DEFINITION
Under direction of Operations Supervisor and/or Chief Operations Officer, the Principal Water Systems Operator leads and participates in performing a variety of skilled tasks in the operation and maintenance of District facilities, including water diversion, groundwater recharge ponds, surface water screening, and dam facilities; operating and maintaining vehicles and construction equipment. Additionally, the Principal Water Systems Operator performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Principal Water Systems Operator will carry out projects and daily tasks as specified by the Operations Supervisor – Distribution and serves as the lead-worker in the series. This single-position class is distinguished from the Senior Water Systems Operator in that the Principal, in the absence of the Operations Supervisor, will be responsible for daily operations of the District’s facilities. The primary focus of the position will be centered around providing oversight of the Saticoy facility, for assigning and reviewing work, and setting work priorities.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each assigned individual in the position does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.
- Leads and coordinates the daily work of water system operations staff, either independently or in consultation with the Operations Supervisor; assists in assigning and reviewing work, setting priorities, and ensuring staffing and resources are aligned to meet District operational objectives. Provides technical guidance, supports employee training, reinforces safe work practices, and communicates relevant work performance observations to the Operations Supervisor as needed.
- Develops and implements operational procedures and work standards; serves as a technical resource for operations staff; and monitors contractor and vendor performance to ensure compliance with District requirements and project specifications.
- Ensures safety standards on projects are a top priority and works with the Districts Operations Supervisor, Chief Operations Office, and Risk and Safety Manager to keep abreast of all best practices to ensure safety on work projects is always prioritized.
- Maintains records necessary to support regulatory compliance, including permits, certifications, and employee training requirements. Represents the District in interactions with regulatory agencies during inspections, audits, permit reviews, and other compliance-related activities. Keeps abreast of regulatory and environmental requirements related to projects and works with appropriate Environmental Services staff as appropriate.
- Assists in the annual budget process by estimating the cost of operating and maintaining the Saticoy facility.
- Operates, inspects, and maintains District vehicles, heavy equipment, and mechanical systems essential to water supply, conveyance, and recharge operations. Has knowledge of and operates equipment (e.g. tractors, loaders, graders, scrapers, excavators, bulldozers, cranes, man-lifts, backhoes, and forklifts), as well as machinery such as pumps, motors, generators, and compressors.
- Performs preventive maintenance and equipment servicing, including lubrication, fluid replacement, inspections, minor repairs to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of District facilities and assets.
- Performs a variety of skilled general construction work, including carpentry, painting, plumbing, welding, electrical, concrete, and masonry; participates in District construction projects; performs landscaping duties such as weed abatement, tree trimming, and spraying of herbicide; operates and maintains tools such as drills and chainsaws.
- Monitors and operates water system facilities and equipment; collects operational and water quality data; adjusts system controls to regulate flows, releases, elevations, and other operating conditions; maintains operational records; and utilizes SCADA systems to monitor, evaluate, and optimize facility performance.
- Completes and maintains required safety training and certifications, such as (e.g. confined space entry, Incident Command System (ICS), and other programs necessary to support safe, compliant, and effective District operations and emergency response activities.
- General maintenance experience and knowledge of welding and fabrication practices.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Employees in this classification must be able to participate in rotating shift operator duty, which entails being on call for one calendar week at a time. While acting as shift operator, the employee must be available to respond to plant or system emergencies 24 hours per day, with a 30-minute maximum response time.
Separate from shift operator duty, employees in this classification may be called upon to respond to other District emergencies, including chemical releases or events caused by extreme weather conditions or natural disasters.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
- Methods, materials, and tools used to maintain mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems;
- Methods, materials, and tools used in general construction, including plumbing, carpentry, electrical, concrete, and other trades;
- Methods, materials, and tools used in the repair and maintenance of vehicles and heavy equipment;
- Operating characteristics of pumps, motors, valves, tools, and equipment used in District facilities;
- Operating a SCADA system to monitor conditions at District facilities and help develop operational strategies during emergencies or extreme weather conditions;
- Safety practices related to chemicals, tool usage, vehicle and equipment operation, and general field operations;
- Demonstrated computer knowledge and capabilities.
- Mathematics sufficient to ensure effective performance of maintenance and recordkeeping tasks;
- Standard written English sufficient to read and understand written instructions and procedures, prepare routine reports, document incidents, and manage record keeping of a variety of documents.
Ability to:
- Support the Operations Supervisor in coordinating staff training, communicating performance-related observations, and carrying out established processes as directed;
- Plan, organize, assign, and prioritize work of self and others;
- Assist the Operations Supervisor in communicating priorities, rules, practices, procedures, technical information, and work performance feedback to staff and the Operations Supervisor for training and supervisory support purposes;
- Promote a positive and productive work environment;
- Estimate time and materials needed to complete a repair or construction job;
- Safely and skillfully operate heavy equipment such as tractors, loaders, graders, scrapers, excavators, bulldozers, cranes, man-lifts, backhoes, forklifts, and other equipment used in water utility construction, maintenance, and operations.
- Collect data, analyze problems with facilities and equipment, and select an appropriate course of action;
- Follow written and verbal instructions;
- Read meters, valves, and gauges to collect needed information;
- Read and interpret drawings and diagrams;
- Use hand and power tools;
- Operate vehicles and equipment;
- Maintain complete and accurate records;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, colleagues, customers, consultants, contractors, vendors, and regulators;
- Work independently and make sound decisions;
- Follow safety rules, practices, and procedures in all aspects of work.
- Use computers, tablets, radios, and mobile devices to enter data, complete work orders and inspections, access operational information, communicate through email, and use standard business software.
Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION
Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Completion of college-level course work in water science, or vocational education or training in construction technology, automotive/equipment repair, or related field, is highly desired.
EXPERIENCE
At least four years of experience in general construction, including plumbing, and operation and maintenance of equipment such as tractors, loaders, graders, scrapers, excavators, bulldozers, cranes, man-lifts, backhoes, and forklifts is highly desired. At least one year of the required minimum four years should have been in the operation and maintenance of a water production facility or at least one year of experience performing duties equivalent to Senior Water System Operator for the District.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES
- Possession of a valid California Class A Driver’s License is required upon hire. Tanker endorsement is highly desired.
- Possession of a valid T2 certificate as a Water Treatment Operator and a valid D2 certificate as a Water Distribution Operator issued by the California Department of Health Services is highly desired.
- Experience operating a variety of heavy equipment typically used in water utility, construction, or public works operations such as tractors, loaders, graders, scrapers, excavators, bulldozers, cranes, backhoes, and similar equipment is preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Mobility: Job tasks are varied and require standing, walking, sitting, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling and crouching.
- Lifting: occasional lifting up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds.
- Vision: constant use of overall vision, including near vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
- Dexterity: occasional grasping, fine manipulation, reaching, pushing and pulling; occasional use of touch to distinguish or identify objects.
- Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.
- Emotional/Psychological: frequent contact with coworkers and others; depending on assignment, may also frequently work alone.
- Environmental: exposure to moderate noise levels but hearing protection must be worn in certain areas. Frequent exposure to chemicals; occasionally uses smell to distinguish or identify objects.
The employee must be able to wear and use a self-contained breathing apparatus and a Class A Hazardous Materials suit.
Pay: $97,436.00 - $118,464.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
