Utility Worker I or II Continuous Posting Salary $32.95 - $45.41 Hourly Location San Diego, CA Job Type Full-Time Regular Job Number 00317 Department Operations Division Utility Maintenance Opening Date 02/05/2026 Closing Date Continuous
Benefits --------
The District regularly has openings for the Utility Workers due to promotion of employees within and to other departments. The District regularly interviews and maintains an eligibility list for upcoming vacancies. We encourage you to apply for this great opportunity. The District currently has two (2) vacancies.
Compensation ------------
Utility Worker I: $32.95 - $41.18/ hr Utility Worker II: $36.32 - $45.41/ hr
Ideal Candidate ----------------
Are you an experienced Utility Worker with knowledge of construction and maintenance of water distribution, wastewater collection, reclamation and related facilities? Can you safely operate medium and heavy-duty motorized vehicles and equipment, jackhammers, drills, electric and pneumatic powered tools? If so, we would like to hear from you.
We welcome veterans and transitioning military. Are you a former member of the military with experience as a Utilitiesman (A.K.A. Seabees, UT), Water Support Technician, Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Technician, Combat Engineer, or similar occupation? If so, we encourage you to apply. Consider joining a team of hardworking employees who work to protect and preserve water, one of our most valuable natural resources. The experience youve gained during your service can continue to positively impact the world with a career at Otay.
The Otay Water District offers excellent benefits, a balanced work/life environment and is a leader in the industry.
About the Position and Department --------------------------------
The position may be appointed at either level depending upon qualifications and experience. The position reports to the Utility Maintenance Supervisor and performs work in the construction and maintenance of water distribution, wastewater collection, and reclamation facilities.
The Operations Department is responsible for the operations, maintenance and repair of all Otay Water District facilities and equipment. Facilities include pipelines, reservoirs, pump stations, lift stations, and a reclamation plant for potable water and recycled water distribution, wastewater collections, and wastewater reclamation. The Operations Department has a staff of approximately 57 employees.
Applications are continuously accepted for this position. The District regularly reviews applications and maintains an eligibility list for upcoming vacancies. For information on the recruitment process, please go to the Employment section of our website www.otaywater.gov or click here.
Essential Functions -------------------
Operates light, medium and heavy-duty, motorized vehicles and equipment, backhoes (for light duties such as loading and unloading dump trucks, job site cleanup, etc.), forklifts, Vactor truck, jackhammers, drills, electric and pneumatic powered tools and similar equipment and tools. Performs safety inspections of equipment; cleans and maintains tools and equipment.
Digs with various hand tools, such as shovels and digging bars. Operates cement mixers, compressors, compactors, and concrete saws.
Lays out materials for job. Lays pipe. Mixes, pours and finishes concrete. Repairs pavement.
Loads and unloads trucks. Sets up or assists with set up of traffic control at work site in accordance with crew leaders or supervisors instructions.
Assists on maintenance and construction projects at all District facilities. Works in vaults and other confined spaces utilizing proper safety techniques and equipment.
Assists in the preventative and corrective maintenance of the water distribution system, wastewater collection and recycled water system and appurtenances such as water mains, hydrants, valves, meters, sewer mains and laterals.
Assists in making repairs or replacing inoperative sections of water/wastewater and recycled water systems.
Sets up shoring in trenches. Backfills and tamps trenches. Repairs or replaces inoperative sections of pipe.
Installs large and small water meters and water/sewer laterals.
Repairs and cleans reservoirs and water tanks.
Installs and repairs fire hydrants, water and fire services, valves, air-vacs, blow-offs and other similar appurtenances.
Assists in performing wet taps.
Paints piping, building interiors and exteriors, and other equipment and facilities.
Operates District vehicles and equipment.
Shares in rotational standby duties which includes being available 24/7, weekends and holidays.
Responds to emergencies as required during and after normal work hours.
Identifies and recommends opportunities for improvement. Utility Worker II duties also include:
Maintains documentation logs of the cleaning and inspection of the wastewater collection system in order to be in compliance with regulations.
Documents maintenance on all District appurtenances.
Assumes responsibility for quality of work performed by a crew and the safety of crew members in the absence of a Senior Utility Worker, Crew Leader and/or Supervisor.
Performs related work of Utility Worker I as required.
Assists in implementing and executing the District's strategic plan.
Required Licenses and/or Certifications --------------------------------------
Both levels require a Valid California Class C Drivers License with a safe driving record and a valid California Class A Drivers License and required endorsements is required within twelve (12) months of appointment.
Utility Worker I:
A Water Distribution Operator Certificate D-1 issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board is desired.
CWEA Collection Systems Maintenance Technologist Certificate Grade I desired.
Utility Worker II:
A Water Distribution Operator Certificate D-1 issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board is desired.
CWEA Collection Systems Maintenance Technologist Certificate Grade I required if the employee is assigned to the collection system cleaning crew on a long-term basis.
Minimum Experience, Education, and Training Requirements --------------------------------------------------------
Both levels require a High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Utility Worker I:
One (1) year of experience working in construction, or construction maintenance. Experience in water, wastewater, or water reclamation systems construction highly desirable.
Utility Worker II:
Two (2) years experience in the construction and/or construction maintenance in water, wastewater or recycled water systems or related experience.
This position will be subject to random drug testing during employment. This is an hourly, non-exempt position.
Otay Water District is a Smoking, Tobacco and Nicotine Free Campus.
All Otay Water District employees are at-will pursuant to California Water Code, Section 71362. Notice: Benefits listed below assume full-time regular status. These benefits do not apply to temporary appointments.
Scheduled salary increases include the following: July 1, 2024: 6% Cost-of-Living Adjustment July 14, 2025: 5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment July 13, 2026: 5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment Annual Merit Increases: Eligible employees are eligible for 3% merit increase on an annual basis until they reach the top of their salary range, based on meeting expectations on their performance review.
Vacation: 12 days/year, increasing to a max of 23 days/year.
Sick Leave: 8 days/year, increasing to max of 15 days/year.
Paid Holidays: 14 days/year, including employees birthday and two floating holidays.
Alternative Work Schedule: A 9/80 work schedule may be available based on the needs of the department. Upon approval, employees would work 80 hours over 9 days and enjoy one day off every two weeks. Some Operations department staff may be subject to a 4/10 work schedule (four 10-hour days within a week).
PERS Retirement: The District contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement plan that includes a lifetime benefit determined by a set formula (years of service, age at retirement, and final compensation). Employees hired after January 1, 2013, are subject to the Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA).
Employee Contributions:
New Member (hired on or after 1/1/13 who are new CalPERS members or do not have reciprocity with CalPERS): Are enrolled in the 2% at age 62 formula based on the employees 36 months of highest average annual compensation limit set by CalPERS. District and employees share the normal employee CalPERS service contribution cost. Employees contribute 7.5% of salary toward the employee CalPERS service contribution cost up to the annual compensation limit set by CalPERS.
Classic Member (hired before January 1, 2013, or who have reciprocity with CalPERS): Are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 55 formula based on the employees single highest year annual compensation. Employees contribute 8% of salary towards the employee CalPERS service contribution cost.
The District is also a Social Security participant and the District and employee make contributions.
Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (457 Plan): Optional plan designed to provide employees with additional retirement income. Employees may elect to contribute a portion of their income on a pre-tax or post-tax basis through payroll deductions.
Medical/Rx Insurance: Choice of Blue Shield PPO, EPO, HMO or Kaiser HMO plans, 100% premium paid by District for employee and 88% for dependent(s). Dental Insurance: 100% premium paid by District for employee and 88% paid for dependent(s). Vision: 100% premium paid by District for employee and 0% for dependent(s).
Flexible Benefits Plan: The District offers a healthcare and dependent care flexible benefits plan. The healthcare account reimburses the employee on a pre-tax basis for medical, pharmacy, dental and other related expenses not covered by the insurance plans. The dependent care account allows employees to pay for employment-related dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.
Group Term Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance: 100% premium paid by the District for employee and eligible dependent(s). Depending on employees annual earnings and/or position, amounts of Life and AD&D insurance range from $15,000 to $50,000. Eligible dependents have life insurance coverage of $1,000.
Voluntary Life