| Location | South Gate, CA |
| Salary | $5,386–$6,547 |
Water Distribution Operator II/III
Salary
$64,632.00 - $85,272.00 Annually
Location
Public Works Yard, 4244 Santa Ana Street, South Gate, CA
Job Type
Full Time Classified
Job Number
202600745
Department
Public Works
Division
Water Division
Opening Date
10/22/2026
Closing Date
11/12/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
About the Position
This position may be filled at either the
Water Distribution Operator II or Water Distribution Operator III level
depending on the qualifications of the individual selected and the business needs of the department.
Water Distribution Operator II
Monthly Salary Range $5,386 - $6,547
Water Distribution Operator III
Monthly Salary Range $5,846 - $7,106
Under general supervision to perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks in the installation, maintenance and repair of the water distribution system; and to do related work as required.
Water Distribution Operator II
Class Characteristics
Water Distribution Operator II: This is the journey level class in the Water Distribution Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Water Operator I by the assignments of increased job duties at a level that increases from the normal routine work. Employees at this level are not expected to perform with that same independence of direction and judgement on matters related to established procedures and guidelines as are positions allocated to the III level.
Water Distribution Operator III
Class Characteristics
Water Distribution Operator III: This is the full journey level class in the Water Distribution Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Water Operator II by the assignments of the full range of duties assigned. Employees at this level only receive occasional instructions or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Employees work under general supervision.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Employees do not exercise supervisory responsibilities.
Examples of Essential Functions
Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Installs, maintains and repairs water mains, hydrants, services, valves, detector checks and backflow prevention devices; digs trenches, lays pipe or taps lines and backfills trenches;
Makes minor repairs to water such as replacing dials, glass and screws;
Operates power equipment as directed.
Flushes mainlines; chlorinates main lines as directed.
Assists in inspection and maintenance of elevated water tanks.
As assigned, may read meters, turn on and off customer services, answer complaints on water service, collect delinquent bills, and perform water pump operator duties.
Must be able to work shifts on a 7day/ 24 hour basis to meet operational needs of the Water Division.
Must be able to perform standby functions as required to meet operational needs of Water Division.
Must be able to perform job functions at a Journey Water Distribution level.
Minimum & Desirable Qualifications
Qualifications
Water Distribution Operator II
Training and Experience
Any combination equivalent to an acceptable basic education and two (2) years of experience in water utility operation, maintenance and repair work.
License/Certifications/Special Requirements
Possession of a valid Class C California drivers license and a satisfactory driving record is required at the time of appointment and throughout employment in this position. Possession of a valid State Water Resources Control Board Distribution Grade II Certificate.
(Employee may advance to Water Distribution Operator III after obtaining Water Distribution Operator Grade III Certification and requires the ability to perform at Journey Distribution Level. Ability to obtain a Water Treatment Grade I is desirable.)
Water Distribution Operator III
Training and Experience
Any combination equivalent to an acceptable basic education and three (3) years of experience in water utility operation, maintenance and repair work.
License/Certification/Special Requirements
Possession of a valid Class B California Driver's License. Possession of a valid State Water Resource Control Board Distribution Grade III Certificate and Grade II Water Treatment Certificate.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the installation and maintenance of water systems and facilities. Ability to use hand and power tools; ability to follow oral directions; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
Other Important Information
California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System
An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbents driving record and Drivers License status on a periodic basis to the City of South Gate. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.
Recruitment Process
Application Packets Must Include: A fully completed online employment application which:
Selection Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.
Pre-employment Process
Hiring of Relatives: Relatives of existing employees by blood or marriage will not be eligible for employment with the City if potential supervision, safety, security, or morale problems exist; or if potential conflicts of interest exist. Relatives include an employees parents, children, spouse, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and step relationships.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability (mental or physical), medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy), sexual orientation (including homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality), or military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.
The City of South Gate
The City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 79th largest city in California with a population of approximately 97,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
Non-Sworn Employee Benefits
Effective 07/01/2024 - 06/30/2025
Approved 11/20/2024
Classic Members - 2.7% at age 55 (5 year vesting period)
Employee contributes 8.0% of Employees Share of Normal Cost
PEPRA Members - 2.0% at age 62 (5 year vesting period)
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?
02
Do you currently possess a high school diploma or equivalent? If so, please make sure to detail this information in the Education section of your application.
03
Please select the type of drivers license you currently possess. If you possess a Class B drivers, please attach a copy of your license along with your application. Failure to attach a copy of this license may result in disqualification from the position.
04
Please select the years of your experience in water utility operation, maintenance and repair work.
05
If you have years of experience in the area outlined in Question #4, please list your previous and current experience. Please include name of employer(s), position(s) held, duration of employment, and duties assigned. If you answered "None of the above" to Question #4, please indicate N/A.
06
Please select the certificates you currently possess. If you have any of the following certificates, please make sure to attach a copy of your certificate(s) along with your application. Failure to submit your certificate(s) may result in disqualification from the position.
07
I understand it is required to work entirely in person, and any form of remote work is not an option for the position I am applying for. Please answer Yes or No if you understand/do not understand and agree/do not agree to this type of work schedule.
08
Do you claim Veteran's Preference? Note: to establish eligibility for Veterans Preference, applicants must attach a copy of their discharge from service form (e.g. DD214) with a status of Honorable discharge on the form at time of application. Failure to attach this documentation may result in disqualification from the position.
09
Are you a CalPERS retired annuitant?
Required Question
Employer City of South Gate
Address Human Resources Office, City of South Gate
8680 California Avenue
South Gate, California, 90280
Phone (323) 357-5835
Website http://www.cityofsouthgate.org/