Join a team that keeps our community’s most essential resource flowing! We’re looking for a driven professional to take on a key role in water resources planning and special projects. In this position, you’ll help shape the City’s water future by conducting important studies, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and preparing complex technical and regulatory reports. If you’re passionate about protecting and planning for our water systems, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.
Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:
3% COLA effective 7/1/2026
2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree
5% Education Incentive - Master's Degree
Application Process
Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the words "SEE RESUME."
Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.
Tentative Testing Schedule
In-person Written Exam
Week of July 20, 2026
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate’s experience.
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
Keep current on legal, regulatory, and technical requirements related to the City’s utilities operations; communicate information to management and operations personnel; ensure the City meets regulatory requirements for domestic water systems.
Support assigned division’s compliance of regulatory permits; oversee the development and submission of required reports for state and federal regulatory agencies associated with permits and programs. Serve as liaison to regulatory agencies.
Perform technical research and prepare reports regarding water quality, utilities operations, and related technical issues including those required by regulatory agencies.
Research, document, and report any deviations or violations of regulations and the corrective actions.
Conduct a variety of studies and assessments related to water supply and water quality; analyze data and make sound recommendations for management review.
Analyze and assess utility operations and assigned functions to identify opportunities for improvement; recommended and support the implementation of enhancements and alternative solutions; assist in the preparation of reports detailing operational performance and activities.
Coordinate between City departments, divisions, outside agencies, and consultants on special water quality studies by developing, gathering, reviewing, or obtaining data for assessment of current and future infrastructure needs and/or compliance with environmental requirements and regulations.
Serve as database administrator for operations information management systems; troubleshoot issues with IT, department staff, and/or program developer and ensure the integrity of data.
Develop and provide training to staff on water sampling, water treatment and distribution operations and emergency operations programs.
Provide guidance to utilities operations on water quality activities, including the protection of water sources, optimization of treatment processes and distribution system practices.
Review legislation with potential impact on operations; prepare comments in response to proposed legislation and regulations.
Serve as an expert witness on issues pertaining to water quality and operations, as necessary.
Respond to inquiries and provide accurate information to utilities customers as well as representatives from federal, state, local and public agencies; investigate and resolve complaints by identifying issues and recommending appropriate corrective actions.
Participate in negotiations, discussions and/or audits with regional, state, and/or federal regulatory agencies that issue environmental permits for City utility operations.
May participate in the selection of staff, review and recommend staff training, conduct performance evaluations, work with employees to correct deficiencies, and implement discipline procedures, as assigned.
Assist with special projects as assigned.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
Pertinent federal, state, and local rules, regulations, and laws including water related regulations.
Principles of water quality, water treatment, and distribution operations.
Safety management practices.
Techniques for training staff.
Physical, chemical, microbiological, and bacteriological analysis of water.
Technical report writing and technical research techniques.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Analyze and apply technical information related to water quality and water treatment and distribution operations and develop procedures that meet legal requirements.
Analyze legislation and identify impact on City operations.
Maintain filing systems.
Research, analyze and make recommendations on operational and procedural practices.
Prepare and review comprehensive analyses and reports; make effective presentations including conclusions and recommendations, both orally and in writing.
Read, understand, apply, and communicate complex materials.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
Any combination of training, experience, and education which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge and abilities stated above, and the ability to perform the duties of this position. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years of increasingly responsible experience in a utility performing research and analysis that involved making recommendations on related utilities operations.
Training:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related field.
License or Certificate:
When assigned to Water:
Possession of Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade I and Water Distribution Grade I certificates from the California State Water Resources Control Board are desirable.
When assigned to Wastewater:
Environmental Compliance Inspector I from the California Water Environment Association is desirable.
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.
