Westlands Water District

Fresno, CA

Senior Water Distribution Operator

Bargaining Unit: Miscellaneous Non-Supervisory Unit
Salary Code: 19
Fair Labor Standards Act Designation: Nonexempt
Revision Date: February 20, 2025

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under general supervision and direction of the Supervisor of Operations, plans, organizes, directs, and reviews the work of Water Distribution Operators performing tasks related to water distribution, agricultural water flows monitoring and maintenance, and upkeep of agricultural water meters.

The Senior Water Distribution Operator is the advanced journey level classification in the Operations Department. This position will perform the most complex duties related to meter reading, water utilization data collection, meter repair and calibration, and installation activities. This position will provide technical and functional supervision over assigned staff and are required to be knowledgeable and trained in all procedures related to assigned area. The ability to communicate effectively is required.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

The information below is meant to serve as examples of the job duties and responsibilities for this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed.

  1. Plans, organizes, directs, and reviews the work of Water Distribution Operators engaged in the operation of the water distribution system, including exercising valves and weed control around aboveground distribution system facilities.
  2. Supervises the operation and maintenance of all types of water meters, draining, and refilling of pipelines.
  3. Instructs and counsels staff as needed. Monitors performance and provides feedback on a continuous basis and completes annual performance evaluations.
  4. Sets and/or assists in setting priority levels for the repair of pipelines, valves, and pumps.
  5. Performs or directs routine and preliminary emergency work on pipelines and manual or computer-controlled pumping plant and reservoir systems.
  6. During major breakdowns, assumes control for isolating damaged pipelines or pumping plants.
  7. Checks water applications with respect to land eligibility or tailwater control.
  8. Responds to and investigates Underground Service Alert calls concerning the distribution and drainage system.
  9. Maintains current records of progress and activities of the section and prepares periodic reports.
  10. Assists in the preparation of the department’s annual budget.
  11. Assists in setting priority of maintenance work orders.
  12. Performs other duties as assigned.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

Any combination of equivalent education and experience that has led to the acquisition of the knowledge required by the position. A typical way of acquiring the knowledge would be:

Possess a United States’ high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and

Option 1: Experience: Five (5) years of experience as a Water Distribution Operator with the District; or

Option 2: Four (4) years of experience performing work in a water distribution and drainage system including reading, recording, maintaining and repairing vertical and horizontal water delivery meters and one (1) year supervising experience including organizing, directing, and reviewing the work of staff.

Note: One (1) year as an Operations & Maintenance Trainee with Westlands Water District will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

Note: Recruitment may be limited to candidates with an education or experience background related to the specific vacant position.

Knowledge of:

  • Recordkeeping practices.
  • Maps and legal descriptions.
  • Safety precautions, equipment and tools used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and drainage systems.
  • Preventive maintenance and inspection methods.
  • Computer terminal operating methods and office software.

Skills/Abilities to:

  • Work safely and independently.
  • Understand, follow, carry out and prepare both oral and written instruction.
  • Prepare and provide oral and written instruction.
  • Read and interpret pipeline plans and profile drawings.
  • Maintain accurate records.
  • Communicate effectively.
  • Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels as well as with the public.
  • Operate District vehicle and/or equipment observing legal and defense driving practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Heavy lifting of supplies and materials up to 100 pounds.
  • Use of hazardous materials.
  • Possess physical strength and agility to work outdoors under adverse climatic conditions.
  • Possess physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job, including the ability to climb stationary ladders up to 100 feet in height and work in confined spaces.
  • Respond to emergency calls on a 24 hour-a-day-basis.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

  • Possess a valid California Class C Driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to the District’s automobile insurance provider.