WATER SYSTEMS OPERATOR - Entry/Journey Level
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WATER SYSTEMS OPERATOR - Entry/Journey Level
Salary
$65,045.49 - $83,001.60 Annually
Location
City of Stockton, CA
Job Type
Classified
Job Number
1025-07592
Department
Municipal Utilities
Opening Date
10/26/2025
Closing Date
11/12/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
DEFINITION
OPEN/PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY
MONTHLY SALARY RANGE:
Entry Level: $65,045.49 - 71,711.24 Annually (Incumbents may advance to journey level status after obtaining the required experience and certifications)
Journey Level: $75,287.23 - 83,001.60 Annually
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
TENTATIVE EXAMINATION DATE:TBD
Exciting Career Opportunity!
Join the City of Stockton and become part of our dedicated team in the Water Distribution Division of the Municipal Utilities Department! We're currently seeking to fill three (3) vacancies in Distribution and one (1) vacancy in Water Treatment/Production for a skilled and motivated professional to perform a variety of essential water operations duties, including production, distribution, customer service, construction, and maintenance work.
This position offers a 9/80 work schedule-work 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Fridays, with every other Friday off-giving you a great work-life balance!
Employees in this position are required to respond to emergencies as needed to support the City's vital water services. To ensure a timely response, employees must maintain their primary residence within 45 minutes of City Hall.
If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and serve your community, we encourage you to apply today!
Incumbents in this position are included in the Civil Service system, in a "for-cause" employment status, and are represented by Operating Engineers Local No. 3, Operations and Maintenance Unit (Classified/Represented).
This recruitment is being conducted as an Open/Promotional recruitment. Current full-time City of Stockton employees may apply for this position as a promotional opportunity and successful candidates will be placed on a promotional list. All other candidates may apply for this position as an open competitive opportunity and successful candidates will be placed on an open list. The appointing authority will have the option of requesting names from the promotional list or a combination of both.
This list may be used to fill future vacancies.
Prior to appointment, eligible candidates will be required to submit to and successfully pass a medical examination to include drug screen and back evaluation and a background investigation, which will include fingerprinting.
Veteran's Preference:
This position is eligible to receive five (5) Veteran's Preference Points for entrance into the Civil Service. Veteran's Preference will not be granted on the promotional list. If you believe you may qualify for Veteran's Preference, a DD-214 Member 4 copy indicating at least 181 consecutive days of service must be received in the Human Resources office (see supplemental questionnaire for details in submitting DD-214 copy) on or before the final filing date.
Performs a variety of water operations duties, including production, distribution, customer service, construction and maintenance work; performs related work as assigned.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Entry level
Initially, under close supervision, incumbents perform a variety of duties in water operations, including production, distribution, construction, maintenance, and customer service work. Incumbents may advance to the journey level after obtaining the required experience, certifications, and demonstrating proficiency at the entry level.
Journey level
Under general supervision, incumbents perform the full range of assigned duties in water operations, including production, distribution, construction, maintenance, and customer service work. Incumbents may advance to the Senior level after obtaining the required experience, certifications, and participating in the City's classified competitive process.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
All levels
Reads and interprets monitoring devices on water production equipment; calculates and adjusts chemical dosages; performs preventive maintenance on water production and feed equipment; logs and records readings; reports necessary repair work; takes samples and performs standardized tests; inspects pump sites and reservoirs; rebuilds meters; designs and installs chemical feed equipment; constructs, modifies, repairs and replaces pumps, motors, chlorinators, regulators and related equipment.
Inspects and tests fire services; monitors hydrant permits; inspects, installs, maintains, tests, modifies and repairs backflow prevention devices and air relief valves; repairs and tests meters; locates and flushes water mains, including operation of Blow-off Valves.
Installs, replaces and repairs meters and smaller mains; installs pressure line taps; repairs valves; locates and marks underground lines; excavates and backfills cuts; performs concrete and asphalt work; performs work in confined spaces; conducts fire flow tests; replaces meter boxes and lids.
Reads meters; responds to customer complaints regarding bills, water quality, pressure problems and other service complaints; locks off services after change in property owner; turns services on and off.
Operates a wide variety of hand and power tools and equipment, computerized meter reading equipment and test equipment.
Operate concrete saws, generators, pumps, cranes, pneumatic and electric jackhammers, pneumatic tools, compaction equipment, and other power tools.
Operates utility vehicles and the loader bucket of backhoe.
Inspects and drives pick-up trucks, vans, and cars; secures necessary tools and equipment for vehicle; reports needed repairs and service.
Observes safe work methods and safety precautions related to the work.
Prepares and maintains a variety of computerized and written records, reports and logs related to work performed; orders parts and supplies for assigned jobs.
Reads plans, maps, specifications, as-built drawings, facility maps, and schematics; records as-built drawings of work performed.
Collects samples for laboratory analysis.
Responds to emergency situations.
Journey level (in addition to above duties for all levels)
May train, direct, and coordinate the work of others on a daily and project basis; instructs others in proper work methods and job safety.
May act as Senior Water Systems Operator on a relief basis.
May excavate with backhoe on a relief basis when a Water/Sewer Equipment Operator is not immediately available onsite.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
All levels
Possession of a high school diploma or GED.
Experience:
Entry level
One (1) year of general maintenance and construction experience.
Journey level
Two (2) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of water distribution and production facilities work with one (1) year at or above the entry level.
Other Requirements:
All levels
Must possess and maintain a valid Class C California driver's license. Possession of a valid California Class A driver's license is desirable.
Must obtain a Hazardous Materials Endorsement from the California Department of Motor Vehicles prior to completion of one year probationary period.
Must successfully complete the designated number of contact hours (e.g. continuing education/training requirements) as determined by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to maintain the required certification. Certification is required as a condition of continued employment with the City of Stockton. Failure to comply with California SWRCB regulations pertaining to Distribution Operator Certifications may result in termination of employment.
Entry level (in addition to the above requirements for all levels)
Must obtain and maintain a valid Grade D1 or higher Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California SWRCB prior to completion of one year probationary period.
Possession of a valid Grade T1 Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California SWRCB is highly desirable.
Journey level (in addition to the above requirements for all levels)
Must possess and maintain a valid Grade D2 Distribution Operator Certificate or higher issued by the California SWRCB.
Possession of a valid Grade T1 Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California SWRCB is highly desirable.
Knowledge of:
All levels
Terminology, materials, and operation of equipment and tools used in water production, distribution, construction, maintenance and customer services;
Operation and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools and equipment common to the field;
Safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work;
Confined space entry procedures in accordance with Cal-OSHA Standards;
Basic computerized record keeping applications and operation of computerized equipment;
Skill in:
All levels
Operating and maintaining production and distribution systems and equipment;
Operating and maintaining a variety of hand and power tools and equipment used in the work;
Properly placing cones, barricades and warning devices and directing traffic flow at job sites;
Understanding and following oral and written instructions;
Preparing basic records and reports;
Reading and interpreting maintenance manuals, specifications, plans, maps and blueprints;
Exercising independent judgment and initiative under general supervision;
Communicating effectively, tactfully and courteously with co-workers and the public;
Establishing and maintaining an effective working relationship with those encountered in the course of the work.
Physical/Mental Abilities:
Mobility - Occasional sitting, walking, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, and twisting;
Lifting/Carrying - Frequent carrying and lifting up to 25 lbs; occasional lifting and carrying up to 100 lbs.;
Vision - Constant use of overall visual capabilities; frequent need for use of color perception, hand/eye coordination, reading and/or close up work;
Dexterity - Frequent grasping and holding; occasional reaching, pushing, pulling and typing;
Hearing/Talking - Frequent hearing and talking in person; ability to detect specific noises. May be required to wear hearing protection; may work in noisy conditions;
Emotional/Psychological - Frequent coworker contact; occasional working alone; must have the ability to comprehend, organize, communicate, and make decisions on the job;
Environmental Conditions - Frequent exposure to loud noise, chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances and constituents and odors associated with water and wastewater treatment plants; working around equipment and machinery;
Working Conditions - Must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions and to work with exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, and gases, in confined spaces, wearing self-contained breathing equipment, from heights, in heavy traffic, and other hazards; and
Special Requirements - Shift, weekends, holidays, overtime as required, and off-hours in emergency situations.
The Examination:
Applicants who qualify in terms of relevant work experience and education, that best fit the needs of the City, will be invited to participate in the examination process. The examination process may include a written examination weighted 100%. However, the City reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods if deemed necessary. Candidates must receive a minimum passing score of 70%, as determined by the relative performance of all candidates in all portions of the examination. In the event of identical ratings, candidates' names will be arranged in order of application date/time, and, if the same, then arranged alphabetically.
ALL APPLICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS MUST BE COMPLETED FULLY AND SUBMITTED ON AN OFFICIAL CITY OF STOCKTON APPLICATION FORM. (DO NOT STATE "REFER TO RESUME" ON YOUR APPLICATION OR SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE.) INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTALS WILL BE REJECTED AND CANNOT BE REVISED AFTER SUBMITTAL ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE. POSTMARKS, FACSIMILES, AND PHOTOCOPIES OF THE CITY'S EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. RESUMES ARE WELCOMED BUT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ONLY.
The information in this announcement concerning the terms and conditions of employment does not constitute either an express or implied contract, and these provisions are subject to change.
NOTES:
After on-line submittal, immediate notification will appear on your screen indicating your application has been received. Please print this notice as proof of filing.
Notices and correspondence will be sent via email only. No paper notices will be mailed to applicants. It is the applicants responsibility to ensure a correct email address is provided and that correspondence is being received.
NeoGov.com: You will receive correspondence via the e-mail address you placed on your application. Some e-mail accounts have been known to place these e-mails in the spam/junk file. Please check your e-mail folders or accept e-mails ending with neogov.com.
In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, et., seq., all City of Stockton employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath.
The City of Stockton requires employees in this position to reasonably respond to emergencies at all times. Employees will be required to maintain primary residence within 45 minutes of City Hall in order to timely respond to emergencies and meet the health, safety, and welfare needs of the City. New employees have up to three (3) months from date of hire to comply with the requirement. Any interested candidates must be willing to adhere to this requirement throughout the duration of employment.
