Water Distribution Operator

July 16, 2026
$83221

Job Description

Operate and maintain Oxnard's water distribution system to ensure safe drinking water

Utilities Field Technician, Senior

The City of Oxnard's Public Works Department is seeking qualified Water Distribution Operators to join the Water Division team. Reporting directly to the Water Distribution Chief Operator, this position plays an essential role in the operation and maintenance of the City's water distribution system. As a member of a dedicated, service-focused team, the Water Distribution Operator will work in a collaborative environment that values teamwork, leadership, and professional development at every level. The Water Division is committed to providing the community with safe, reliable drinking water while delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

  • Operate heavy equipment, including but not limited to backhoes, dump trucks, and skid steers
  • Perform routine distribution maintenance on water system appurtenances
  • Install, repair, and replace water services, water mains, water meters, and other distribution appurtenances
  • Work in traffic and provide traffic control, and set up appropriate traffic control signs, barricades, and message boards
  • Provide quality customer service to both internal and external customers
  • Train new staff members on maintenance procedures
  • Keep abreast of current water regulation and safety requirements
  • Work in trenches and confined spaces
  • Perform on-call duties and after-hours work as necessary

PAYROLL/CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Utilities Field Technician, Senior

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This classification is distinguished from the Utilities Field Technician in that it performs skilled inspection, maintenance, and repair work of assigned equipment, and may serve as a lead worker by assigning work and monitoring work completion.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED/SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Incumbents may serve as lead workers, assigning and monitoring the work of others.

WORK SCHEDULE: The normal work schedule is a 4/10 work schedule, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, or Tuesday through Friday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. Depending on the work assignment, staff may be assigned to a shift that is outside the standard work hours. In addition, this position may be required to be available to work additional hours in response to peaks in workloads and changes in department needs. Employees are required to work rotational stand-by assignments outside of normal working hours and report to work on a callback basis, as needed, within an hour designated response time. Standby assignments are at the discretion of the Division Head.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Performs skilled installation, maintenance, repair, and/or replacement of equipment in the assigned area of water distribution, and/or utility meter operations; may serve as a lead worker by assigning and monitoring the work of others.
  • Performs inspections of equipment, systems, and work sites in assigned area; identifies issues related to equipment, operating processes, measurements, calibration, and/or service quality; addresses issues by making repairs, recommendations, adjustments, and/or referring complex issues to appropriate resource.
  • Organizes and maintains assigned equipment, tools, supplies, and materials; maintains activity records, files, and documentation related to the assignment area.
  • Receives and responds to inquiries and information requests; provides general information related to the area of assignment; refers specialized, technical requests to the appropriate resource. Responds to emergency requests, as required.
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Positions assigned to water distribution system may be responsible for:

  • Providing maintenance for the water distribution system;
  • Operating heavy and light equipment;
  • Locating and marking water mains and other appurtenances;
  • Assisting with sampling;
  • Performing traffic control during repairs;
  • Installing and removing water services and connections;
  • Performing janitorial and grounds maintenance for facilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • One (1) year of related utilities maintenance and/or repair experience
  • Valid California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution D1 Certification upon hire
  • Valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record
  • Valid California Class A Driver's License within 12 months of hire
  • California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution D2 Certification within 12 months of hire
  • Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions.
  • Employees are required to participate in the City's direct deposit plan and are paid on a bi-weekly basis.
  • This position requires a 12-month probationary period. Internal applicant probationary periods will be governed by the applicable MOU.
  • Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them.
  • If a candidate accepts a conditional job offer with the City of Oxnard, any and all pending applications for active recruitments with the City of Oxnard will be withdrawn and no longer considered.
  • This position is governed by the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime pay.
  • The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or sexual orientation.
  • The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodation for individuals/people with disabilities. If you believe you require special arrangements to participate in the testing process, you must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the filing date. Applicants who request such accommodation must document their request with an explanation of the type and extent of accommodation required.
  • On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended. The City participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Operate heavy equipment, including backhoes, dump trucks, and skid steers, Perform routine distribution maintenance on water system appurtenances, Install, repair, and replace water services, water mains, water meters, and other distribution appurtenances, Provide traffic control and set up appropriate traffic control signs, barricades, and message boards, Train new staff members on maintenance procedures