Water Distribution Operator

The Position The Water Distribution Operator (Operator) at East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) inspects, maintains, monitors, and controls water system facilities and equipment both manually and remotely by computer to regulate treated water distribution and control water quality. These fully qualified Operators are responsible for the efficient operation and general maintenance of a water distribution system without immediate supervision.

Duties include:

• Operates pumps and valves to regulate the flow of water through distribution, raw or reclaimed water facilities; keeps water levels, gradients, pressures, and flows within limits set by general distribution system operating procedures.
• Periodically operates a portion of the distribution system using an advanced SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, and coordinates the operation with demand, storage and production from other facilities.
• Analyzes SCADA system data and acts efficiently to control flows and storage levels at various transmission and distribution facilities, such that pumping cost is minimized during peak power usage periods.
• Performs record and report functions such as maintaining logs of daily activities, facility operations and inspections, maintenance and cleaning work performed, and unusual operating conditions.
• Performs periodic inspections of pumping, distribution and storage structures and properties; prepares reports as required and requests maintenance as needed.
• Gathers and evaluates data from flow meters, pressure gauges and water level indicators at distribution facilities.
• Inspects pumping, distribution, storage, and control equipment; performs minor maintenance, reports any failures or operating difficulties and requests maintenance as needed; may request facility improvements.
• Uses hand tools to make limited repairs and adjustments to equipment commonly found in a water distribution system; shuts down portions of the distribution system as necessary.
• May compile and evaluate technical information and data and take or recommend actions to improve water distribution operations and water quality within established guidelines.
• Utilizes automated or computer-based work management systems, or other electronic or computer systems and applications, in the course of work.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge and abilities:

Knowledge of:

• The operation, maintenance, and cleaning of water system equipment and facilities.
• Water system principles, methods and practices.
• Mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles.
• Arithmetic, including adding, subtracting, multiplication, and division with whole numbers and decimals.
• Common safe work practices.
• Common hand and power tools.

Ability to:

• Recognize unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions and take or recommend appropriate action.
• Accurately read and record data from gauges and meters.
• Read and interpret plant piping and distribution diagrams and water system maps.
• Compile, evaluate and analyze operational data; and take or recommend appropriate action.
• Learn advanced SCADA system techniques, and complex analyses of water distribution system requirements.
• Operate water distribution system equipment, including manually operated and automatic control devices.
• Perform minor maintenance and make operating adjustments to water distribution equipment.
• Operate pumping, storage, and flow control equipment without immediate or detailed supervision.
• Use mobile electronic devices to record field information and to generate and track shop orders.

The salary range is $9,531 per month increasing to $10,008 and $10,508 after 6 and 18 months, respectively. The top salary of a Senior Water Distribution Operator is $12,812 per month. EBMUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, marital or registered domestic partnership status, age for individuals age forty or older, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental or physical), medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veterans status, family or medical leave status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical condition), pregnancy disability leave status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and other categories protected by federal, state and/or local laws. Requirements 1. A high school diploma; and either, 2a. Two years of experience

• in water distribution operations as a Water Treatment/Distribution Operator Trainee with EBMUD plus satisfactory completion of training and supervisory certification of proficiency; or, 2b. Two years of potable or non-potable water system operations experience

•. 3. Must possess a valid California driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record. 4. Must possess a valid California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) certificate as a D2 operator at the time of appointment to the class. 5. Must obtain a SWRCB certificate as a D3 operator within two (2) years of appointment. 6. Operators must meet SWRCB continuing education requirements to renew certifications. 7. Must advance to the Senior Water Distribution Operator within three (3) years of appointment.

• An Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree, as specified below, may be substituted for one year of experience.

The total education substitution shall be for one year only. Possession of more than one of the listed degree types will not qualify for substitution of more than one year of experience. An Associate's degree in water or wastewater technology or distribution that included at least 15 units in physical, chemical, or biological science may be substituted for one year of the required experience under either of the above qualifying experience patterns. A Bachelor's or Master's degree in civil, environmental, or sanitary engineering, or one of the physical, chemical, or biological sciences, or other closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience under either of the above qualifying experience patterns. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. To be considered under the equivalent combination of education and experience" provision, it is your responsibility to include in your application materials written evidence of employment performed at the level of the typical duties of this position and/or coursework in subject areas directly related to this position. For more information, see our FAQ page at http://www.ebmud.com/jobs/job-resources/job-faqs-frequently-asked-questions/. The Selection Process 1. Submit a completed EBMUD application and the required supplemental question responses online at www.ebmud.com by 4:30 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2026. Only application materials submitted online during the filing period will be accepted. 2. Candidates must achieve a passing score on each test part in order to advance to the next step in the selection process. 3. Application materials will be reviewed and those applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be invited to an in-person written test scheduled for Saturday May 16, 2024. The test subject areas may include reading comprehension, mathematics, map reading, and analysis of diagrams and information. 4. Those passing the written test will have their supplemental responses competitively evaluated according to the content of the applications and completeness of the supplemental responses, with those candidates receiving a passing score to be invited to a panel interview expected to be held in June. 5. Successful candidates will be placed on the hiring list, based on rank, for further consideration to fill the current regular vacancy, as well as others occurring over the next 12 to 24 months. 6. The probation period for this position is 12 months. For those holding civil service status the probation period is 6 months. 7. All employment offers are conditional, pending the results of a Live Scan background screening. All selected finalists must participate in the Live Scan background screening process to remain in consideration for EBMUD employment. Supplemental Information As the first step in the selection process, responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted online with the regular EBMUD application. Responses to the questions should be clear and concise. Please provide thorough, accurate descriptions of assignments you have personally performed. Should you respond with comments such as see application" or see resume" instead of addressing the questions directly, your application may not be considered.