Distribution Operator I/II

Distribution Operator I/II (Public Works, Utilities/Water)The City of San Clemente is excited to announce we are currently accepting applications for the position of Distribution Operator I/II (Public Works, Utilities/Water). Distribution Operator I: $36.85-$44.79/hourly Distribution Operator II: $39.67-$48.20/hourly The City of San Clemente is looking for a dependable, safety-minded, and hardworking individual to join our Utilities team as a Distribution Operator I/II. This is an exciting opportunity to perform meaningful, hands-on work that directly supports public health, reliable water service, emergency readiness, and the daily operations of our community. Distribution Operators help maintain the City's water distribution system, water lines, valves, hydrants, meters, pump stations, reservoirs, and related facilities. If you enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, solving problems, learning technical skills, and being part of a team that provides an essential public service, this may be a great opportunity for you. This position works a four (4) day workweek, 10 hours each day. Enjoy a 3-day weekend, every weekend!What You'll Do:Maintaining and repairing water lines, valves, hydrants, meters, pump stations, reservoirs, and related facilitiesReading, inspecting, repairing, and replacing water metersPerforming leak detection surveys and utility mark-outsSupporting fire hydrant inspection, repair, and flushing activitiesOperating construction and maintenance equipment, vehicles, hand tools, and power toolsCreating and updating work orders in the City's maintenance management systemAssisting with capital improvement projects and field maintenance activitiesResponding to public inquiries and providing helpful, professional serviceFollowing safety procedures and supporting safe working conditions in the fieldAt the Distribution Operator II level, employees may perform more advanced assignments, work more independently, operate specialized equipment, assist with training lower-level staff, explain work methods and procedures, and help support operational decisions to water system performance, water quality, flows, pressures, and system reliability.Participation in the City's on-call rotation is required, including responding to after-hours water system emergencies, nights, weekends, and holidays.The ideal candidate is someone who:Takes pride in providing reliable public serviceEnjoys hands-on field work and working outdoorsIs dependable, safety-focused, and willing to learnHas experience with water systems, construction, maintenance, utilities, or related field workCan operate tools, vehicles, and equipment safety and effectivelyCommunicates well with coworkers, supervisors, and members of the publicCan stay organized, follow procedures, and document work accuratelyIs interested in building a career in water utilities and obtaining required certificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSDistribution Operator I Experience: One (1) year of responsible experience performing field maintenance work, construction, plumbing or related work is desirable. License/Certification Requirements:Possession of, or ability to obtain within 12 months of employment, a valid Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issue by the California State Water Resources Control Board.Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class B Driver License within 18 months from date of appointment.Distribution Operator II Experience: Two (2) years of responsible experience performing field maintenance work, construction, or related work on water distribution facilities or similar systems is desirable License/Certification Requirements:Possession of a valid Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.Possession of a valid Grade I Water Treatment Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class B Driver License within 18 months from date of appointment.(Both Distribution Operator I and II) Education/Training: High School Diploma, or equivalent, supplemented by specialized training in maintenance, construction, water distribution, utilities, or a related field. For more information, you can review the full Classification Specification: here.All applicants must submit a completed City of San Clemente application form and supplemental questionnaire in order to be considered. Applications will not be accepted by fax or email. Applications must be submitted via the City's web site at to employment, the prospective candidate must successfully complete a background review, medical examination, including drug screen, and be fingerprinted, all at City expense. If selected, acceptable identification showing entitlement to legally work in the United States will be required.SELECTION PROCESSApplications and Supplemental Questions will be reviewed and evaluated for relevant education and experience.Candidates considered to have the best qualifications will be invited to participate in the selection process.The selection process will consist of an Oral Interview weighted at 100%.An eligibility list will be established and may be used to fill future vacancies.WORKING CONDITIONSWork Environment:Work involves working within an indoor office, laboratory environment, water treatment plants, and water operations facilities. Work involves exposure to water, mud, sewage, noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, traffic, chemicals, machinery, dirt, vibration head, cold and dampness; exposure to biological hazardous environments. Work may take place in inclement weather conditions; at elevated heights on scaffolding and/or ladders; within confined spaces, underground, on slippery or uneven surfaces; and/or around heavy construction equipment.Physical Requirements:Strenuous and manual tasks for prolonged periods of timeOperating motorized vehicles and heavy equipmentFrequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavy itemsStanding, walking, or sitting for prolonged periods of timeStooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawlingManual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment, handle files and documents.Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephoneVisual acuity to see/read documents and computer screen and to read instrumentation dials, measures devices, or other related componentsFor more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Cara Morin at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. As an equal opportunity employer, the City strongly encourages people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.BenefitsThe City of San Clemente provides excellent benefits which include:FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE – Most positions work a 9/80 work schedule. HOLIDAYS – The City presently recognizes 12 regular holidays, plus two floating holidays. VACATION – Employees accumulate vacation at the rate of 104 hours per year increasing to a maximum of 176 hours based on years of service. SICK LEAVE - Accrual of 8 hours per month. INSURANCE – The City provides a comprehensive benefit package including employee medical, dental, vision. LIFE INSURANCE – Value equal to two times annual earnings up to a maximum of $100,000. DEFERRED COMPENSATION – Employees may elect to enroll in a voluntary plan and defer up to the IRS permitted annual maximum. Employees may defer up to a maximum of $24,500 annually in 2026. Individuals aged 50 and older can contribute up to $8,000 in catch-up contributions to these plans. FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT – Employees may participate in either or both of the Health Care or Dependent Care programs. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM – The City offers full-time employees and their dependents an EAP program which provides a variety of professional services. ON-SITE FITNESS CENTER - The City provides a no fee on-site fitness center with state of the art equipment located in City Hall. RETIREMENT – The City of San Clemente is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and is subject to the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). The retirement formula for new employees is based on the category below that the new employee falls under. Employee contribution rates will be determined by the employee's classification and requirements under PEPRA. The City is also a member of the Social Security system City of San Clemente, CA