Senior Pump Operator

Senior Pump Operator

Salary

$79,747.80 - $93,499.20 Annually

Location

Compton, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

25-26:56

Department

Water

Opening Date

05/20/2026

Closing Date

6/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

GENERAL PURPOSE

GENERAL PURPOSE: Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of skilled, journey-level duties in the installation, maintenance, repair and servicing of mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment, devices and machinery used in the operation of the City's water storage and distribution system; and performs other related duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Works under the general supervision of the Water Production and Distribution Supervisor; relieves the supervisor during his absence.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the journey level in the Pump Operator job series. This class may be distinguished from the lower (Pump Operator) level by the skill level required in all of the classes' craft areas, and the complexity of assigned projects based on knowledge of the City's equipment, systems, standards and procedures.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Inspects, maintains and repairs pumps, valves, motors and other equipment located in pumping stations and at water storage facilities.
• Performs regular visual inspections and/or tests of all water pump station machinery, controls, and equipment.
• Takes periodic readings of gauges, meters and charts, and records results in operating log book.
• Performs scheduled routine preventative maintenance on pumps and electrical equipment, measures well levels, and performs minor electrical and plumbing repairs, including changing oil and lubricating well motors.
• Collects water and well samples for analysis; checks valves, gates and water mains.
• Flushes water mains and fire hydrants; locates water main leaks and assists with repairs.
• Tests, troubleshoots, calibrates and performs preventive maintenance on a variety of complex electronic instruments and devices; tests solid state circuitry to locate defective parts in analog and digital equipment; replaces defective parts.
• Maintains records and logs of quantity of water produced from wells, and water that is purchased and consumed.
• Maintains and cleans pump houses and grounds.
• Reviews, investigates and responds to work requests and complaints.
• Ensures compliance with state regulations by adding chemicals to domestic water, and takes samples as required.
• Responds to emergency calls within specified time when participating in the emergency standby program.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Possession of a High School diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent; AND four (4) years of experience in pump operations of a water utility; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License.
• Possession of a Grade II Water Treatment and Grade II Water Distribution Certification issued by the State of California Department of Public Health.

Required Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• Principles and practices of water distribution system construction, maintenance, repair and safety practices including equipment related maintenance.
• State and federal environmental protection codes and regulations; Cal OSHA regulations.
• Mechanical maintenance and repair of industrial equipment, components and machinery; plumbing and pipe fitting; welding; industrial electrical systems, maintenance and repair; and the installation, troubleshooting and repair of electronic control systems.
• Common hand and power tools.
• Basic preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.

Required Skill in:

• Mechanical maintenance and repair of industrial equipment, components and machinery; plumbing and pipe fitting; welding; industrial electrical systems, maintenance and repair; and the installation, troubleshooting and repair of electronic control systems.
• Maintaining maintenance and inspection records.
• Utilizing public relations techniques in responding to inquiries and complaints.
• Working flexible hours or on-call schedule.
• Operating a personal computer, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software.
• Verbal and written communications.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments with considerable time spent in moderate temperatures (above 80 degrees), with exposure to the elements including heavy rain.
• Work requires reaching, bending, lifting, driving, pushing, crawling, walking and climbing (more than 12 feet); working at heights above ground, below ground and in confined spaces.
• Good near vision, far vision and color perception is required.
• May be exposed to wet surfaces, minor amounts of dust and on occasion loud noises.
• Work may involve exposure to dangerous machinery, hazardous chemicals, high voltage control panels and motors.
• Must be able to work during weekdays, weekends, and holidays on any assigned shift.

Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts.

All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered.

Please note: Only the first 50 applications received that best meet the qualifications and needs of the department will be invited to continue in the hiring process.

EXAMINATION

The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.

Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and interview process.

Phase one (1) is an oral examination (weighted 100%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. The oral examination may include graded simulation exercises, writing exercises, and oral presentations. A passing score for the oral exam is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via mail or e-mail.

The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.

GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS

The City of Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of services.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.

ELIGIBLE LISTS

Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).

PLEASE NOTE:

All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.

Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill anyone (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department managers recommendation for employment is subject to the City Managers approval.

EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDURE

A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).

EXAMINATION RECORDS

All examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

In all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.

Why Work for the City of Compton?

We are proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and career growth, including:

• CalPERS Retirement- Secure pension through the California Public Employees' Retirement System
• Lifetime Medical Coverage for Retirees- Fully funded by the City after 5 years of service with CalPers
• CalPERS Health Benefits Program- Choice of 10 health plans, with City-paid premiums for employees and eligible dependents (up to the annual Kaiser family rate)
• Employer-Paid Vision and Dental Insurance- For both employees and eligible dependents
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance- Offered through UNUM
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)- For healthcare and dependent care expenses through American Fidelity
• Employee-Sponsored Supplemental Benefits- Optional coverage such as life, disability, and accident insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off- Vacation, sick leave, and 16* paid holidays per year
• 4/10 Flexible Work Schedule- Most Administrative roles based at City Hall enjoy a 4-day workweek, with Fridays off*
• Educational Reimbursement- Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for tuition and books
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Confidential services for personal and professional support
• Professional Development Opportunities- Ongoing training and career growth resources
• Total number of holidays are subject to change based on the fiscal year.
• City Hall is closed on Fridays. Please contact HR to confirm if the position youre interested in follows a 4/10 schedule.

01

Do you have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02

What is the highest level of education you possess? Please note that if you possess an associates degree or higher in a related field, proof must be attached to your application for validation.

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associates Degree in a related field
• Bachelors Degree or higher in a related field
• None of the above

03

How many years of years of experience in pump operations of a water utility do you possess? Please note this experience must be clearly outlined in your application.

• Less than one (1) year
• One (1) to two (2) years
• Two (2) to three (3) years
• Four (4) or more years

04

Do you possess a valid California Class C Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess both a Grade II Water Treatment and a Grade II Water Distribution Certification issued by the State of California Department of Public Health? Please note you must attach proof of these certifications to your application for validation.

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience in mechanical maintenance and repair of industrial equipment, components and machinery; plumbing and pipe fitting; welding; industrial electrical systems, maintenance and repair; and the installation, troubleshooting and repair of electronic control systems.?

• Yes
• No

07

Elaborate on your previous and/or current work experience in which you exercised principles and practices of water distribution system construction, maintenance, repair and safety practices including equipment related maintenance. Please be sure to include in your response the position title, agency name, and dates in which you acquired this experience. A complete and detailed answer is required as part of your application.

08

Are you a current City of Compton employee? Please note this excludes individuals currently on probation.

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have any relatives employed by the City of Compton? If you have any relatives that work for the City of Compton, please indicate their name. If you do not, please type in N/A.

10

This brings you to the end of your application. Before submitting your application, please make sure you have done the following: 1. Read the entire job description and understand the position you are applying for. 2. Read the Minimum Qualifications and clearly state your relevant experience and education on your application; including any licenses and/or certificates if applicable. (Note: resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of a completed application.) 3. Attach any proof of education, licenses and/or certificates if applicable. 4. Completed all sections of the application and answered all questions thoroughly.

• I certify that I have read this notice and understand the instructions provided.

Required Question

Employer City of Compton

Address 205 South Willowbrook Ave

Compton, California, 90220

Phone 310-605-5535

Website https://www.comptoncity.org