Water Maintenance Leadworker

Salary : $70,903.00 - $90,923.00 Annually
Location : Water Division - 189 So. Water Street, Orange, CA
Job Type: Full Time Miscellaneous
Job Number: 01700
Department: Public Works Department
Division: Water Division
Opening Date: 06/12/2026
Closing Date: 7/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Join the City of Orange as a
WATER MAINTENANCE LEADWORKER!
Under general supervision, leads, trains, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work of a crew responsible for providing water utilities maintenance, repair, and construction services; sets priorities and directs the work of assigned staff on a project or day-to-day basis; performs routine to complex maintenance and repair work of water distribution main and lateral pipeline systems, water production and plant operations, hydrant and main line valve exercising and repair, and/or meter services; may be required to operate heavy equipment in a skillful and safe manner; provides technical and specialized assistance to the Water Maintenance Supervisor; and performs related work as required.

Examples of Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides technical and functional supervision to assigned water maintenance staff; reviews and controls quality of work; participates in performing routine to complex and specialized water utilities maintenance and repair work.
• Plans, schedules, prioritizes, and assigns maintenance and repair work in consultation with the Water Maintenance Supervisor; communicates status of repairs to appropriate personnel, working cooperatively to schedule repairs in accordance with established and special operational priorities; instructs staff in work procedures.
• Trains employees in work methods, use of tools and equipment, and relevant safety precautions.
• Inspects assigned City infrastructure, facilities, systems, and appurtenances for maintenance needs and recommends appropriate actions; assists in developing work plans, procedures, and schedules.
• Estimates costs of construction and maintenance work, supplies, equipment, and materials; orders supplies and equipment for work projects; maintains records of purchase orders; assists in developing budget figures for the division; monitors expenditures.
• Inspects and evaluates work in progress and upon completion to assure that repairs, maintenance, and project activities are performed in accordance with City standards and specifications.
• Performs a wide variety of maintenance, repair, and installation work in the City infrastructure, systems, and facilities to which assigned, including water distribution main and lateral pipeline systems, water production and plant operations, complex residential and commercial water meters, valve cans, meter boxes, and water distribution valves.
• Assists in coordinating, overseeing and personally participating in all water utilities maintenance programs.
• Inspects various public works improvement activities and private developments in the assigned functional area; interacts with engineers and contractors regarding compliance with City standards and specifications; reports, records, and documents inspections, observations, and conditions found during the inspection process.
• Ensures compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, including American Water Works Association standards, City water installation standards, right-of-ways, encroachments, and set-backs.
• Performs the skilled operation of specialized construction and maintenance, light to heavy vehicles and equipment.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required; may participate and assist in coordinating safety training.
• Responds to requests and complaints from the public and answers questions or refers to supervisor, as necessary.
• Performs minor adjustments on service equipment; maintains tools and equipment in working order.
• Stays current on the status of new and pending regulatory legislation; attends continuing education courses and seminars as required.
• Maintains accurate records and logs of daily activities, using appropriate computer software applications.
• Responds to and performs emergency repairs and other emergency services as necessary.
• Acts as the Water Maintenance Supervisor in his/her absence or as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Basic principles of supervision and training.
• Public works maintenance principles, practices, tools, and materials for maintaining and repairing assigned City infrastructure, systems, and facilities.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and guidelines.
• The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
• Basic hydraulics and mathematics.
• Safe driving rules and practices.
• Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and computer applications.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.

Ability to:

• Plan, schedule, assign, and oversee activities of public works maintenance and repair personnel.
• Inspect the work of others and maintain established quality control standards.
• Train others in proper and safe work procedures.
• Identify and implement effective course of action to complete assigned work.
• Oversee and participate in maintenance and related projects in the assigned functional area(s).
• Perform construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work on assigned municipal infrastructure, facilities, systems, and/or appurtenances.
• Operate specialized construction and maintenance, light to heavy vehicles and equipment.
• Set up and operate traffic area construction zones, including cones, barricades, and flagging.
• Locate underground utilities by use of blue prints and electronic locating equipment in accordance with Underground Service Alert (USA) regulations.
• Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.
• Read and interpret construction drawings, blueprints, maps, and specifications.
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work; perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
• Give, as well as understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, and four (4) years of experience in the installation, construction, and maintenance of water distribution system pipelines, valves, and appurtenances and/or water production and plant operations, or at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to that of Water Maintenance Worker II at the City of Orange.
Licenses and Certifications:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class A Driver's License with the appropriate endorsements, satisfactory driving record, and proof of acceptable automobile insurance at the time of appointment and throughout employment in the position is required.
• Possess and maintain a valid Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water at the time of appointment and throughout employment in the position is required.
• Possess and maintain a valid Forklift Operator Certificate at the time of appointment and throughout employment in the position is required.
• Possess a valid Crane Operator Certificate issued by the National Commission of Certified Crane Operators within one (1) year of appointment to the position, and maintain throughout employment in the position is required.
• Possess and maintain a valid Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California Water Resources Control Board within one (1) year of appointment and throughout employment in the position is required.
• Possess and maintain a valid Water Treatment Operator Grade I Certificate within one (1) year of appointment and throughout employment in the position is required.
• May be required to possess and maintain additional certifications depending on assignment.

Supplemental Information
Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and light to heavy construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.
Disaster Service Worker:

All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be "Disaster Service Workers." In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.


City Mission, Vision, and Values:
Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the City's Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties: The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community. The City's values include Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.
BENEFITS FOR INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL 47

The City of Orange provides a generous array of benefits to employees in addition to maintaining competitive salaries. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees working from 20 to 35 hours.

The following is a partial list of benefits:

Salary Range. Salary Ranges are composed of six (6) steps, each approximately five percent (5%) apart. Advancements through the steps are generally made yearly and based on performance.


Retirement Benefits. Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), including the City's contribution toward the Fourth Level Survivor's Benefit.


Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired non-safety 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 three year final compensation in accordance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). New Members shall contribute half of normal cost of retirement as determined by CalPERS from their pensionable compensation, on a pre-tax basis, as set forth in California Government Code Section 7522.30.

An employee who is a " Classic " Member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired by the City of Orange on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% @ 55 benefit formula with one year final compensation. Employees contribute 8.00% of pension reportable salary on a pre-tax basis for this retirement benefit.


Social Security & Medicare. Employees do not pay into Social Security, however, do contribute 1.45% of salary towards Medicare.

Cafeteria Benefits Plan. The City pays up to $2,095 per month (Family) which can be applied towards CalPERS medical, dental, vision, health care reimbursement, and/or dependent care reimbursement. Under certain criteria, employees may elect to opt out of the City's medical plan altogether and receive $400 per month.


Life Insurance. The City provides a term life insurance policy of $50,000 .

Vacation. Employees earn 80 hours of vacation during the first year of service, and an increasing accrual up to 200 hours per year after 24 years of service. The City also provides an annual unused vacation payout plan.

Holidays. The City observes 11 paid 9 hour holidays.

Sick Leave. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year. Employees are eligible to convert unused sick leave to vacation on an annual basis. A partial payment (up to 50%) for accumulated unused sick leave is available to City employees who retire from the City.

Other Benefits. Most employees work a "9/80" alternate work schedule with City Hall closures every other Friday. Long Term Disability, an Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement (up to $600/fiscal year), Trip Reduction Program incentives, optional Deferred Compensation programs and Credit Union membership are a few of the additional benefits provided and/or available to employees.


For more information, please click for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 47 Memorandum of Understanding.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

A Medical Examination, Police Records Check, and thorough Background Investigation are required of all prospective employees.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), all job offers made by the City of Orange are contingent upon establishing proof of your legal right to work in the United States.

All benefitted employees shall be subject to a twelve (12) month probationary period as a condition of employment.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Orange.

The City of Orange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
01


What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

• Did not graduate high school / did not obtain GED
• Graduated high school / obtained GED
• Completed some college-level coursework or obtained Associate degree
• Obtained Bachelor's degree
• Obtained Graduate degree

02


Do you possess four (4) years of experience in the installation, construction, and maintenance of water distribution system pipelines, valves, and appurtenances and/or water production and plant operations OR at last one (1) year of experience equivalent to Water Maintenance Worker II at the City of Orange?

• Yes, I possess four (4) or more years of experience in the installation, construction, and maintenance of water distribution system pipelines, valves, and appurtenances and/or water production and plant operations.
• No, I possess less than four (4) years of experience in the installation, construction, and maintenance of water distribution system pipelines, valves, and appurtenances and/or water production and plant operations.
• Yes, I possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to Water Maintenance Worker II at the City of Orange.
• No experience

03


A valid Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California Water Resources Control Board is required at the time of appointment. Do you currently possess this certificate?

• Yes
• No

04


A valid Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California Water Resources Control Board is required within one (1) year of appointment. Do you currently possess this certificate?

• Yes, I currently possess.
• No, I do not currently possess but will obtain within one (1) year of appointment.

05


A valid Water Treatment Operator Grade I Certificate is required within one (1) year of appointment. Do you currently possess this certificate?

• Yes, I currently possess.
• No, I do not currently possess but will obtain within one (1) year of appointment.

06


A valid Crane Operator Certificate issued by the National Commission of Certified Crane Operators is required within one (1) year of employment. Do you currently possess this certificate?

• Yes, I currently possess.
• No, I do not currently possess but will obtain within one (1) year of appointment.

07


A valid Forklift Operator Certificate is required at the time of appointment. Do you currently possess this certificate?

• Yes
• No

08


Are you willing and able to work on-call, including various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed?

• Yes
• No

09


Possession and maintenance of a California Class A driver's license with appropriate endorsements is required at the time of appointment. Do you currently possess a valid Class A license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question