Water Systems Operator I/II/III

The Water Resources Division is comprised of three sections: Municipal Water System, South Bay Water Recycling, and Operations and Maintenance. The Water Resources Division provides potable water service through the Municipal Water System to the communities of Evergreen, North San José/Alviso, Edenvale, and Coyote. The Water Resources Division also provides recycled water service through the South Bay Water Recycling system to the cities of San José, Santa Clara, and Milpitas. South Bay Water Recycling includes 143 miles of pipeline and facilities, including four pump stations, three reservoirs, and Retail Agency Operations and Maintenance activities for over 800 individual customer connections. In addition, the Water Resources Division also leads water conservation efforts for the City of San José. 

position Duties

The Environmental Services Department is currently seeking to fill three (3) full-time Water Systems Operator I/II/III vacancies. 

Salary ranges for this classification are:

• Water Systems Operator I: $93,433.60 – $113,880.00 annually
• Water Systems Operator II: $104,686.40 – $127,608.00 annually
• Water Systems Operator III: $110,011.20 – $134,014.40 annually

The Water Resources Division is comprised of three sections: Potable Water Supply and Engineering (Municipal Water System), Water Recycling (South Bay Water Recycling), and Systems Operations and Maintenance.  

The Water Resources Division provides potable water service through the Municipal Water System to the communities of Evergreen, North San Jose/Alviso, Edenvale, and Coyote. It consists of 311 miles of pipeline, 15 pump stations, 14 wells and 18 reservoirs, serving a growing population of over 125,000, with over 26,500 potable water accounts, in a 33.3 square mile service area. The Water Resources Division also provides recycled water service through the South Bay Water Recycling program and system to the Cities of San Jose, Santa Clara and Milpitas. The recycled water system consists of 105 miles of pipeline, 4 pump stations, and 3 reservoirs, serving over 530 recycled water accounts. The Operations and Maintenance Section is responsible for operating and maintaining the potable and recycled water systems, preventative maintenance, and customer service. 
  
These positions perform mechanical and technical work of moderate difficulty in executing field and shop work while servicing and maintaining City of San Jose water services, equipment, and devices for the potable and recycled water systems.  

Typical duties include, but are not limited to:  

• Checking and maintaining pumps and equipment in the main water system plant and other various field stations for proper operation.
• Repairing and replacing defective meters, lids, and boxes in the field, and repairing, rebuilding, and testing meters that are brought in from the field due to malfunction.
• Installing water meters, boxes, and lids, as required, for new construction.
• Testing and calibrating compound, displacement type, and turbine meters in the system according to American Water Works Association specifications.
• Operating, maintaining, and repairing valves and hydrants of all types.
• Reading and recording data from water meters, pressure gauges, tank level indicators, and well level indicators.
• Responding to and correcting malfunctions and emergencies such as water main breaks, service leaks, water quality complaints, and broken hydrants.
• Taking water samples for bacteriological testing and making routine chemical analyses of water for fluoride, chlorine, and other constituents.
• Responding to consumer complaints (such as high bills, high or low pressure, bad taste, odor, color, noise, leaks, or no water, etc.)
• Performing occasional landscape maintenance at water system facilities sites.

The incumbent in this position will be required to comply with Municipal Water Systems Standby Policy, which includes responding to system emergencies within 45 minutes of being notified. The Standby Policy requires both scheduled and unscheduled standby and overtime work. Incumbents must also be available for work on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. Depending on the work group, schedules will consist of any type of shift to accommodate around-the-clock operation. 

Duties within the Water Systems Operator classification require a heavy level of physical exertion, including exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects (e.g., large hand tools, pipes, or other water equipment). Incumbents work with large industrial equipment and machinery, in confined spaces, outdoors, and around hazardous materials. Incumbents may be required to utilize self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment, which requires the ability to pass an annual fit and spirometry test.

To review the full class specification, please visit this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanjoseca/classspecs/1553658. 

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.Minimum Qualifications

Water Systems Operator I

experience: One (1) year of general experience in maintenance, repair, and installation within the water utility industry or similar industrial work environment.

Licensing/Certifications:

• Possess and maintain valid California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Distribution Operator Grade 1 certification.
• Possess and maintain a valid SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 certification.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.

Water Systems Operator II

Experience: One (1) year of experience in potable water distribution or treatment operations experience at a distribution or treatment facility. 

Licensing/Certifications:

• Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Distribution Operator Grade 2 certification.
• Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 certification.
• Possession of a valid California Class A driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.

Water Systems Operator III

Experience: One (1) year of experience as a Water Systems Operator II for the City of San José. 

Licensing/Certifications:

• Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Distribution Operator Grade 3 certification.
• Possess and maintain valid SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 certification.
• Possession of a valid California Class A driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.

Licensing requirement 

Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.

• If selected, the Conditional Offer of Employment may be contingent upon you providing proof of a valid State of California driver’s license and an assessment of your California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) as per the DMV Release of Driver Record Information form. Failure to pass the DMV Pull Notice assessment will deem you ineligible for employment.

Physical Requirement 

This classification requires a pre-employment respiratory physical exam.

Other Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.

Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, including water regulations, safety management, water sampling and treatment best practices, meter reading technologies, water systems maintenance and repair practices and equipment, chlorination and disinfection specifications, chemical analysis, and water system hydraulics, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.  

Communication Skills: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.   

Computer Skills: Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.  

Customer Service: Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers’ needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently in a timely, accurate, respectful and friendly manner.  

Planning: Acts to align own unit’s goals with the strategic direction of the organization; Defines tasks and milestones to achieve objectives, while ensuring the optimal use of resources to meet those objectives.  

Problem Solving: Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem(s); collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.  

Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills. 

Selection Process: 

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant’s training and experience based on the Application and responses to all the job-specific questions. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Ernesto Zamaguey at Ernesto.Zamaguey@sanjoseca.gov.

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility:  Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.  

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application.  If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided.  IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application. 

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.