Operator III - Water Operations

Salary: $41.90 – $59.56/hourly

The Position

Under general supervision, monitor, analyze and control the domestic and irrigation water systems through direct field control devices or through the use of the computer-based regional telemetry control system. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Under general supervision, incumbents in this classification assist the Water Operations Supervisor in coordinating pipeline shutdowns and start-up of new facilities and may act in a lead capacity as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Patrols the District’s water system and takes corrective measures to ensure its continued efficient operation and to maintain water quality standards.
• Performs routine water quality sampling and adjusts chemicals to comply with Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Performs the chlorinating and testing of pipelines and reservoirs; checks chlorine dosage rates; weighs cylinders; records daily usage.
• Reads and documents critical water system pressures, flows, reservoir elevations, and water quality.
• Operates, maintains, and monitors chlorination, chloramination and de-chlorination facilities, pumping stations, wells, hydro-electric pump stations, pressure regulating/flow control structures, and reservoirs.
• Meets with customers regarding complaints and resolves the problems.
• Maintains daily journals and other control data to document the progress and completion of projects. Participates in pipeline shutdowns and startup of new facilities.
• Responsible for the maintenance of tools and supplies assigned to vehicles.
• Conducts accurate physical and chemical tests of water.
• Works according to safety standards under potentially hazardous conditions.
• Take readings from meters, gauges, graphs, and related instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot variations in operating conditions, report findings to the Water Operations Supervisor and make recommendations to prevent a process imbalance or upset.
• Performs lab tests and analyzes data to determine unit process and overall treatment efficiency.
• Participates in the scheduled emergency standby program.
• Complies with District work-related safety practices and attend relevant safety training.
• Responsible for all other work-related duties.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience:

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• High school graduation or equivalent required. Experience and education equivalent to one (1) college-level course in Water Treatment is required.
• One (1) college course in System Hydraulics is required.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of experience in water distribution/treatment systems operations is required. 

License / Certifications:

• Valid Class C California Driver’s License.
• California State Water Resources Control Board Grade 3 Water Distribution Certification & California State Water Resources Control Board Grade 3 Water Treatment Certification.

Knowledge of: 

• Keyboarding abilities sufficient to perform the job.

Ability to: 

• Communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees and management. 
• Represent the District professionally when dealing with outside suppliers and customers. 
• Explain, demonstrate, and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures, and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple and complex requests from others. 
• Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages, fractions, and decimals.
• Effectively use computer systems and software applications relevant to the work performed, such as MS Office Suite (Word, Excel).
• Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.

Additional Information:

 Physical Requirements

Ability to lift 50 lbs. and up to 80 lbs. with assistance on a routine basis. Must be certified annually to wear respiratory equipment. Must be clean-shaven so that facial hair does not interfere with the fit of self-contained breathing apparatus.

Environmental Adaptability

Employees primarily work in an environment where noise levels may be higher than in the typical office environment. They also work in conditions that may expose them to hazardous materials and environment.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating “See Resume” is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the “Apply” link located at the top of this page.

 New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

 Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for February 27, 2025): will evaluate the candidates’ experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.

 Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

  Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.