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Water Distribution System Operator (SBP)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Join the City of San Luis Obispo as a Water Distribution System Operator (SBP) and help operate, maintain, and protect the backbone of our community’s water service.

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, so please hold that date.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:
The successful Water Distribution System Operator will demonstrate strong technical and mechanical aptitude, effective problem-solving, and the ability to operate and maintain water distribution systems safely and efficiently. They communicate clearly, work well independently and collaboratively, and adapt quickly to new procedures and technologies. The role requires meeting the physical requirements of the job, learning required certifications and processes, and consistently upholding professional standards and public trust in the City’s water services.

If you are interested in learning more about the role and what day-to-day duties may include, please contact Jeff Cannon at jcannon@slocity.org

Due to operational and emergency response requirements, this position participates in a mandatory standby/callout rotation. Employees must reside within 40 miles of San Luis Obispo by the start of employment and maintain that residency requirement throughout employment.

JOB SUMMARY:
Performs a variety of skilled work associated with general oversight, construction, maintenance, and emergency repair of a California State Water Resources Control Board-designated D4 water distribution system. Employees in this classification perform a wide variety of operations and maintenance tasks from the semi-skilled and skilled level to journey level.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
This position is part of the "Skills Based Pay" (SBP) program. Employees in this position shall have the opportunity to advance within the range. Advancement shall be based on attainment and continued demonstrated performance of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, and/or required certifications, and the approval of the department head. This job classification includes responsibility for the performance of the full range of the classification's tasks and duties, ultimately performing at a journey level of classification.

SUPERVISION

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Employees in this classification receive limited supervision from the Water Distribution Supervisor within a framework of standard policies and procedures. Incumbents in this classification work independently while on mandatory standby/callout.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

Participates in all aspects and functions of construction, maintenance and emergency repair of water distribution system: maintains and repairs pump stations; installs, maintains and repairs water mains, pressure regulators, service lines, fire hydrants and valves.
Plans, directs, monitors, reports and completes work related to the City's water distribution system.
Responds to water related emergencies such as service leaks and main breaks; assesses situation, determines proper action, makes process control decisions, performs necessary repair work to resolve problems or requests appropriate equipment/workers needed to resolve problems.
Operates and maintains a variety of automotive and specialized equipment including backhoe, tractor, vacuum excavator, compressor, hydraulic valve operator, loader, dump trucks, pumps and other various hydraulic systems.
Complies with all conditions of the City's "Low Threat Discharge Permit" issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board which includes water quality sampling and analysis.
Reviews, investigates and comments on engineering plans and specifications.
Observes system flow and regulates system pressure requirements; inspects and reports system conditions and makes recommendations.
Coordinates with inspectors, engineering and contractors on public and private water projects within the public right of way.
Conducts, coordinates, and oversees new construction water line chlorination, flushing and bacteriological sampling.
Interprets and makes required replacement/adjustments of specialized equipment and instruments such as pressure transducers, recorders, gauges, meters, charts and dials.
Excavates City streets and easements.
Locates and properly marks underground water system assets per USA rules and regulations.
Maintain computerized and manual records related to service and repair work performed; tracks, reports, interpret information and adjust maintenance schedules, follow-up on required maintenance and repair and maintains program documentation.
Operate power and hand tools such as tamper, jackhammer, electric tools, tapping machines, welders, plasma cutter and other tools as required.
Schedules and performs routine periodic maintenance and emergency repair of pressure regulating valves.
Operates automotive and specialized equipment.
Operate, maintain and troubleshoot computerized telemetry systems for monitoring water pump stations, storage facilities and pressure regulators.
Participate in the mandatory standby/callout rotation that provides 24-hour coverage of all water distribution components and facilities.
Reads and installs water meters.
Responds to customer complaints, water quality inquiries, and water pressure concerns.
Delineates traffic and work areas following established guidelines.
Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

Methods, tools, equipment and procedures related to water distribution systems.
Operation, maintenance and emergency repair of pumps, motors, pressure regulators, storage facilities, pressure zones and their interrelationships.
Mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles.
Telemetry systems.
Standard Methods for bacteriological sampling and testing.
Safety procedures, rules and regulations related to public works construction, maintenance projects and emergency repair including working in trenches and potentially hazardous conditions.
State and Federal reporting standards and regulations related to discharges of potable water into storm drains (NPDES), cross-connection control, and disinfection and sewer separation.
Utilization of a variety of computerized programs, i.e. maintenance programs, word processing and spreadsheets.
State Traffic Control Manual and Regulations.
Emergency response procedures.

Ability to:

Safely and effectively perform semi-skilled and skilled construction, maintenance emergency repair work related to the water distribution system and related components and equipment.
Job incumbents will be required to obtain increasing levels of Water Operator Certification from the State Division of Drinking Water progressing to an advanced journey level (D3 certification) of classification as specified below.
Safely and effectively operate automotive and specialized equipment utilized in the maintenance and operation of water distribution systems.
Recognize unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions.
Interpret water distribution system diagrams and mapping.
Maintain manual and computerized records and report/interpret data information.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions in an independent manner.
Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties including heavy manual labor in adverse conditions over long periods of time.
Establish and maintain effective work relationships within a team oriented operation.
Manage or lead an assigned project
Interpret and make judgment on the application of engineering standards and specifications
Train others in the proper methods of water distribution system construction, maintenance and emergency repair.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Minimum entry level requirements are a high school graduation or G.E.D., mechanical aptitude, and demonstrated interest in advancement in a challenging, technical field.
Higher initial placement in the salary band is negotiable with higher levels of education and/or experience.
Highly desirable traits include:

Current SWRCB Water Distribution Operator certification.
Related college education such as water system hydraulics, mechanical technology, chemistry, etc.
Specialized training related to the water distribution field.
Work experience in the water distribution field at a water system performing actual work in operation and maintenance of underground pipelines and repair of pumps, motors, pressure regulating facilities and related equipment.
Operator experience as a certified distribution operator at a D3 or higher water system.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
A valid California Class "A" driver's license or ability to obtain within 6 months.
A State Water Resources Control Board Operator Distribution Certification Grade I or higher is highly desirable.
A State Water Resources Control Board Operator Treatment Certification Grade I or higher is highly desirable.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Wear negative pressure breathing apparatus and other safety equipment as required and comply with City's facial hair requirements for the use of respiratory equipment.
Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties, including annual respiratory/physical exam.
Work in potentially hazardous working conditions such as heavy traffic areas, trenches, and other confined spaces.
Perform standby/callout.
Ability to lift and operate 100 pound jackhammer and other related equipment.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

Pre-employment Physical
Pre-employment DOT Drug Screening
Livescan Fingerprinting (DOJ)

Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice

The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.

La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.

For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.

For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our Benefits Summary.

Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.

Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.

Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.

Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.

Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.

Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.

Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.

Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.

Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.

Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.

Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.

Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.

Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.

Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.

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