Lead Water Operator- Construction & Lead Water Operator - Operations & Maintenance

Lead Water Operator

• Construction & Lead Water Operator
• Operations & Maintenance City of Santa Maria
• 3.9 Santa Maria, CA Job Details Full-time $6,489.84
• $7,888.

46 a month 1 day ago Qualifications Customer communication

Driver's License Full Job Description JOB Application Deadline:

Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. This recruitment is to fill two vacancies Individuals who hold a Grade 3 or greater certificate in Water Treatment or Water Distribution and a valid Class A or B driver's license are highly encouraged to apply for this leadership opportunity.

SUMMARY/IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS

Under general direction of assigned supervisor, plans, schedules, assigns, and performs work associated with the City's potable water supply, including operation, construction, repair, and maintenance of the water distribution and production systems. Acts as lead worker for other employees or special projects. The Lead Water Operator position is a Front-Line Supervisor role that provides the necessary tools and resources for the crew to effectively operate the water distribution and production system. Their role enables the city to provide the community's most essential and basic water service in the most efficient, cost-effective and courteous manner possible.

IMPORTANT A

minimum qualification for this recruitment requires incumbents to possess a valid Grade 3 certificate in Water Treatment or Water Distribution from the State Water Resources Control Board Drinking Water Operator Certification Program, based on area of assignment. A condition of employment is to obtain a Class A driver's license with tanker endorsement within 12 months of hire. This position requires individuals to enroll in the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Program.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate is an experienced drinking water distribution operator with a strong operational background and advanced technical knowledge in the inspection, operation, maintenance, and repair of municipal water distribution pipelines and metering systems. The City is recruiting for two Lead Water Operator positions: one to lead Construction teams and one to lead Operations and Maintenance teams. The leads will report to the Water Supervisor. Lead Water Operators serve as steady, hands-on leaders who organize crew activities, ensure safe work practices, and respond effectively to urgent repairs. They communicate professionally and clearly with staff, contractors, and the public, delivering high-quality, timely work that supports the City's water system. As lead workers, they support training, coordinate field activities, promote and model safety and accountability, and provide dependable, customer-centered service. Their blend of technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills ensures efficient and reliable system operations and staff. While each Lead Operator will have a defined specialty, the City ideally seeks candidates with overlapping operational skills who can support and back-up one another, ensuring seamless continuity of water system operations. Construction The ideal Construction Lead is a seasoned water distribution professional with strong expertise in valve replacements, service lateral renewals, and main break repairs. They are skilled in operating heavy equipment and directing its use and bring advanced knowledge of pipeline construction, repair methods, and testing procedures, including pressure testing, leakage testing, and Bac-T sampling. They consistently produce accurate work records and effectively interpret system maps and plans to guide efficient field operations. Operations & Maintenance The ideal Operations & Maintenance Lead is a technically proficient and customer-focused operator with strong experience in AMI systems, meter replacements, meter troubleshooting, valve exercising, and day-to-day distribution system operations. They are skilled in using meter-reading software, radio communication systems, Sensus applications, and GIS reporting tools and can quickly diagnose and resolve complex metering and communication issues. They maintain accurate documentation, apply advanced preventative maintenance practices, and communicate professionally and clearly with both customers and team members.

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS

Up-to-date application A cover letter which explains how your education and experience align with the Ideal Candidate Statement.

Full Job Description:

Lead Wastewater Operator

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization.

This position:

Plans, schedules, assigns, and performs work associated with the operation, construction, repair, drainage, and maintenance of the water distribution and production systems, and suggests new methods or procedures. Assists with daily planning, assigning, monitoring, and operation of the water production and distribution operations, including storage, treatment, transmission, and distribution facilities. Trains and instructs new employees in safe practices and conducts safety meetings as needed; provides direct and indirect supervision over water operations and assists with employee performance evaluations. Inspects assigned facilities and makes evaluations of work performed by other operators and performance of equipment. Conducts inspections, makes adjustments, reviews records and information for water supply and distribution control, water quality, blending-plant equipment, basic laboratory instruments, etc. Prepares cost estimates and assists in development of equipment specifications. Responds to emergencies on an on-call basis 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director. Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned. Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Front-line Supervisor:

Incumbents should have a solid foundation of Individual Contributor Core Competencies identified by the organization, as well as the following core competencies identified as essential for Front-line Supervisor (click the hyper link to see the full definition

Front Line Supervisor Core Competencies:

Assertiveness

• Effective performers are self-confident, readily offer options and take action, and challenge others when appropriate. They trust their judgment. Conflict Management
• Effective performers recognize that conflict can be a valuable part of the decision-making process. They support and manage differences of opinion and use consensus and collaboration to resolve issues. High Standards
• Effective performers model professional standards, pay attention to detail, continually seek to improve processes, hold staff accountable, and find best practices. Informal Communication
• Effective performers clearly and articulately convey information to others. They accurately interpret and understand nonverbal cues. Positive Impact
• Effective performers make positive impressions on those around them. They are personable, self-confident, optimistic, enthusiastic, and generally likable. Delegation
• Effective performers willingly entrust work to others, provide clear guidelines, provide challenging assignments, and empower others. Active Listening
• Effective performers offer their full attention when others speak, actively listen, and demonstrate verbal and nonverbal listening cues to ensure understanding. Team Management
• Effective performers select and build effective work groups, understand the human dynamics of team foundation, and create and maintain functional teams. They formulate team roles, provide guidance, and reward team behavior. Influence
• Effective performers are skilled at directing, persuading, and motivating others.

They establish a personal power base built on mutual trust, fairness, and honesty, and flex their style to direct, collaborate, or empower others.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business. Under the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Program, successfully complete a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and submit to random drug and/or alcohol testing throughout employment with the City. Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City. The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

May require completion of a pre-employment physical to the satisfaction of the City. Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

APPLICATION RANKING

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for this recruitment will be certified to an eligibility list. Your online application materials will be thoroughly evaluated and scored to determine your rank on this list. The Hiring Department will then select and interview those candidates from the eligibility list whose qualifications most closely align with the Department's specific needs. If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at 1-855-524-5627 .