- Principles of providing functional direction and training.

- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.

- Water distribution systems, and/or modern construction inspection principles, operations, and services.

- Materials, methods, techniques, and terminology used in the operation, maintenance, installation, and repair of water distribution infrastructure including methods and techniques used in concrete and asphalt work and welding methods and techniques.

- Materials, methods, and techniques used in the inspection of construction projects.

- Applicable laws, regulations, codes, and policies governing the construction of water utility systems projects.

- Proper procedures used in the maintenance and repair of hand and power tools.

- Practices and procedures of traffic control.

- Basic mathematical principles.

- Basic principles and practices of record keeping.

- Safe work methods and safety practices pertaining to the work.

- Operating and maintenance characteristics of various flow control and pressure valves.

- Water quality sampling and testing principles and practices.

- Methods and techniques utilized in construction and fabrication work.

- Methods and techniques of construction plan and specification review for compliance with established construction 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.

Ability To:

- Plan, organize and coordinate the work of assigned staff.

- Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction.

- Operate, maintain, and repair a variety of water distribution systems.

- Detect and locate faulty materials and poor work quality and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied.

- Read maps, blue prints, and diagrams.

- Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

- Interpret, explain, advise and apply policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations.

- Make accurate arithmetic calculations.

- Demonstrate skill in the use of tools and equipment and in diagnosing and repairing equipment.

- Test water for water quality standards and make chemical dosing adjustments to well sites using lab results.

- 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.

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.