Water Distribution Operator III
Salary
$70,152.00 - $85,272.00 Annually
Location
Public Works Yard, 4244 Santa Ana Street, South Gate, CA
Job Type
Full Time Classified
Job Number
202600716
Department
Public Works
Division
Water Division
Opening Date
07/02/2026
Closing Date
7/23/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
About the Position
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.
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
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 walk, sit, and talk or hear; and may stand for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderately loud when outdoors. Incumbents are occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, traffic, dust, gas, fumes, and chemicals.
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
I understand that an incomplete application may lead to disqualification from the recruitment process, and I have supplied all the applicable information in my application. Examples of incomplete/inaccurate information leading to disqualification include, but are not limited to noting incorrect department, leaving dates of employment blank, not attaching requested copies of certificates, leaving duties bank or noting "See Resume," etc.
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
Do you have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in water utility operation, maintenance and repair work?
04
If you selected "Yes" to Question #3, 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 "No" to Question #3, please indicate N/A.
05
Do you currently possess a valid Class B California Driver's License? If so, please make sure to attach a copy of your drivers license along with your application. Failure to attach a copy of your drivers license may result in disqualification from the position.
06
Do you currently possess a valid State Water Resource Control Board Distribution Grade III Certificate? If so, please make sure to attach a copy of your certificate along with your application. Failure to attach a copy of your certificate may result in disqualification from the position.
07
Do you currently possess a valid State Water Resource Control Board Grade II Water Treatment Certificate? If so, please make sure to attach a copy of your certificate along with your application. Failure to attach a copy of your certificate may result in disqualification from the position.
08
Are you a CalPERS retired annuitant?
09
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.
10
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.
11
I understand that an incomplete application may lead to disqualification from the recruitment process, and I have supplied all the applicable information in my application. Examples of incomplete/inaccurate information leading to disqualification include, but are not limited to noting incorrect department, leaving dates of employment blank, not attaching requested copies of certificates, leaving duties blank or noting "See Resume," etc.
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/