Water Maintenance Worker I/II
Salary
$52,837.00 - $74,849.00 Annually
Location
Water Division - 189 So. Water Street, Orange, CA
Job Type
Full Time Miscellaneous
Job Number
01706
Department
Public Works Department
Division
Water Division
Opening Date
06/15/2026
Closing Date
7/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Max Number of Applicants
150
JOIN THE CITY OF ORANGE AS A WATER MAINTENANCE WORKER I/II IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT!
IMPORTANT RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:
This recruitment will close on July 13, 2026, or upon receipt of 150 applications, whichever occurs first.
The eligibility list established by this recruitment will be used to fill future vacancies and will be in effect for up to one (1) year from date of establishment.
SALARY INFORMATION:
Water Maintenance Worker I: Salary Range: $52,837 - $67,751 per year
Water Maintenance Worker II: Salary Range: $58,359 - $74,849 per year
OUR CITY:
The City of Orange is a Class 1 Water Utility providing more than 100 years of clean, safe, and reliable water to approximately 140,000 residents. Water Maintenance Workers perform semi-skilled labor in the construction, maintenance, and repair activities related to the Citys water utility system and field operations.
DEFINITION OF THE POSITION:
Under direct or general supervision, the Water Maintenance Worker I/II performs a variety of work in the construction, modification, maintenance, and repair of City potable water distribution main and lateral pipeline systems, including complex residential and commercial water meters, valve cans, meter boxes, and water distribution valves; uses and operates a variety of manual and power tools and light to heavy power driven equipment; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct or general supervision from the Water Maintenance Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. May provide technical and functional direction to lower-level staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Water Maintenance Worker I: This is the entry-level class in the water utilities maintenance series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic maintenance experience learn City infrastructure, systems, and facilities, use of tools and equipment, and a wide variety of practices and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Since this class is often used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.
Water Maintenance Worker II: This is the full journey-level class in the water utilities maintenance series that performs the full range of duties required to ensure that City infrastructure, systems, and facilities to which assigned are maintained in a safe and effective working condition and provide the highest level of safety for public use. Responsibilities include inspecting and attending to assigned areas in a timely manner, and performing a wide variety of tasks in the maintenance and repair of assigned facilities and systems. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from Water Maintenance Lead Worker in that the latter is responsible for technical and functional supervision of lower-level maintenance staff and is capable of performing the most complex duties assigned to the division.
Positions in the Water Maintenance Worker class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II level are normally filled by advancement from the I level requiring one (1) additional year of experience and after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have two (2) years of prior related experience that allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the II level.
Examples of Duties
The following duties represent the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Performs construction, maintenance, and repair activities of City water utilities systems and facilities to ensure safe and efficient access for the public, including complex residential and commercial water meters, valve cans, meter boxes, and water distribution valves.
Performs water valve maintenance, including various types of lines and valves, locating and raising valves that are not exposed, operating automated machines to exercise valves on an annual basis, and updating records following the installation of new valves.
Flushes water distribution lines to ensure water quality, utilizes chlorine level testing devices, and runs tests for dissolved solids, bacteria, and coliforms.
Repairs concrete after water distribution system maintenance, including sidewalk panels and temporary street patches.
Uses valve-turning equipment to isolate and shut down pre-designated water lines for routine maintenance and in emergency situations; ensures proper shut-down of services by utilizing sounding equipment and flow rates; provides explanations to the public during shut-downs.
Participates in the City-wide inspection program, including inspecting assigned City infrastructure for safety issues, structural integrity, and possible future work projects and programs, and appropriately marking areas that need to be repaired.
Performs water meter maintenance, including installing new meters, testing and repairing meters of various sizes, repairing leaks, and replacing meters as necessary; installs service lines for newly developed properties and accounts for the installation of meters for new homes; performs shut-downs of services, as required.
Monitors contractors working with and around underground services to ensure the work is appropriately performed to code; addresses discrepancies as necessary.
Operates and maintains specialized vehicles and a variety of light, medium, and heavy equipment related to the construction, maintenance, and repair of water utilities systems and facilities.
Operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignment as instructed.
Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
Maintains public facilities, shop and garage areas, storage sites, and other work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday.
Installs street barricades and cones and controls traffic around work sites and special events to ensure safe conditions for the general public and City workers.
Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
Maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Basic principles, practices, tools, and materials as they relate to the maintenance and repair of infrastructure, facilities, systems, and appurtenances similar to those in a municipal environment.
Basic mathematics.
Safe driving rules and practices.
Basic computer software related to work.
English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.
Water Utilities Worker II, in addition to the above:
Maintenance principles, practices, tools, and materials for maintaining and repairing potable water distribution main and lateral pipeline systems, including complex residential and commercial water meters, valve cans, meter boxes, and water distribution valves.
Traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and light to heavy power equipment.
Operational characteristics of specialized water utilities maintenance and repair equipment.
Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals.
Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to:
Perform basic construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work.
Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.
Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and light to heavy equipment required for the work.
Perform routine equipment maintenance.
Maintain accurate logs and basic written records of work performed.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Water Utilities Worker II, in addition to the above:
Perform construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work on potable water distribution main and lateral pipeline systems, including complex residential and commercial water meters, valve cans, meter boxes, and water distribution valves.
Perform water utilities maintenance and repair with accuracy, speed, and minimal supervision.
Operate specialized water utilities maintenance and repair equipment.
Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
Set up and operate traffic area construction zones, including cones, barricades, and flagging.
Locate underground utilities by use of blue prints and electronic locating equipment in accordance with Underground Service Alert (USA) regulations.
Read, interpret, and apply technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, blueprints, and schematics.
Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Water Maintenance Worker I and II: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
Water Maintenance Worker I: One (1) year of experience in construction, maintenance, and/or repair of water utilities and/or related facilities, systems, and appurtenances.
Water Maintenance Worker II: Two (2) years of experience in construction, maintenance, and/or repair of water utilities and/or related facilities, systems, and appurtenances, or one (1) year of experience equivalent to Water Maintenance Worker I at the City of Orange.
Licenses and Certifications:
Water Maintenance Worker I:
Water Maintenance Worker II:
Possess and maintain a valid California class A drivers license with the appropriate endorsements.
Possess and maintain a valid Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the SWRCB.
Supplemental Information
Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.
Environmental Elements:
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Working Conditions:
Will be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Disaster Service Worker:
All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be "Disaster Service Workers." In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.
City Mission, Vision, and Values:
Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the Citys Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties: The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community. The Citys values include Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.
BENEFITS FOR INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL 47
The City of Orange provides a generous array of benefits to employees in addition to maintaining competitive salaries. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees working from 20 to 35 hours.
The following is a partial list of benefits:
Salary Range. Salary Ranges are composed of six (6) steps, each approximately five percent (5%) apart. Advancements through the steps are generally made yearly and based on performance.
Retirement Benefits. Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), including the Citys contribution toward the Fourth Level Survivors Benefit.
Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired non-safety employees who are "New" CalPERS Members, as defined by the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at age 62 defined benefit plan with three year final compensation in accordance with Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). New Members shall contribute half of normal cost of retirement as determined by CalPERS from their pensionable compensation, on a pre-tax basis, as set forth in California Government Code Section 7522.30.
An employee who is a "Classic" Member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired by the City of Orange on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% @ 55 benefit formula with one year final compensation. Employees contribute 8.00% of pension reportable salary on a pre-tax basis for this retirement benefit.
Social Security & Medicare. Employees do not pay into Social Security, however, do contribute 1.45% of salary towards Medicare.
Cafeteria Benefits Plan. The City pays up to $2,095 per month (Family) which can be applied towards CalPERS medical, dental, vision, health care reimbursement, and/or dependent care reimbursement. Under certain criteria, employees may elect to opt out of the Citys medical plan altogether and receive $400 per month.
Life Insurance. The City provides a term life insurance policy of $50,000.
Vacation. Employees earn 80 hours of vacation during the first year of service, and an increasing accrual up to 200 hours per year after 24 years of service. The City also provides an annual unused vacation payout plan.
Holidays. The City observes 11 paid 9 hour holidays.
Sick Leave. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year. Employees are eligible to convert unused sick leave to vacation on an annual basis. A partial payment (up to 50%) for accumulated unused sick leave is available to City employees who retire from the City.
Other Benefits. Most employees work a "9/80" alternate work schedule with City Hall closures every other Friday. Long Term Disability, an Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement (up to $600/fiscal year), Trip Reduction Program incentives, optional Deferred Compensation programs and Credit Union membership are a few of the additional benefits provided and/or available to employees.
For more information, please click here for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 47 Memorandum of Understanding.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
A Medical Examination, Police Records Check, and thorough Background Investigation are required of all prospective employees.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), all job offers made by the City of Orange are contingent upon establishing proof of your legal right to work in the United States.
All benefitted employees shall be subject to a twelve (12) month probationary period as a condition of employment.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Orange.
The City of Orange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
01
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
02
Please indicate which type of drivers license you currently possess?
03
Do you understand and agree that possession and maintenance of a California Class A drivers license is required: Within one (1) year of hire for Water Maintenance Worker I OR At the time of hire for Water Maintenance Worker II
04
Do you understand and agree that possession of a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is required: Within one (1) year of hire for Water Maintenance Worker I OR At the time of hire for Water Maintenance Worker II
05
How many years of experience do you possess in construction, maintenance, and/or repair of water utilities, and/or related facilities, systems or appurtenances?
06
Briefly describe your experience in construction, maintenance, and/or repair of water utilities and/or related facilities, systems, and appurtenances. Please include the company/agency name and typical duties. This information should also be listed in the "Work Experience" section of your application.
07
Are you willing and able to work on-call, including various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed?
Required Question
Employer City of Orange
Address 300 E. Chapman Avenue
Orange, California, 92866
Phone (714) 744-7255