System Operator I/II - Sweetwater Authority, CA : Job Details

Salary : $76,770.72 - $93,285.92 Annually Location : Chula Vista, CA Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 2025-00130 Department: Water Quality Section: System Operations & Maintenance Opening Date: 08/13/2025 Closing Date: 9/14/2025 5:00 PM Pacific Description Perform semi-skilled and skilled work in the operation and maintenance of pumping, boosting, storage, wells and related equipment for the supply and distribution of domestic water for the Sweetwater Authority (Authority) Water Quality Department. Department: Water Quality Disclaimer: The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Supervision Received/Exercised:

• General supervision is provided by the Director of Water Quality and Water Treatment Superintendent.
• Direct supervision is provided by the Chief Water Supply Operator.
• Technical and training assistance is provided by the System Operators II and III.
• There are no staff supervisory responsibilities for this position.

Examples of Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist in operating, inspecting, and repairing booster pumps, and related internal combustion and electrical equipment.
• Assist in removing, repairing, and installing pumps, motors, valves, packing glands, pipes, meters and related pumping equipment.
• Take readings of water pressure; maintains records; take reading of flowmeters, electric meters, hour run meters, record readings, change charts.
• Regulate pressure in the domestic system by opening and closing valves and making other system modifications as required.
• Regulate air in hydro-pneumatic tanks.
• Inspect, drain, clean, paint, and repair storage tanks.
• Respond to emergencies on an on-call basis as assigned.
• Ensure that chemical and hazardous material spills are handled in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, vendors, Board members, and the public.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Typical QualificationsKnowledge of:

• General operating principles and maintenance requirements of equipment such as pumps, electric and internal combustion engines.
• Safe work practices.
• Modern office procedures and practices, equipment, and clerical techniques.
• Computer programs and software, such as Microsoft Office.
• Proper English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Learn to perform routine repairs to pumps, motors, valves, and related equipment.
• Learn to make routine electrical repairs to equipment.
• Work under emergency conditions when required during a 24-hour period.
• Maintain records.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Operate a computer and related software applications.
• Keyboard proficiently.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Use interpersonal skills effectively as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Education/Training/Experience (positions in this class typically require): Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Two (2) years' work experience involving the maintenance and repair of pumps, motors, and related electrical or internal combustion engines; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licenses/Certifications - Required Conditions of Employment:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License.
• Maintain an acceptable, safe, and active driving record, together with proof of insurability.
• Possess a Distribution Operator D2 certificate as issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (DDW) .
• Obtain a Distribution Operator D3 certificate as issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (DDW) within two (2) years of hire.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

• Hear normal conversation in person and on the telephone.
• Mobility of arms to reach, and the dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects and to write legibly.
• Visual ability (which may be corrected) to read small print and video messages, including good peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Speak in a normal voice; able to be heard and understood on the telephone, in person, and to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Use office equipment such as personal computers, copiers and fax machines.
• Operate standard passenger vehicles.
• Lift, carry, push or pull up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Keyboarding for extended periods of time.
• Fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• Mobility to stand, walk, stand, stoop, bend and extend legs on uneven ground.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing tasks, which includes respirators.
• Climb ladders and stairs on water storage tanks and facilities and work on top of these structures.

Working Hours:

• Flex Schedule: Monday through Thursday 6:30 AM - 4:00 PM, (9/80); Friday 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, and every other Friday off or, as assigned by the supervisor.
• Work schedule may include weekends and holidays as normal work.

Other Conditions:

• Work conditions require that a uniform be worn; to be provided by the Authority.
• Work around various types of animals and insects such as dogs, snakes, spiders, bees, rodents, etc.
• It is important that incumbents in this position maintain a professional and businesslike image to the public at all times:
  • A neat, clean and pressed appearance in clothing, hair and personal hygiene is important every day.
  • Good judgment is expected in determining proper dress and appearance.
  • All facial hair must be kept neat and trimmed.

Supplemental Information Position may be filled at the System Operator II level depending upon qualifications. See System Operator II job description for minimum qualifications and salary range.

• Health insurance: Option of Cigna HMO's or Kaiser HMO for all full time employees and their dependents; employees share in a portion of the cost, not to exceed $35 per pay period.
• Vision, dental, and orthodontic insurance: Premiums 100% paid by the Authority for employees and dependents.
• Life insurance: Premiums 100% paid by the Authority for the employee. Optional dependent life insurance is offered at the employee's expense.
• Retirement: Membership in California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) with the retirement formula of 2.5% @ 55 for existing classic members and 2% @ 62 for new members.
• The Authority will contribute the equivalence of 24 hours of the employee's hourly rate into PARS 401(a) each fiscal year.
• Deferred compensation: Authority-matched employee contributions to a qualified 457 (Lincoln, National, and CalPERS) plan up to $1,300 made to the employee's 401(a) (PARS) plan.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO is provided in lieu of traditional vacation and sick leave benefits. PTO is accrued based on years of service, beginning at 18 work days per year up to a maximum of 35 days.
• 40 hours of floating holidays to use each year.
• Retiree Healthcare: At age 55 with 15 years of service the Authority pays $700/month. The amount the Authority pays is prorated for 10-15 years of service. Employees who retire between ages 50-54 with 10 or more years of service will receive 50% of the benefit amount. Payments cease after 10 years or upon reaching Medicare-eligible age.
• Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and more.

01 Are you 18 or older?

• Yes
• No

02 Are you able to work Full Time?

• Yes
• No

03 Do you have at least a High School Diploma or G.E.D.?

• Yes
• No

04 Do you possess a Driver License?

• Yes
• No

05 If hired, can you provide proof of your legal right to work in the U.S.?

• Yes
• No

06 Briefly describe any educational and/or working experience that you have relevant to this position. 07 What level of Water Distribution Operator certification do you currently possess?

• None
• D-1
• D-2
• D-3
• D-4
• D-5

08 Why do you want to be a System Operator for Sweetwater Authority? Required Question