Water Supply Lead Operator

Under limited to general supervision, the Water Supply Lead Operator is an advanced journey-level classification responsible for providing technical leadership and daily coordination of field staff engaged in the operation, inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting of potable water production, storage, treatment, Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR), and recycled water systems. The position performs complex operational duties with significant independence while leading crews, assigning and directing daily work, and providing technical guidance, training, and field supervision. The Lead monitors, adjusts, and optimizes system performance and serves as a key resource for resolving operational issues and ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations. Recycled water activities are coordinated in consultation with the Water Resources Supervisor. This classification is distinguished from the Senior Water Supply Operator, which focuses primarily on independent fieldwork, and from the Senior Lead Water Supply Operator, which coordinates multiple crews and oversees more complex system operations. Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following: Lead field crews in the operation, inspection, and maintenance of water supply infrastructure, including wells, pumping stations, reservoirs, pressure vessels, treatment systems, and chemical feed systems. Plan, assign, and coordinate daily work activities to ensure safe, timely, and efficient completion of operational tasks. Provide technical direction, training, and mentorship to water supply personnel on work practices, equipment operation, and safety procedures. Monitor and optimize system performance using SCADA; adjust pump schedules, reservoir levels, and pressure zones to meet system demand. Oversee operation and maintenance of recycled water pumping and distribution facilities in coordination with the Water Resources Supervisor on regulatory and program matters. Participate in the operation and optimization of Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) facilities, including recharge and recovery cycles. Collect water samples, perform field tests, and ensure compliance with potable and recycled water quality standards. Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, and control system issues and recommend corrective actions. Respond to customer inquiries regarding water quality, flow, and pressure; coordinate field investigations and corrective actions as needed. Review engineering drawings, system maps, and operational data to support maintenance planning, troubleshooting, and system improvements. Maintain and review operational logs, flow records, chemical usage data, and water quality results. Requisition of parts, tools, and materials; maintain inventory and ensure field readiness of equipment and vehicles. Support emergency response operations, including on-call duty, and provide field leadership during system incidents or outages. Perform field construction, maintenance, and repair work as needed, including welding, pipefitting, concrete work, and valve maintenance. Safely operate City vehicles and equipment. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED equivalent and three (3) years of experience in water supply or distribution maintenance and/or water quality or recycled water operations in a public or private utility. License(s)/

Certifications:

Must possess a valid California Class "C" driver's license upon hire and maintain it throughout employment with the City of Victorville. Must obtain an airport access badge with airfield-driving privileges and Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA) security clearance within 90 days of appointment. May be required to obtain a California Class "A" driver's license with Hazardous Materials endorsement. Must possess a California State Water Resources Control Board Treatment Operator Grade II certificate. Must possess a California State Water Resources Control Board Distribution Operator Grade III certificate.

Knowledge Of:

Advanced water distribution and treatment systems, including pumps, motors, compressors, reservoirs, treatment systems, and chemical feed systems. Preventive maintenance procedures for mechanical and chemical dosing equipment. Advanced operation and maintenance of automatic control valves, including CLA and globe valves. Water quality sampling techniques and facility/equipment testing, including well and pump efficiency analysis. Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) processes, including monitoring and optimization. Advanced SCADA systems, including troubleshooting and optimization of pump schedules, pressures, and reservoir levels. Facility and equipment performance testing and efficiency analysis. Portable diesel engines and emergency equipment operation and maintenance. Applied chemistry in water treatment, with emphasis on chemical dosing, chemical reactions, and monitoring impacts on system operations. Technical troubleshooting, system optimization, and staff guidance in operational tasks. Principles of technical reporting and operational recordkeeping. Modern office practices and advanced use of computers, including databases and industry-specific software. English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and applied mathematics.

Skill and Ability to:

Provide efficient customer service and respond to escalated concerns. Communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, with staff, contractors, and the public. Manage situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, and firmness. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, City officials, and external stakeholders. Interpret engineering and public works plans, specifications, drawings, and map books. Inspect, operate, and diagnose problems with water supply facilities and equipment. Perform preventive maintenance and field troubleshooting on complex systems. Safely operate City vehicles and specialized water supply equipment. Apply and enforce safe work practices. Operate computers and software applications, including spreadsheets, word processing, and specialized utility systems. Organize and prioritize work while exercising independent judgment and initiative. Lead daily field operations with sound judgement and discretion. Train, mentor, and provide functional supervision to assigned personnel. Analyze operational problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to support decision-making. Follow and effectively communicate oral and written instructions. (Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations) This position primarily works outdoors and is exposed to weather conditions such as wind, heat, cold, and rain. Work typically requires balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and performing repetitive motions, with or without reasonable accommodation. This is classified as heavy work, which may involve exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally (up to one-third of the workday), 25 to 50 pounds frequently (one-third to two-thirds of the workday), and 10 to 20 pounds constantly (two-thirds or more of the workday), and may include using a hand dolly to move up to 160 pounds. Employees frequently work near moving mechanical parts, occasionally work at heights or in precarious locations, and may be exposed to electrical hazards. Personal protective footwear is required. Employees must have the ability to see and hear within the normal range, with or without correction, and must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. The position requires stamina to work long hours, including overtime, and flexibility to work irregular schedules, which may include weekends, holidays, evenings, and varying shifts.