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Senior Water Distribution Operator

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Senior Water Distribution Operator

Salary

$95,463.36 - $105,256.08 Annually

Location

Sacramento, CA

Job Type

Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

29375-C

Department

Water Resources

Opening Date

08/28/2025

Closing Date

2/26/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

The Position

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

9/11/25, 9/25/25, 10/24/25, 11/24/25, 12/26/25, 1/26/26, 2/26/26 (final)

Senior Water Distribution Operators perform the most complex duties in connection with the operation, maintenance, construction, and repair of water distribution systems, hydraulic power systems and hydro-pneumatic systems. Positions in this class also serve as a lead worker over one or more Water System Operators.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

+ The California Safe Drinking Water Act

+ EPA Standards, Rules and Regulations ensuring safe drinking water and protecting ground water

+ The methods, tools, materials, and equipment used in the construction, inspection, troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of water distribution systems and the interrelationship of equipment and systems

+ Safety regulations, practices and procedures required when working in a variety of working conditions using hand tools, light equipment, and vehicles

+ Identity of underground utilities and recognition of potential excavation conflicts

+ First aid and CPR

+ A variety of computer software applications to include word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs, SCADA and CMMS

+ Welding techniques and practices

+ Procedures and corrective actions to respond to emergency and special operating conditions

Ability to

+ Provide lead direction

+ Train and mentor personnel

+ Construct, inspect, troubleshoot, repair and maintain water distribution systems

+ Perform strenuous physical labor

+ Use a variety of hand, precision, and power tools

+ Drive a variety of mobile equipment such as dump trucks, water trucks, backhoes, tractors, vacuum vehicles, utility trucks, step vans, and forklifts on paved and/or uneven terrain such as hills, slopes, rocky or wet ground

+ Read, interpret and utilize manufacturer’s specifications, operations manuals, piping schematics, water system maps, plans, blueprints, etc.

+ Perform operational mathematics

+ Maintain courteous and effective relationships with County employees and the general public

+ Read, write, and speak English at a level necessary for satisfactory job performance

+ Effectively communicate verbally and in written correspondence

+ Handle contact with external customers or the public with tact and good judgment

+ Work effectively in a team environment

+ Provide first aid and CPR

+ Use computer equipment and related peripheral equipment to enter and extract information

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Either: 1. One year of full-time experience in the class of Water System Operator or Assistant Underground Construction and Maintenance Specialist in Sacramento County service performing duties which have included the construction, repair, maintenance and operation of water distribution systems, water treatment facilities, water wells, water booster pumping stations, water storage facilities, and storm water pumping stations.

Or: 2. Two years of full-time experience in the construction, repair, and maintenance of one or more of the following systems: underground pipeline, wastewater collection, storm water collection, or underground water distribution.

Note: If the word “experience” is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

General Qualifications

Licenses:

+ A valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher is required prior to appointment to this class. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

+ A valid California Driver’s License, Class A, and/or special endorsements including but not limited to the Hazardous Materials Endorsement is required for some positions.

Note: Failure to maintain the appropriate California Driver’s License and/or endorsement(s) constitutes cause for personnel action in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining unit agreements

Certifications:

+ Water Distribution Grade 2 (D2) certificate: All incumbents must possess and maintain a valid Water Distribution Operator Grade 2 (D2) certificate issued by the State of California, Department of Health Services (DHS) at time of appointment.

Note: Failure to maintain the certificate may constitute a cause for termination from this class in accordance with Civil Service Rules or applicable bargaining unit agreement. The appropriate amount of continuing education hours must be completed as required by the State of California to maintain the required certification.

Criminal History Check: The County may access criminal history information on all candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment for this class consistent with the provisions of Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 82-602, Personnel Policies and applicable Federal and State law. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate's ability to perform the job duties of this class unless it is determined that mitigating circumstances exist. For purposes of accessing criminal history information, the candidate will be fingerprinted. A subsequent arrest notification may be obtained.

Physical Requirements:

+ Perform strenuous manual labor

+ Perform tasks requiring manual dexterity

+ While carrying equipment which may weigh up to 25 pounds, safely climb and work on ladders with a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds

+ Stand on a ladder while performing tasks with both hands

+ Wear respiratory protection

+ Lift and carry heavy equipment and tools weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance; lift heavier items with assistance

+ Frequently bend, stoop, squat, kneel, crouch and reach above the shoulder

+ Work for extended periods of time in a bent, stooped, kneeling or prone position

+ Work in areas with unsteady footing

+ Enter and exit through restricted entrances of 24 and 36 inches in diameter Note: Some employees will be required to operate a jackhammer weighing up to 90 pounds.

Note: Individuals who do not meet these physical requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Working Conditions:

+ Work in enclosed areas where the temperature may exceed 100 degrees

+ Enter, exit, and work in enclosed and confined spaces

+ Work in trenches up to 23 feet in depth

+ Work outside in all types of climatic conditions including inclement or very hot weather

+ Work around dust, dirt, noise, and odors

+ Work on uneven terrain

+ Work in hip boots during muddy conditions.

+ Work around dust, dirt, noise, and odors

Shift, Weekend and Holiday Work: Water distribution functions are a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operation. All employees in this class will be subject to working shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime and standby.

Age Requirement: Candidates must be 18 years of age prior to appointment because of the hazards of the job, as defined in the Fair Labor Standard Act.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

As an employee of the County of Sacramento, there will be a variety of benefits available to you. These benefits currently include: health, dental and life insurance; flexible spending account options for dependent care and unreimbursed dental and/or medical cost; and an employee assistance program (EAP).

GENERAL BENEFITS:

Most employee benefits are similar to the following for all County employees. However, some benefits differ, depending on the employee representation unit to which the employee's job classification is assigned. Information about the exact benefits applicable to a particular job classification may be obtained from the Sacramento County Department of Benefits or by visiting www.saccountyjobs.net.

TEMPORARY POSITIONS:

Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions. The explanations of benefits applies to employees in regular positions.

SALARY STEP INCREASES:

The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% are given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.

PAY:

All employees are paid bi-weekly via direct deposit into the employee's bank account. The pay period covers fourteen (14) calendar days, starting on a Sunday and ending on the second Saturday thereafter. Salaries are generally paid on the Friday following the end of the pay period. Employees can set up their direct deposit and access their pay information via Employee Self Service in MySacCounty.

VACATION:

Generally, vacation with pay begins at 10 days annually. With increase over a period of years, the maximum annual vacation with pay is 25 days.

HOLIDAYS:

14.5 holidays per year as recognized.

SICK LEAVE:

Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation. Upon retirement, unused sick leave is converted to retirement service credit.

PARENTAL LEAVE:

Entitles a regular County employee, with at least one year of continuous employment, to schedule a paid parental leave of up to 160 hours upon the birth or during the process of an adoption of a minor child. Parental leave shall be approved by the employee's appointing authority, except where the granting of the parental leave request would unduly interfere with or cause severe hardship upon department operations.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:

Dependent upon union agreements, regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies are eligible for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement amounts may vary depending upon union agreement.

RETIREMENT:

Social Security and Sacramento County Employees' Retirement System coverage.

HEALTH INSURANCE:

The County offers a variety of health plan design options to fit individual needs.

DENTAL INSURANCE:

The County provides a comprehensive dental benefit program for regular full-time and part-time employees and their eligible dependents. This plan pays on a set fee schedule that varies by procedure. Any amount over the fee schedule is the employee's responsibility. The yearly maximum is $2,000 per person, not including orthodontia. The orthodontic benefit is 50% of covered charges with a lifetime maximum of $1,000 per person.

LIFE INSURANCE:

The County of Sacramento provides a basic life insurance benefit of $15,000 to all eligible employees at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased through payroll deduction.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION:

The County offers a Deferred Compensation Program which enables employees to save in a systematic way without paying income tax on either the payroll deduction or the earned interest, prior to withdrawal.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

The County of Sacramento provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services in areas such as:

+ Legal Advice/Difficult Decisions

+ Marriage or Family Relationships

+ Financial or Credit Worries/Elder Care

+ Alcohol and Drug Abuse

WELLNESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM:

The County will recognize and award time off to eligible employees who maintain an excellent attendance record.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT:

The County offers regular employees two separate Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's). These accounts allow employees to set money aside, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deduction, to pay for medical, dental or dependent care expenses.

+ DEPENDENT CARE REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:

Employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified childcare or dependent care expenses that are necessary for the employee and/or spouse to continue working.

+ MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:

The Medical Reimbursement Account allows pre-tax dollars to be set aside to pay for out-of-pocket expenses that are not paid by insurance or reimbursed by any other benefit plan.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION:

In case of injury while on the job, each employee is protected under the Workers' Compensation laws of California.

SACRAMENTO CREDIT UNION:

The credit union offers loan facilities and systematic saving plans through payroll deduction.

SELECTION AND PLACEMENT

Sacramento County encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, gender, disability, political affiliation, or age.

Certain age limits may be required by law, ordinance, or Civil Service direction for specific classifications such as those identified with hazardous occupations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Please read carefully the "Minimum Qualifications" section of your announcement. You must meet those qualifications by the application deadline date unless otherwise specified. Your application must clearly show you meet the minimum qualifications by the application deadline date, or it will not be accepted. All statements are subject to verification.

"Experience" means full-time paid experience unless the announcement states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.

PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATIONS:

If the announcement indicates the examination is given on a promotional basis, candidates must hold permanent status in Sacramento County Civil Service by the application deadline date and must meet the minimum qualifications.

OPEN EXAMINATIONS:

Any person who meets the minimum qualifications may apply.

CONTINUOUS FILING EXAMINATIONS:

Applicants are eligible to reapply to and retake a continuous filing exam after 6 months from the date the previous exam results was received.

ELIGIBLE LISTS:

Names of qualified persons who made a passing score on an examination are entered, in order of their final grades, on an eligible list. To fill each vacancy, the hiring department will make a selection from among the top three ranks on the employment lists.

EXAMINATION RATINGS:

Unless otherwise stated on the announcement: To be successful, candidates must obtain a rating of at least 70% on each part of the examination. This may be an adjusted score or an arithmetic 70% of the total possible score as determined by the Director.

APPEAL PROCESS:

Persons who believe their applications have been improperly rejected may request the Employment Services Division to review its decision to reject the application. If the applicant desires to submit additional proof of qualifications, such proof must be received by Personnel Services not less than two (2) calendar days prior to the scheduled date for the examination.

Persons who are disqualified in any phase of the examination may appeal such adverse action, in writing, to the Civil Service Commission, 700 H Street, Room 2640, Sacramento, CA 95814, telephone: (916) 874-5586. Such appeals must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days after notice of the adverse action was mailed to the candidate.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs): https://personnel.saccounty.net/Pages/EmploymentServicesFAQs.aspx

OTHER INFORMATION

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:

Military veterans who have served during wartime shall be given preference in initial appointment to County service. Such preference shall apply, provided the veteran has first achieved a minimum passing score in the examination. The passing score of a veteran shall be annotated to indicate the veteran's score shall be regarded as 5 points or higher, OR 10 points higher for disabled veterans, only for the purpose of determining the three ranks along with which the veteran's name shall be certified. No score shall actually be changed and no new rank shall be created as a result of application of veteran's preference for certification purposes.

"Disabled Veteran" means any veteran who has served during wartime and, who, as of the final filing date for an examination is declared by the United States Veterans Administration or military service department to be 10% or more disabled as a result of his/her military service. Persons claiming eligibility for disabled veteran's preference must submit to the employment office, on or before the application deadline date, a certification from the United States Veterans Administration or a military service department, dated within 1 year, which certifies the present existence of a service related disability of 10% or more, or other acceptable proof of such disability as a result of his/her military service.

Persons claiming eligibility for veterans preference must submit a copy of Form DD 214 or other acceptable proof of veteran's status on or before the final filing date for the examination. For purpose of this rule "reserve" status does not constitute active duty.

CITIZENSHIP OR AUTHORIZED ALIEN REQUIREMENT:

As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all County employees must be United States citizens or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Proof of citizenship or authorized status will be required prior to appointment.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE:

Some County Civil Service positions are covered by financial disclosure requirements intended to identify potential conflicts of interest.

CONCURRENT EMPLOYMENT:

No employee may concurrently occupy more than one County position.

SPECIAL SKILL QUALIFICATIONS (WHEN SPECIFIED ON THE APPLICATION):

Persons who have special skills required by some (but not all) positions in a class may be certified ahead of others provided that:

Such special skills are based on the duties and requirements of the positions and are in conformance with merit system and equal opportunity principles, and

The certification of eligibles who possess special skills have been approved by the Civil Service Commission.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION & DRUG TESTING:

The County of Sacramento is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace. All persons selected for appointment to positions must pass a medical examination and a drug test, administered by the County at no cost to the applicant.

DRIVER LICENSE:

Possession of a valid California Driver License may be required for some positions.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Regular positions are subject to a probationary period which is an extension of the selection process. Unless otherwise indicated on the announcement, the probationary period is six (6) months.

AGENCY SHOP/FAIR SHARE FEE:

Some positions require, as a condition of continued employment, that the person either:

1. Become a union member;

2. Pay a fair share fee to the union; or,

3. Meet specific requirements under which an equivalent amount must be paid to a charity.

FINGERPRINTING AND CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS:

Fingerprinting and criminal record checks are required for some positions.

01

The following Supplemental Questionnaire is the Civil Service Exam for this position and will be used to determine your exam score.

Note: The Supplemental Questionnaire and the Application are administered as two separate documents. The Application is used only to determine if the minimum qualifications are met; and the Supplemental Questionnaire will be used only to determine your exam score.

In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. Each answer will be scored separately. References such as 'See Resume' as a response will not be scored.

By continuing in the exam process, you are certifying that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge.

+ I have read and understood the above instructions.

02

Listed below are the minimum qualifications for the Senior Water Distribution Operator position:

EITHER – OPTION A) One year of full-time experience in the class of Water System Operator or Assistant Underground Construction and Maintenance Specialist in Sacramento County service performing duties which have included the construction, repair, maintenance and operation of water distribution systems, water treatment facilities, water wells, water booster pumping stations, water storage facilities, and storm water pumping stations.

OR – OPTION B) Two years of full-time experience in the construction, repair, and maintenance of one or more of the following systems: underground pipeline, wastewater collection, storm water collection, or underground water distribution.

Select the box that best describes how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

+ I meet the minimum qualifications listed above for OPTION A.

+ I meet the minimum qualifications listed above for OPTION B.

+ I do not meet the minimum qualifications.

03

NOTE: If you meet the minimum qualifications (via the information you provided on your application and requested documentation), your exam score (based on your supplemental questionnaire responses) places you within the reachable ranks on the resulting eligible list and you are invited to interview; you will be asked to expand on, clarify, and/or provide examples to support the selections you made on this exam (supplemental questionnaire).

+ I have read and understood the above instructions.

04

Senior Water Distribution Operators are required to possess a valid California Class C Driver License prior to appointment. Some positions may be required to possess a commercial license.

NOTE: Failure to maintain a valid California Driver License, class C or higher, constitutes cause for termination from the class in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11.4.

Select the box that best describes your current possession of a valid California Driver License.

+ I possess a California Class C Driver License.

+ I possess a Class A Commercial Driver License.

+ I possess a Class A Commercial Driver License with Hazmat and/or Tanker endorsements.

+ I have the ability to immediately obtain a California Class C Driver License.

+ I do not possess nor have the ability to obtain a California Class C Driver License.

05

A Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 certificate or higher issued by the State of California is required at the time of appointment. Select the box that best describes your certificate status.

+ I possess a Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 certificate issued by the State of California.

+ I possess a valid certificate from another state that has reciprocity with California, or have applied to take the Grade D2 certificate.

+ I possess a D3 or higher certificate issued by the State of California.

+ I have the ability to obtain a Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 certificate issued by the State of California.

+ I do not possess nor have the ability to obtain a Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 certificate issued by the State of California.

06

Senior Water Distribution Operators may be required to work irregular hours, to include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

+ I understand Senior Water Distribution Operators may be required to work irregular shifts, to include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

07

Physical requirements for the Senior Water Distribution Operator position include all of the following:

+ Perform strenuous manual labor

+ Perform tasks requiring manual dexterity

+ While carrying equipment which may weigh up to 25 pounds, safely climb and work on ladders with a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds

+ Stand on a ladder while performing tasks with both hands

+ Wear respiratory protection

+ Lift and carry heavy equipment and tools weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance; lift heavier items with assistance

+ Frequently bend, stoop, squat, kneel, crouch and reach above the shoulder

+ Work for extended periods of time in a bent, stooped, kneeling or prone position

+ Work in areas with unsteady footing

+ Enter and exit through restricted entrances of 24 and 36 inches in diameter

Note: Some employees will be required to operate a jackhammer weighing up to 90 pounds.

Note: Individuals who do not meet these physical requirements due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Select the box to acknowledge your understanding of the physical requirements for this position.

+ I have reviewed and understand the physical requirements for Senior Water Distribution Operator.

08

Select all boxes which list education from an accredited college or the apprenticeship program you have taken in relation to the position of Senior Water Distribution Operator. If you have not completed units or formal training in a mechanical-electrical technology program, a stationary engineer, plumbing, or similar trade apprenticeship program, select none.

+ Two years of a stationary engineer, plumbing, or similar trade program

+ Completion of a Mechanical Electrical Technology program

+ Associate’s Degree or higher, or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units or more, in a directly related field

+ None

09

Select all boxes that list systems you have one (1) or more years of experience in the maintenance, construction, and repair of underground water distribution systems, wastewater collection, storm water collection or underground pipeline. If you have no applicable experience, select none.

+ Water Distribution Systems

+ Plumbing with pressurized systems

+ Gravity flow system, sewer/drainage systems

+ None

10

Select all boxes that best describe the different types of tools, equipment and/or vehicles that you used in the maintenance, construction and repair of water distribution systems or underground pipeline systems. If you have no applicable experience, select none.

+ Lab equipment related to water

+ Hand tools, trucks, etc.

+ Power equipment, cut off saws, hot tapping machines, etc.

+ Backhoes, heavy equipment, etc.

+ Precision tools

+ None

11

Select all boxes that you have two (2) or more years of experience involved in the maintenance, repair, and/or operation activities of domestic and reclaimed water distribution systems. If you have no applicable experience, select none.

+ Maintenance

+ Repair

+ Operations (distribution system)

+ None

12

Describe your experience involved in the maintenance, repair, and operation activities of domestic and reclaimed water distribution systems. If you have no applicable experience, write none.

13

Select all boxes that describe your experience and training applying safety and construction practices related to water distribution systems. If you have no experience or training, select none.

+ Received general safety training provided by employer

+ Attended training such as seminars, continuing education, etc.

+ None

14

Describe your experience applying construction practices and safety practices related to water systems operations and maintenance. In your response, please include the safety training courses you have taken and/or certificates that you possess (e.g., Gas detection, Shoring, Competent Person, Fall Protection, Traffic Control, Confined space, etc.). If you have no applicable experience, write none.

15

Select all boxes that describe your experience having one (1) or more years in operations and maintenance of chemical systems. If you have no applicable experience, select none.

+ Industrial experience with hazardous chemicals

+ Industrial experience including sodium hypochlorite or similar chemical

+ None

16

Select all boxes that best describe the tasks you have paid experience performing on a regular basis. If you have no applicable experience, select none.

+ Assist, guide, and instruct staff in the performance of their duties

+ Monitor work for progress and quality

+ Provide input on employee performance and/or conduct issues

+ Provide technical direction and problem solve in response to staff questions related to operations

+ Provide training and/or mentor to staff in accordance with established policies and procedures

+ None

17

Describe your lead/supervisory experience. In your description, specify the job titles of the employees you have led/supervised. Please also include your position title(s), dates for which you were responsible for each selected task, and your role and responsibilities.

If you have no applicable experience, write none.

18

Select all boxes that best describe the software programs you are proficient in and use on a regular basis in the administration of your job. You may be required to demonstrate your proficiency during the interview process.

+ Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)

+ Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)

+ Outlook or similar program

+ Word or similar program

+ Excel or similar program

+ Other software/applications

+ None of the above

19

Describe your experience, training, and education that qualifies you for the Senior Water Distribution Operator position.

For all qualifying experience, provide your employer, position title, dates of employment, and the primary duties performed. If you have no qualifying experience, training, nor education, write none.

20

I have read and understood the Genera