Water System Operator I/II/Senior (20695662)

The work assignments can vary from field maintenance to the office environment. Incumbents are encouraged to use various software programs and applications for field verification, audits and reports. Our service area is “right sized” for a wide range of field activities. Ideal candidates will be exposed to small maintenance and customer service tasks to complex system improvements and repairs. Water System Operators will be exposed to GIS use and training in addition to regulatory structure and reporting. You will find a supportive atmosphere that will assist in reaching common goals in water distribution and service. Upward mobility is encouraged through training and education and recognizing the individual’s strengths and experience.

Water System Operator I

This is the entry-level class in the Water System Operator classification series. This class is responsible for providing support for assigned water operations and programs. 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. 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. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.

Water System Operator II

This is the journey-level class in the Water System Operator classification series responsible for performing the full range of technical 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 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 Senior Water System Operator in that the latter is responsible for technical and functional supervision of lower-level maintenance staff and for performing the most complex duties assigned to the series.

Senior Water System Operator

This is the advanced journey-level in the water system operator classification series that performs the most complex duties required to ensure that City infrastructure, systems, and facilities 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. Incumbents regularly work on tasks that are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment. Positions in this classification rely on experience and judgment to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the assigned section. The work involves problem-solving of unique issues or increasingly complex problems without precedent and/or structure. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver work products. This class is distinguished from the chief water operator in that the latter is the full supervisory-level class in the series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of assigned staff involved in water quality and operations.

A job description, including examples of typical job functions and qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities, is available by clicking on the Job Description link.

Job Description URL:

https://menlopark.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/administrative-services/documents/human-resources/job-classifications/seiu/water-system-operator-i-ii_1.pdf

Job PDF:

https://www.calopps.org/sites/default/files/Water%20System%20Operator%20I.II_.pdf

Additional Job PDF:

https://www.calopps.org/sites/default/files/job_pdf/Senior%20Water%20System%20Operator.pdf

Ideal Candidate

Minimum Qualifications

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 System Operator I

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
• One (1) year of experience in construction, maintenance, and/or repair of water utilities and/or related facilities, systems and appurtenances, including the use of hand and power tools.

Water System Operator II

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible 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 Systems Operator I at the City Menlo Park.

Senior Water System Operator

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
• Four (4) years of experience in the installation, construction, and maintenance of water distribution system pipelines, valves, and appurtenances and/or water production and plant operations, or at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to that of Water System Operator II at the City of Menlo Park.

Licenses and Certifications

Water System Operator I

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license by time of appointment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within one (1) year of employment.

Water System Operator II

• Possession of a valid California Class B driver’s license with the appropriate endorsements may be required.
• Possession of a valid Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the SWCRB.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Backflow Device Tester Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or an equivalent association.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the SWRCB may be required if treating water

Senior Water System Operator

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license by time of appointment.
• Possession of a valid California Class B driver's license with the appropriate endorsements may be required.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within one (1) year of employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Backflow Device Tester Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the SWRCB may be required if treating water.

Physical Demands

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 80 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

Benefits

Salary:

Water System Operator I: $71,888 to $87,381 Annually
Water System Operator II: $79,875 to $97,089 Annually
Senior Water System Operator: $87,862 to $106,799 Annually

The City offers an excellent benefit package consisting of:

• Health Insurance: City contribution up to $3,039 per month towards a Cafeteria Plan which can be used to purchase medical insurance and participate in a flexible spending account for health care and/or child care reimbursement
• Dental: City-paid coverage for employee and dependents
• Vision: City-paid coverage for employee and dependents
• Vacation: 88 - 176 hours of vacation leave accrual each year, depending on length of service
• Sick Leave: 96 hours of sick leave accrued each year
• Holidays: 11 official holidays; 34 hours of floating holiday time per year; 8 “Day of Reflection” hours per year in recognition of holidays of individual and community importance
• Retirement: CalPERS: For classic members 2.0% @ 60 formula. For all others, 2.0% @ 62 formula
• Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in City Plans.
• Life Insurance: City-paid policy equal to 1.5 times regular annual wage
• Long Term Disability: City-paid coverage
• Educational leave and tuition reimbursement
• A City-paid Caltrain GoPass. The Menlo Park campus is centrally located within walking distance from Caltrain and downtown Menlo Park.
• A City-paid BayPass. This pilot program offers employees unlimited travel for both work and personal trips on 25 Bay Area transit agencies that use the Clipper card.
• A transportation allowance program provides employees with $1.50 per day when they walk, bicycle or carpool to work at least once per week.
• Employees are provided with access to an on-site gym at no cost

For additional benefit information, visit
www.menlopark.gov
and review the City of Menlo Park and SEIU Memorandum of Understanding.

Special Instructions

IMPORTANT: Please be sure to fill out the required City application completely, including all relevant work experience. Applications with “See Resume” as a substitution for the work experience description and/or unclear past employment information will not be considered.

Applications will be screened according to the qualifications outlined in this announcement. If 25 or fewer qualified applications are received, the eligibility list will be established based on application review. If 26 or more qualified applications are received, candidates will be invited to participate in a Oral Board Panel Examination tentatively scheduled for the week of February 9, 2026. All applicants will be notified by email as to whether or not they are invited to participate further in the selection process.

An Eligible List will be established as a result of this examination process and will be valid for a period of six (6) months. The list may be extended up to a maximum of two (2) years. The hiring department will review the Eligible List to determine which candidates will be invited to the department selection process.

The City of Menlo Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Menlo Park not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees. We will make reasonable efforts in the selection process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please contact Human Resources at (650) 330-6670 or
jobs@menlopark.gov
prior to the closing date for accommodation requests.

Before receiving an offer of employment, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a reference check, criminal conviction history questionnaire, OccuScreen background, DOJ fingerprinting, and a physical examination.

Applicants must be successful in all phases of the selection process to be considered for this position.

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all potential employees are required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States. The City will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Closing Date/Time: 1/28/2026 at 11:59pm

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• City of Menlo Park

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