Water Production Operator I/II at Walnut Valley Water District (CA) – Walnut, California

Walnut Valley Water District is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the position of Water Production Operator I/II

The District
At Walnut Valley Water District, we believe in putting people first. We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance while striving for excellence in everything we do. Our vision statement, “Shared Values, Shared Results,” reflects our commitment to collaboration, integrity, and success. As a member of our team, you’ll not only be part of a dedicated workforce but also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth.

The Water Pump Operator I assist and participate in the operation and maintenance of the District's pumping, production, and storage facilities.

This role operates under the direct supervision of the Water Production Supervisor. This is the entry-level position in the Water Production Operator series. Incumbents work under close supervision, performing the more routine and repetitive work assignments, As incumbents develop job knowledge and skills, they may begin performing duties and responsibilities characteristic of a more advanced job. With a combination of education, higher levels of certification, sufficient experience, and an ability to work independently, an incumbent may be eligible for promotion to a higher-level position.

The Water Pump Operator II performs a variety of work in the operation and maintenance of the District's pumping, production, and storage facilities.

This role operates under the general supervision of the Water Production Supervisor. This is the experienced working level in the Water Production Operator series. Incumbents perform a variety of assignments with minimal guidance and supervision and have responsibility for safety, problem-solving, work methods, and training others.

Water Production Operator I

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operates, maintains, and repairs pump plants, storage facilities, regulating stations, and related telemetering equipment.
• Patrols and troubleshoots production and storage facilities to ensure proper operation and maintenance.
• Collects water samples, as required, from specified test sites throughout the District.
• Collects data on water production volumes, water levels, and system pressure.
• Operates pumps and related flow and pressure control and storage facilities manually or by using the SCADA system.
• Maintains production reports monitoring inflow and outflow, reservoir levels, telemetry data, etc.
• Repairs and maintains automatic pump control systems, including liquid level controls, automatic valves, check valves, globe valves, and gate valves.
• Inspects, services, and maintains oil and air filters, oil lines, drippers, and gauges.
• Performs a variety of preventive maintenance on pump engines and equipment.
• Adjusts reservoirs to ensure adequate supplies of domestic water.
• Checks pump operations, making adjustments as necessary.
• Maintains automatic control equipment and water level equipment for reservoirs.
• Inspects contractor's work on District pumping equipment.
• Measures water and pumping levels.
• Investigates water quality problems in the distribution system.
• Performs "on-call" and stand-by emergency response duties for after hours distribution system operational emergencies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Water Production Operator II

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operates, maintains, and repairs pump plants, storage facilities, regulating stations, and related telemetering equipment.

• Makes decisions to maintain and/or adjust system flow and pressure requirements, control flows to meet consumer demands including fire flow demands and minimum pressure requirements.
• Makes decisions regarding the draining, cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance of distribution reservoirs and production facilities.
• Maintains regular records and logs of inflow, outflow, reservoir levels, telemetry data, etc.
• Collects water samples, as required, from specified test sites throughout the District.
• Patrols and troubleshoots production and storage facilities to ensure proper operation and maintenance.
• Collects data on water production volumes, water levels, and system pressure.
• Maintains automatic control equipment and water level equipment for reservoirs.
• Operates pumps and related flow and pressure control and storage facilities manually or by using the SCADA system.
• Repairs and maintains automatic pump control systems, including liquid level controls, automatic valves, check valves, globe valves, and gate valves.
• Inspects, services, and maintains oil and air filters, oil lines, drippers, and gauges.
• Performs a variety of preventive maintenance on pump engines and equipment.
• Adjusts runners and reservoirs to ensure adequate supplies of domestic water.
• Checks pump operations, making adjustments as necessary.
• Inspects contractor's work on District pumping equipment.
• Measures water and pumping levels.
• Investigates water quality problems in the distribution system.
• Performs "on-call" and stand-by emergency response duties for after-hours distribution system operational emergencies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Typical Physical Activities

• Operates District vehicles to travel between job sites.
• Must be able to carry, push, pull, reach, and lift equipment and parts weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Stoops, kneels, crouches, crawls, and climbs during pump maintenance and repair work.
• Works in an environment with exposure to dust, dirt, mud, and significant temperature changes between cold and heat.
• Occasionally walks on uneven terrain in an outdoor environment.
• Communicates orally with District management, co-workers, and the general public in face-to-face, one-on-one settings.
• Uses a two-way radio for communication.
• Work involves exposure to cleaning solutions and chemicals.
• Stands for extended time periods.
• Must have hearing, vision, and eye-hand coordination sufficient to operate equipment and to maintain good awareness during maintenance and repair jobs.

Employment Standards Knowledge of:

• Procedures, methods, tools, and equipment used in the operation of motors, pumps, compressors, electrical panels, automatic controls, valves, timers, and related equipment.
• Mathematical principles related to the computation of flows and volumes in water storage and distribution systems.
• Chlorinators and domestic water sampling techniques.
• Proper work safety standards.

Ability to:

• Inspect and diagnose operating problems on pumps, electric motors, engines, valves, automatic control systems, and related equipment.
• Disassemble pump systems, perform repairs, and reassemble repaired systems.
• Read and interpret pump and reservoir charts and gauges.
• Collect water samples.
• Learn to operate a computer for use in the SCADA system.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records and reports.
• Issue, receive, and comprehend oral and written communications.
• Communicate diplomatically and knowledgeably with District employees and other agencies.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Perform arithmetical calculations.
• Safely operate motor vehicles.

WATER PRODUCTION OPERATOR I

Desirable Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience which would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:
High school graduation or equivalent.

Experience:
1 – 2 years’ experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution facilities.

Certification

• State of California SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 Certificate required.
• State of California SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade T1 Certificate required.
• American Water Works Association Water Quality Analyst Grade 1 Certificate desirable.
• State of California SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade T2 Certificate desirable.

WATER PRODUCTION OPERATOR II

Desirable Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience which would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/ Training:
High school graduation or equivalent, supplemented by related college level course work.

Experience:
Three (3) years' experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water production and storage facilities, including gas engines, electric motors, pressure regulating valves, and related telemetering and electronic control systems.

Certification

• State of California SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 Certificate required.
• State of California SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade T1 Certificate required.
• State of California SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade T2 Certificate desirable
• American Water Works Association Water Quality Analyst Grade 1 Certificate desirable.

Special Requirements

• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical, including a pulmonary function test.

• Must pass periodic medical re-evaluations determining fitness for respirator use and be clean shaven when wearing a respirator.

• Valid California Driver's License - Class "C". Must maintain an acceptable driving record as determined by the District's insurance carrier.

• Reliable telephone in service at all times.

• Reliable personal transportation.

• Must reside within a 30-minute response time to the District (under normal driving conditions) by the end of the probationary period.

Overtime Assignments

The purveyance of water is a vital service to the community and as such requires the availability of District personnel at all times. Consequently, Production employees, including the Water Production Operator I/II, will be required to respond to emergency calls, accept periodic overtime assignments, and perform any and all other duties deemed necessary by the District. Lacking a bona fide excuse satisfactory to the District, a failure to report when called could result in termination.

Fair Labor Standards Act

For the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Water Production Operator I/II shall be considered a General Employee Unit, “non-exempt” position.