Assistant Water Systems Operator

Definition

Join our dedicated Utility Maintenance team as an Assistant Water Systems Operator and make a positive impact on the City of Milpitas community! T his position will perform a variety of duties associated with the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water system. This is a journey level position responsible for assisting the Water System Operator in the proper operation of the systems controlling the treatment, flow, pressure, and volume of water within the City’s water distribution system. The Assistant Water System Operator is required to have a complete working knowledge of water system operations and related facilities.

The ideal candidate for the Assistant Water System Operator position is a dedicated and safety-focused professional with hands-on experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems. They are mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and eager to support the reliable delivery of clean, safe water to the community.

This individual demonstrates sound judgment and thrives in a field environment, whether responding to emergency calls, performing preventative maintenance, or conducting water quality tests. They are familiar with SCADA systems, water treatment processes, and industry safety practices, and are committed to learning and growing within the role.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative team player who communicates effectively, follows directions accurately, and maintains strong working relationships with staff, contractors, and the public. A Grade D3 Water Distribution Certificate is required, and a Grade T1 Water Treatment Certificate is highly desirable upon hire and must be obtained within one year of appointment.

If you’re a motivated water professional who values service, safety, and stewardship, we encourage you to apply.

For the full job description, please visit: Assistant Water Systems Operator

In addition to the benefits as outlined in the Benefits tab of this job announcement, the selected candidate will be scheduled to work 4, 10-hour days per week, which can allow for a generous work/life balance.

The Assistant Water Systems Operator’s work schedule may include weekend work, and, as necessary, emergency call-outs.

This posting is written notice of a permanent, vacant position. Internal applications will be reviewed on 06/20/2025, which is 10 working days after the recruitment is posted. If a minimum of three (3) qualified, internal applications are received, those candidates will be considered in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Milpitas Employees Association. External applicants will not be considered until after the internal applicant review process has concluded.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform preventive maintenance on all equipment, machinery, and control systems related to the City’s water system
• Install and make minor repairs, modifications or additions to system facilities and participate in major system repairs
• Maintain and control water treatment facilities in the City’s water system
• Perform a variety of tests to determine system process performance and compliance with water quality regulations
• Perform and maintain records and report functions as a log of system operations, test results, maintenance work performed, and unusual operating conditions
• Operate, exercise, repair, or replace water valves
• Install, repair, or replace fire hydrants, water meters, backflow devices, water main and service lines
• Flush water distribution system
• Disinfect water mains and service lines after pressure reductions to 5 psi or below
• Operate pump stations through SCADA control systems as well as local control switches
• Record and interpret flow, pressure, and level gauges and recording devices
• Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on all pump station related equipment
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical pump station equipment
• Inspect reservoirs and wells for damage as well as routinely inspect vents, inlet/outlet structures, and entry hatches structures
• Monitor and record water quality to insure that all state and federal mandates are in compliance
• Treat drinking water to maintain chlorine residual
• Insure that adequate system pressure is maintained through proper adjustment, maintenance, and repair of PRVs
• Performs a variety of tests to determine system process performance and compliance with water quality regulations
• Assist in the oversight of the administrative aspects of operating the water system, including review and update of operation procedure manuals
• Ensure that safety measures and practices are utilized at all times
• Respond to water complaints and after hours calls, when assigned
• Perform related duties as assigned

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of :

• Operating principles of water system treatment and distribution operations
• Methods, materials, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of water system facilities
• Standards and procedures pertaining to maintaining an adequate potable and non-potable water supply
• Communication techniques; and accepted safety practices

Ability to :

• Learn the operation of the SCADA or other related systems
• Learn and receive advanced operational and technological developments in the water industry
• Maintain knowledge of the advancement of the distribution and treatment of water
• Identify water system maintenance and repair problems
• Work with limited supervision and exercise sound independent judgment
• Safely operate, repair and maintain water system facilities
• Keep accurate records of water system operations
• Demonstrate aptitude in practical mathematics
• Perform simple water quality tests
• Demonstrate understanding of basic water system hydraulics
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with City staff and the public

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Experience :
Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water system facilities

Education :
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain and maintain, a valid California Commercial Driver’s License with Class B endorsements as assigned.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, within one (1) year of appointment Grade I Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board. Possession of T1 is preferred.
• Possession of a Grade D3 Water Distribution Certificate issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:

Physical exam and drug and alcohol screening.
Visual Requirements: Discern colors
Auditory Requirements: 100 decibel hearing

Work is mainly performed outdoors; ability to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, squat, kneel, crawl, bend, and stoop at any given time; able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 75 pounds of weight throughout the day & occasionally up to 90 pounds; exposure to outdoor elements in all weather conditions throughout the year; exposure to confined spaces, hazardous waste, sewage, chemicals; walk on uneven surfaces; able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Milpitas.

Supplemental Information

SELECTION PROCESS:
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Only the 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.

Oral Board Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of July 23, 2025

P lease note: The examination process (including dates) may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Department. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job description does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Milpitas will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Human Resources Department.

The City of Milpitas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

RETIREMENT
Membership in CalPERS (2% at 60 or 2% at 62 with three year average salary). City of Milpitas employees do not participate in Social Security, but do contribute to Medicare.Additionally, members pay $2.40/per hour to the LIUNA pension fund.

MEDICAL INSURANCE
Choice of CalPERS Medical Plans. City pays coverage up to the Kaiser rate (currently $2,228.36/mo. for family). Employees who waive health coverage are eligible to receive $125 per month in lieu of medical plan coverage with proof of other coverage.

RETIREE MEDICAL
Employees are eligible upon CalPERS retirement from the City to receive up to 100% retiree medical coverage (currently based on the Kaiser health rate), based on years of service.

DENTAL & VISION
City provides full family coverage for Delta Dental and MES Vision at no cost to the employee.

LIFE INSURANCE
City provides $50,000 term policy. Supplemental employee-paid life insurance is available up to $500,000, based on carrier acceptance.

DISABILITY INSURANCE
City provides a Short-Term Disability plan similar to State Disability Insurance (SDI) coverage. Employees do not participate in SDI. Long-Term Disability coverage of 60% of base salary up to $1,500 per month is available after a 60-day waiting period. Additional buy-up options for LTD are available up to $6,000 per month.

VACATION
Hourly employees earn 11-31 days of vacation per year based on years of service.

HOLIDAYS
Employees receive 12 paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday per year.

SICK LEAVE
Employees earn 12 days annually.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees are eligible to receive up to $1,400 per fiscal year in tuition reimbursement.

FITNESS PROGRAM
Employeesare offered free access to City-sponsored sports and fitness programs.

The City also offers a flexible spending benefits plan, employee assistance program, and other voluntary insurance. Contact Human Resources (HR) at 408-586-3090 or https://www.milpitas.gov/245/Benefits for more information on employee benefits.

Closing Date/Time: 6/30/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Milpitas

• 408-586-3090

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