Utility Worker Trainee at City of Oceanside – Oceanside, California

The Utility Worker Trainee is the entry-level classification in the Utility Worker series. Prior experience with water utility systems, piping, or related equipment is desirable but can be substituted by a willingness to learn and excel in these divisions.



Wastewater Maintenance:
Utility Worker Trainees for this section perform a variety of routine maintenance and servicing operations for the City's wastewater collection system, which generally involves sewer lines, pumps and manholes.

• Water or reclaimed water distribution or wastewater collection systems and associated equipment.
• Equipment and tools used to maintain water or reclaimed water distribution or wastewater collection systems and associated equipment.
• Office policies, practices and procedures of the line maintenance section.
• Skill in the use of most equipment and tools used to maintain water or reclaimed water distribution or wastewater collection systems and associated equipment.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.

• Read and understand blueprints.
• Work outside in adverse weather conditions and high noise levels.
• Climb ladders.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Work effectively with others.
• Read and understand job related material.
• Perform work requiring moderate physical exertion.
• Use tools and equipment necessary to repair hydrants and water mains. (Water)
• Use tools and equipment necessary to clean and repair sewer mains. (Wastewater)
• Make common sense decisions.
• Work under close supervision.
• Work shifts, weekends and holidays as assigned.
• Read, understand and follow posted work rules and procedures; follow oral and written directions;
• Accept constructive criticism from supervisors.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Experience and Training

Experience: One year of work experience in any field demonstrating responsibility and ability to learn and acquire new skills. Underground utility installation, construction or mechanical trades experience is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade or GED equivalent

License/Certificate: (Depending on the area of assignment)

• Possession of an appropriate, valid California Class A or B (tanker endorsed) driver’s license within twelve (12) months from the date of hire.
• Possession of the Water Distribution Operator Grade I Certification issued by California Department of Public Health (CDPH) within eighteen (18) months from the date of hire OR Possession of the Collection System Maintenance Grade I Certification from the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) within eighteen (18) months from date of hire.

As a condition of employment (Depending on the area of assignment), the incumbent must obtain a valid California Class A or B (tanker endorsed) driver’s license within twelve (12) months from date of hire AND the Water Distribution Operator Grade 1 Certification issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) OR the Collection System Maintenance Grade I Certification from the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) within eighteen (18) months from the date of hire.

Internal candidates: Failing to obtain a valid California Class A or B (tanker endorsed) driver’s license within twelve (12) months from the date of hire AND the Water Distribution Operator Grade 1 Certification issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) OR the Collection System Maintenance Grade I Certification from the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) within eighteen (18) months from the date of hire will be reverted to their previous classification.

External candidates: Failing to obtain a valid California Class A or B (tanker endorsed) driver’s license within twelve (12) months from the date of hire AND the Water Distribution Operator Grade 1 Certification issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) OR the Collection System Maintenance Grade I Certification from the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) within eighteen (18) months from the date of hire will be terminated without right of appeal.