Control Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Application Deadline: 12:00pm on Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Starting Salary (depending on experience, generally at Step I): Salary Grade 23  - $131,043.18

Education:

• Any combination of education and experience which would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  
• The knowledge, skills and abilities required for this job are of a level comparable with those generally acquired through a high school education, supplemented by technical study and considerable experience in hydro generation plants as a Control Operator Relief.  
• A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities include:

Experience:

• Completion of High School or equivalent, various Electrical/Power Engineering Degree courses and/or a minimum of three (3) years of experience as an Apprentice Control Operator or Plant Operator at Hydro-Electric or similar power generation facility.

License Requirement:

• Possession of, or ability to acquire within 18 months of appointment, a Water Treatment ‘T2’ and Water Distribution ‘D1’ license issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.

Driver License:  

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License may be required at the time of appointment. Failure to obtain or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
• Possession and proof of a good driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) consecutive years.  Failure to obtain or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis. The driving record will not contribute to an increase in the Authority’s automobile insurance rates.

Abbreviated Job Description:
Under the direction of the Operations Supervisor, responsible for all operations associated with large pumping/power generating plants and the operating changes of the Delta-Mendota Canal and associated facilities.  Coordinates operations with various government agencies, Member Agencies, and divisions within the Authority; performs related work as required.

• Operates main units, switchyard, and station service switchboards of generating and/or pumping units, ensures pumping/generation & water release schedules are carried out according to established standard operating procedures.  
• Operates various auxiliary equipment and miscellaneous equipment associated with pump/generator units.  
• Reviews and makes recommendations for updates/revisions to the standard operating procedures.  
• Monitors critical operating parameters, reads gages/meters, maintain meticulous operating records, compiles data for reports.  
• Prepares switching orders and operates medium and high voltage switching equipment.  
• Coordinates all major repairs or testing with various agencies and internal divisions.  
• Evaluates and analyzes equipment malfunctions, keeping employees and the public from dangerous situations, and equipment in service to support commitments.  
• Prepares and issues safety clearances to place employees and equipment in a safe condition for maintenance.  
• Provides instruction, guidance and supervision to junior Operators and Operator Apprentices.  
• In coordination with the Water Operations department, monitors and controls water conveyance systems.  
• Operates the Tracy Field Office Water Treatment Facility & associated distribution system, maintain meticulous operating & performance records, compiles data for reports, and submits reports to the applicable governing agency upon request.  
• Other duties as may be required.

Requires the Knowledge of:

• Principles of electricity, mechanics and physics as related to the operation of generation or pumping station equipment.  
• Demonstrated experience with location, nomenclature, and function of station equipment, including Francis, Pelton and Kaplan water turbines, large pumping station equipment, mechanical and electrical auxiliaries, sophisticated instrumentation and automatic control systems, piping systems, remote control and protection apparatus and switchgear.  
• Procedures for starting, stopping, controlling and isolating plant equipment during regular operation and emergencies.  
• Experience with system operation and the hydro station’s relation to system requirements.  
• Safety rules, regulations and first aid procedures.  
• Principles, methods and practices used in large water and irrigation system operations with large pumping and generation plants.  
• Basic knowledge of switching, lock out/tag out and clearance procedures.  FIST/HECP.  
• Water treatment facilities rules and regulations according to California standards.
• Wonderware (Aveva supervisory controls) or similar SCADA systems and some experience with programmable logic controllers and other digital control systems.  
• Operating control systems (SCADA) for Authority facilities and the Delta-Mendota Canal.  
• Principles, methods and practices used in communications, control equipment installation, plant electrical and mechanical maintenance.  
• Rules, regulations, policies and codes applicable to Authority operations.  
• Microsoft Word and Excel at a proficient level.  

Must possess the ability to:

• Apply theoretical knowledge to practical operating problems.  
• Learn operating instructions and procedures.  
• Read and interpret electrical, piping, and instrument control system diagrams on station equipment.  
• Read and interpret instrument readings to assist in determining the cause of malfunctions and advise of the need for maintenance work.  
• Speak clearly and distinctly over the telephone.  
• Think clearly and act quickly, effectively, and reasonably under normal and emergency conditions.  
• Put into effect instructions from Dispatcher, Switching Center and Operations Supervisor.  
• Apply functional characteristics and operating principles of large pump and generating plants.  
• Employ specific, standard operating procedures for the pump/generator units.  Work the approved schedule, as found in SOO-03, which includes 12 hour rotating shifts, nights, holidays and weekends.  
• Apply thorough knowledge of safety/clearance procedures precautions associated with large pump/generator units and high voltage switchgear.  
• Operate computer control systems operations.  
• Apply the fundamentals of electricity, hydraulics and hydrology.  
• Monitor and control both local and remote pumping and generating plants without supervision.  
• Use initiative, independent judgment to recognize unusual or dangerous conditions, make rapid adjustments and decisions as needed.  
• This position requires the ability to clear a United States Department of Interior background investigation.  
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.  
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.  
• Regularly and consistently meet attendance/punctuality requirements.  
• Follow instructions, work independently and cooperatively with others.

Typical Physical Activities include, but are not limited to:  

• Sits for extended time periods while monitoring computer screens.  
• Communicates orally with co-workers and other public agencies in face-to-face, one-to-one and group settings.  
• Must be able to function at a high level under extreme pressure or stressful situations.  
• Regularly uses a telephone for communication.  
• Uses office equipment such as computer terminals, copiers, and Fax machines.  
• Walks in uneven terrain, climbs ladders, in indoor and outdoor environments while making inspections of Authority facilities and projects.  
• Visual acuity must allow basic color distinction, shades of color differentials, and depth perception.  
• Hearing within normal ranges.  
• Operates equipment such as large valves which require a moderate amount of force to operate.

Environmental Factors include:
Exposure to: sun, 10% or less work time spent outside a building and exposed to the sun.  Irregular or extended work hours:  Occasionally required to change working hours or work overtime.

Visit or visit our job opportunity page at -openings  All applications must be received no later than the application deadline listed above.  

A resume and cover letter are required.  Failure to include either will disqualify your application. 

SELECTION PROCESS:

Required Application Materials :  
A resume and cover letter must be submitted and received no later than the final filing date in order to be considered for this recruitment.

Meeting the minimum qualifications for this position does not guarantee that you will be selected for further consideration. Only those individuals most suited to our particular needs will advance to any skills test and/or oral interview.

Should you feel you need special accommodations for the skills test and/or interview, due to a qualifying disability, please contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com.

Verification of Employment :  
The Authority conducts verification of a candidate’s employment history, education and training and other information contained in the application and any other materials submitted by a candidate

Conditional Offer of Employment :  
An offer of employment will be conditional upon legal ability to work in the United States and verification of a candidate’s employment history, education and training, other information contained in the Employment Application, and any license requirements. This organization participates in E-Verify.

BENEFITS:

• Holidays : Employees receive eleven (11) paid holidays, including one (1) floating holiday.
• Vacation & Medical Leave :  Vacation leave is accrued at the rate of 80 hours per year up through year 4.  At year five, leave increases to 120 hours per year.  At 10 years of service, vacation leave is accrued at the rate of 140 hours and at 15 years of service, vacation leave increases to a maximum of 160 hours per year. 
• Medical leave accrues at the rate of 8 hours per month.

Retirement Benefits :

• 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan:  A 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan is funded by the Authority contributing equal to 8% of your gross base annual salary 
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan:  The 457 Deferred Compensation Plan is up to a 5% match of your contributions by the Authority based on gross base annual salary
• Upon retirement, a Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Plan is available

The total potential combined contributions for the 401(a) and the 457 plans by the Authority may amount to a maximum of 13% of your gross base annual salary.  All contributions under both plans vest immediately to you.

Health Benefits :  

• Three (3) medical benefit plans are offered: 
• Anthem Blue Cross PPO
• Anthem Blue Cross HMO
• Kaiser HMO

The Authority contributes 100% of the premium for the employee and 75% for the employee’s eligible family members.

Dental & Vision Benefits :  

• The Authority contributes 100% of the premium for the employee and the employee’s eligible family members.

Employee Assistance Program :  

• Available to employees and their household members.

Optional/Voluntary Benefits :

• Life Insurance
• Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• AFLAC
• Credit Union

Compressed Work Week (contingent upon individual work group needs)

The San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity, Veteran/Disabled Employer