Water Distribution Operator-in-Training/II/III (Internal Opportunity, Multiple Vacancies)

Water Distribution Operator-in-Training/II/III (Internal Opportunity, Multiple Vacancies)

Salary

$61,344.00 - $109,920.00 Annually

Location

City of Santa Cruz, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

27-027

Department

Water

Opening Date

10/29/2026

Closing Date

11/12/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

The current vacancies are for Water Distribution Operator-In-Training/II/III in the Water Department. This recruitment is open to City of Santa Cruz current regular and temporary employees. As an Internal recruitment, the list established from this recruitment is valid only for the current vacancy listed above.

As a Water Distribution Operator with the City of Santa Cruz, youll be part of a team that is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and improving the water distribution system that serves our community. The work is hands on, varied, and essential to keeping safe, reliable drinking water flowing to homes and businesses. Your day may involve responding to emergency water main breaks and service line leaks, troubleshooting problems in the field, and working alongside experienced operators to make repairs and restore service. You may also participate in planned shutdowns, install or replace valves and water mains, replace meters, and perform system flushing to maintain water quality and system performance.

The work extends beyond the water system itself. Operators help restore streets and sidewalks following repairs, including asphalt paving and concrete work. Daily responsibilities may also include hauling materials, gathering parts and supplies, restocking equipment, and maintaining the specialized vehicles and tools needed to complete the job safely and efficiently. From operating heavy equipment and specialty vehicles to locating underground utilities, prepping job sites, and assisting with complex infrastructure projects, operators develop a broad range of technical and practical skills. Teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and a commitment to safety are essential, as priorities can change quickly when emergency repairs arise.

• Water Distribution Operator-In-Training pay range is $29.49 - $41.50 Hourly
• Water Distribution Operator II pay range is $34.41 - $48.42 Hourly
• Water Distribution Operator III pay range is $37.58 - $52.85 Hourly
• PLEASE READ REGARDING DRIVERS LICENSE AND DMV REQUIREMENTS*

Possession of a valid California Class A drivers license is not required at time of application; however, it does require a valid Class A license with appropriate endorsements within 12 months. A DMV printout is not required at the time of application, but the selected candidate will be required to provide a DMV printout at the time of appointment.

Recruitment #27-027

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 11/12/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:

• Application - online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.

• Response to supplemental questions - will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Week of 11/16 and 11/23/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 12/04/26.

• Week of 12/07 and 12/14/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Basic Function

Under supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled assignments in the construction, maintenance, and repair of City water distribution systems, streets and sidewalks; and performs related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Water Distribution Operator series is alternately staffed with Water Distribution Operator-in-Training (OIT), II, and III. Operators in this series perform a broad range of duties in the basic construction, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution system. Incumbents generally work as a member of a crew but may be given independent assignments and may, under direction, lead a small crew of trainees or temporary workers and assist with training. All positions in this classification require a willingness to perform on-call duty assignment and call-back work as required.

The OIT is the entry-level position and does not require certification. However, incumbents in both the OIT and II positions are required to get certifications within a certain period of time as follows to remain in the series. An OIT is required to obtain a D2 Water Distribution Operator certification from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within eighteen months of date of hire. Successful completion of these tasks will allow the incumbent to be promoted to the Water Distribution Operator II but not before passing the 6 month probationary period. At the II level, an incumbent is required to obtain a D3 Water Distribution Operator certification from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within twenty-four (24) months of the date of hire or of promotion and will allow the incumbent to be promoted to the Water Distribution Operator III, but not before passing the 6 month probationary period. Once promoted to the III level, an incumbent who would like to advance may pursue further certification at his or her own discretion but is not required to do so by the Water Department.

Water Distribution Operator-in-Training (OIT) is the non-certified entry and training level of the Water Distribution Operator series. Under direct and continuous supervision and in a training capacity, incumbents are assigned routine semi-skilled maintenance tasks while learning the basic construction and maintenance trades related to water distribution systems. Incumbents learn to perform a broad range of duties in the basic construction, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution system working as a member of a crew. The OIT position is distinguished from the next higher level of Water Distribution Operator II in that the latter serves as the intermediate training class and first journey level of the series. Incumbents in this class are assigned routine tasks to be performed independently or on a work team.

Water Distribution Operator II is the intermediate training and first journey level position within the Water Distribution Operator series. Incumbents work under general supervision performing a broad range of duties in the basic inspection, construction, and maintenance of the City's water distribution system and facilities. Incumbents generally work as a member of a small crew but may be given independent assignments. Water Distribution Operator II is distinguished from the next higher level of Water Distribution Operator III by the latter serving as the full journey level class within the series and performing assigned routine and complex tasks independently or as part of a work crew with general supervision. The II is distinguished from the OIT classification by the requirement of a D2 Water Distribution Operator certification issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).

Water Distribution Operator III is the fully trained journey level classification in the series and is distinguished from the Water Distribution Operator II by the requirement of a D3 Water Distribution Operator certification. Incumbents perform a broad range of duties in the basic construction, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution system. Incumbents generally work as a member of a crew but may be given independent assignments and, under direction, lead a small crew of trainees or temporary workers and assist with training.

Typical Duties

(May include, but are not limited to, those duties below.)

• Installs, connects, relocates, and replaces water mains, service lines, valves, pumps, meter boxes, and fire hydrants; cuts and fits pipes and makes taps.
• Repairs leaks on water mains.
• Notifies customers of water shutdowns.
• Exercises valves by hand or with hydraulic equipment; marks valves to indicate direction of opening and number of turns to open.
• Flushes water system through valves and hydrant.
• Paints valves, pumps, piping and building interiors and exteriors.
• Measures and records the location of valves, hydrants and blow-offs.
• Under direction, may: flow test hydrants; locate and mark existing water mains, meters, valves, and other facilities for City crews and independent contractors using a sonic and/or magnetic pipe locator; and perform various water quality field tests.
• Constructs and repairs sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and retaining walls.
• Shovels, rakes and spreads dirt, sand, gravel, asphalt, and other materials.
• Participates in digging, widening and backfilling trenches and other excavations.
• Loads, unloads, and operates pick-ups and trucks to transport maintenance supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Places traffic control flags, signs and cones to direct traffic around work sites; may direct traffic.
• Uses general carpentry and mechanical hand tools such as brooms, rakes, shovels, ladders, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, saws, drills, wrenches, and related equipment.
• Operates equipment such as air compressors, pneumatic hammers, powder activated hammers, chain saws, concrete saws, pipe cutters, sprayers, compactors, forklifts, rollers, and related equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance and repair of hand and power tools.
• Safely operates equipment and tools used.
• Removes, repairs, and patches asphalt and concrete surfaces.
• Tactfully responds to questions and comments from the public.
• May prepare and keep written records and make material and equipment requests.
• May occasionally perform simple fabrication and repair of equipment, tools, parts, and accessory items using arc and gas welding.
• May, under direction and on an irregular basis, operate equipment such as backhoes, front-end loaders, and trucks.
• May, in the absence of a supervisor, contact City Departments or other agencies when shared jurisdiction over a repair is apparent.
• May be required to perform duties related to confined space entry.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when operating assigned equipment. Acute hearing is required in both the office and the field. The ability to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 75 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, heat, and cold. The incumbent may be exposed to fumes, dust chemicals, and air contaminants. May be exposed to biohazards and/or hazardous chemicals. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:

Education and Experience:

Water Distribution Operator OIT/II/III

• High school diploma or tested equivalent; and
• Six (6) months paid manual labor experience.

Knowledge:

Water Distribution Operator OIT/II/III:

• Proper use and care of common hand and power tools.
• Basic mathematical principles, including fractions, decimals, proportions, measurements, and volume and area calculations.
• Safety procedures for operating equipment and power tools.

Water Distribution Operator II/III:

• Basic techniques, equipment, and materials used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems.
• Basic mechanical and hydraulic principles.
• Water distribution operation, including piping, sources of supply, water quality, disinfection, water-related electricity, and the operational principles of pumps and motors.
• Water distribution mathematics, including water terms and definitions, water measurements, water pressure, formulas, units, and conversion factors.
• Safety principles related to traffic control, confined space entry, and trenching and shoring.

Water Distribution Operator III:

• Providing guidance and direction to lower-level workers in the necessary on-the-job training required for mandatory state certified water distribution operations.

Abilities:

Water Distribution Operator OIT/II/III:

• Safely perform heavy manual labor (which involves frequent bending, pulling, pushing, lifting, and carrying of up to approximately 75 pounds).
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Read, interpret, and record data.
• Perform mathematical calculations.
• Learn the more complex principles, practices, techniques, and regulations pertaining to water distribution operations.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
• Work effectively independently and as a member of a crew.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and act in a courteous and tactful manner with those contacted in the course of work.
• Safely handle hazardous materials.
• Operate power tools and equipment to perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks.
• Perform basic maintenance and repair on tools and equipment.
• Read and interpret basic sketches, drawings, specifications, technical manuals, and regulations.
• Recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions and make sound judgments within established guidelines.

Licenses and Certificates:

Water Distribution Operator-in-Training/II/III

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license. Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Restricted Automatic class A driver's license with tanker, 5th wheel, and air brake endorsements OR a California Unrestricted Class A driver's license within 12 months of hire.[1]

Water Distribution Operator-In-Training

• Must obtain a D2 Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) within eighteen months of hire.

Water Distribution Operator II

• Possession and continued maintenance of a D2 Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB).
• Must obtain a D3 Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) within twenty-four (24) months of hire or of promotion.

Water Distribution Operator III

• Possession and continued maintenance of a D3 Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB).

and

• One year of operator experience working as a certified D2 operator, D3 or higher operator, or temporary D3 operator for a D2 system or higher.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must reside within a 30-minute response time by the end of probationary period.
• Willingness to perform on-call duty assignment and call-back work as assigned, which may include holidays, weekends and evenings.
• Willingness to wear a uniform and personal, protective equipment (PPE).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification in First Aid and CPR

• Underground Construction/Utility Experience

• Safety procedures for placement and use of traffic delineation

[1] The salary for this classification includes compensation for the CA class A driver's license with tanker, 5th wheel and air brake endorsements; therefore, no separate, additional pay applies.

Career Ladder

• Deputy Director/Operations Manager
• Superintendent of Distribution
• Water Distribution Supervisor V-Chief Distribution Officer
• Water Distribution Supervisor IV
• Water Distribution Crew Leader IV
• Water Distribution Crew Leader III
• Senior Water Distribution Operator
• Water Distribution Operator III
• Water Distribution Operator II
• Water Distribution Operator-in-Training

SALARY - This classification belongs to the Service bargaining unit. The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website. See the CITY OF SANTA CRUZ SERVICE EMPLOYEE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING on the City website for details on pay rates and practices.

UNION REPRESENTATION - This classification belongs to the Service Employees bargaining unit. All employees within this unit are represented by the Service Employees International Union.

APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted, to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period (unless specified as 12-month by Service Employees MOU) which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

LEAVE

Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.

Sick - 12 days/year

Holidays - up to 11 days/year

Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time

INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)

Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage (pro-rated for part-time).

Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.

Life - City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.

Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.

RETIREMENT

All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 9.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Accident Protection Insurance

Bilingual Pay if required by position

Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

Direct Deposit

Discount Bus Pass Program

Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care

Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)

In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month (if not participating in City offered Medical Plan)

Shift Differential

Supplemental Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

The information included in this listing is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Leaves and most Insurance contributions are pro-rated for part-time benefited employees.

01

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."

• I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions

02

This recruitment is only open to current regular and temporary City of Santa Cruz employees. I meet this criteria and understand that my application must include my employment with the City of Santa Cruz or I will not be considered for this internal recruitment.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?

• Yes
• No

04

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California drivers license. Please select your current license status:

• I have a valid California drivers license.
• I have a valid drivers license issued by another state. I understand that I will be required to obtain a California drivers license prior to appointment, as a condition of employment, if selected for this position.
• I do not currently possess a valid drivers license. I understand that I do not meet the requirement for this position and that this response will eliminate my application from consideration.

05

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Restricted Automatic Class A drivers license with tanker, 5th wheel, and air break endorsements OR a California Unrestricted Class A drivers license within twelve (12) months of hire. Please select from below:

• I currently possess a valid California Unrestricted Class A drivers license.
• I currently possess a valid California Class A drivers license with tanker, 5th wheel, and air break endorsements.
• I do not currently possess a valid California Class A drivers license but understand and accept this requirement.
• I do not accept this requirement and understand this will eliminate my application from consideration.

06

A DMV report is NOT required to apply for this position. However, the selected candidate will be required to submit a recent (issued within 30 days), three-year driving record printout issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of job offer. We will accept either an official DMV printout obtained from a physical DMV office or an "unofficial" DMV drivers record obtained online from www.dmv.ca.gov. I understand that I will be required to submit a CA DMV printout if selected for this position. (NOTE: A "no" response to this question will eliminate your application from consideration).

• Yes
• No

07

Please select the appropriate duration of your manual labor experience. This must be able to be verified by jobs in the Work Experience section of your application.

• Less than six months
• At least six months, but less than 1 year
• At least 1 year, but less than 2 years
• At least 2 years, but less than 3 years
• 3 or more years

08

Based on your answer above, please describe your manual labor experience. Please include the employer name, manual labor duties performed, and the duration of each experience. If you do not have manual labor experience, please answer "N/A."

09

CHECK ALL that apply as it relates to the appropriate certifications and experience you currently possess. You are not required to currently possess these certifications or have water distribution experience to apply for this position. Your answers will help determine which level of Water Distribution Operator you qualify for. For the certifications you do currently possess, please also attach proof to your application. (You may select more than one option.)

• I currently possess D2 Water Distribution Operator certification issued by the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB)
• I currently possess D3 Water Distribution Operator certification issued by the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB)
• I currently have at least one (1) year of experience working as a certified D2, D3, or higher operator, or a temporary D3 operator for a D2 system or higher. (This experience must also appear in the work experience portion of your application if you are applying for the level III.)
• I do not currently possess any of these certifications or have water distribution experience. I am applying for the Water Distribution Operator-In-Training position. I understand that the Water Distribution Operator-In-Training position requires obtaining a D2 Water Distribution Operator certification issued by the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) within 18 months of hire.

10

If you selected that you currently possess a D2 or D3 Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB), please indicate the grade and certificate # below, and scan and attach proof of your certification. (Note: Failing to attach proof of certification may eliminate your application from consideration for the II and III levels.) If you do not currently possess this certification, please answer "N/A."

11

This position requires a willingness to perform on-call duty assignment(s) and call-back work as assigned, which may include holidays, weekends, and evenings; willingness to wear a uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE); and must reside within a 30-minute response time by the end of the probationary period. I understand and accept these requirements. (Note: A "no" response will eliminate your application from consideration.)

• Yes
• No

12

Desirable Qualification: Please describe your experience in underground construction/utility work. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Cruz

Address 809 Center St.

Room 6

Santa Cruz, California, 95060

Phone 831-420-5040

Website http://www.cityofsantacruz.com