Water Distribution Operator Trainee

Description

The City of Livermore is currently accepting applications for the position of Water Distribution Operator Trainee. For more information regarding this recruitment, please refer to the job announcement.

DEFINITION

Under direct supervision, Water Distribution Operator Trainees assist in the operation and maintenance of the potable water and recycled water distribution systems, operate a variety of equipment used in the continuous operation of a water distribution system and related facilities, and inspect and repair water meters and water service lines; monitor and record meter readings of water consumption levels and assist with related adjustments as needed; collect and transport water samples for lab analysis; and perform other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the trainee level class in the Water Distribution Operator series that typically has limited or no directly related work experience and works under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. The Water Distribution Operator - Trainee class is distinguished from the Water Distribution Operator I level by performance of basic tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series that do not require possession of a Water Distribution Operator Grade I certificate.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives direct supervision from the Water Distribution Supervising Operator and the Water Distribution Operations Manager; receives lead direction from one or more Water Distribution Senior Operators; and may receive assignments from Water Distribution Operator I, II, or IIIs as well as from employees from other sections during training.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

Examples of Important and Essential Functions

General Maintenance Functions
Operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment; assists in maintaining tools and equipment in safe and proper working condition; assists with construction and improvement projects as assigned; and maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition.

Water Distribution Functions
Assists with the inspection of meters and service lines; monitors and records meter readings of water consumption levels; operates a hand held radio; assists with the opening and closing of system valves; assists in discontinuing water distribution to residential and commercial establishments as directed; assists with inspection of storage tanks and pump buildings; assists with the collection and transportation of water samples for lab analysis; assists with conducting bacteriological testing and monitors chlorine levels; assists with system flushing to maintain good water quality; assists with the inspection and repair of pressure reducing valves to ensure proper distribution pressure levels within each zone; assists in the installation, maintenance and repair of water meters and related service lines; assists in the installation and repair of fire hydrants; and assists in the repair of motors, pumps and other equipment.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications

Demonstrated Knowledge of :
Principles, practices and procedures related to the operation and maintenance of a water distribution system; methods, procedures and requirements for monitoring water quality levels; pumps, valves and backflow devices; related health and safety regulations and procedures; oral and written communication skills; record keeping techniques; and defensive driving practices.

Demonstrated Skills to :
Operate and maintain specialized hand and power tools and equipment; read and interpret maps; observe and perform tasks; evaluate situations, identify problems and arrive at logical solutions; use initiative to keep important work progressing to completion within prescribed time limits; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; maintain routine records related to work performed; complete reports in an accurate and legible manner; follow health and safety regulations; work effectively with the public, contractors, and City staff using tact and good judgment under sometimes tense and emotionally charged situations; perform basic mathematical calculations; operate personal computers; apply defensive driving techniques; and exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective customer service attitude.

Ability to :
Learn and apply applicable city and departmental policies, practices, and procedures relating to the job assignment.

Experience, Education, and Training Guidelines:
Any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience : One year of experience in mechanical maintenance, laboratory procedures, underground construction, or the building trades.

Education : Equivalent to graduation from high school.

License : Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record as determined by the City. Possession of a valid California Class A license with the appropriate endorsements is required prior to the completion of the probationary period.

Certification : A passing score on the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Distribution Operator Grade I exam is required prior to the completion of the probationary period.

Other Requirements : Willingness and ability to work scheduled and emergency overtime; work outdoors in all weather conditions; work at night, in confined and awkward spaces, in heavy traffic, and in the presence of noxious odors, toxic chemicals, biological agents, and sewage; work in potentially hazardous areas; wear and use appropriate safety clothing and equipment, including self-contained breathing devices; and attend meetings, workshops, and seminars during work and non-work hours.

Special Requirements : Essential duties require the mental and physical ability to drive a variety of vehicles and operate equipment; detect odors and running water; identify mechanical noises; converse on the telephone, two-way radio, and in person, often over the noise of machinery; bend, stoop, climb, and stand for long periods of time; read fine print with no color deficiencies to detect color-coded wires and read results of water color tests; manipulate small parts and components; safely lift and maneuver equipment and supplies such as fire hydrants, water meters, grates, large PVC pipe, wire spools, meter boxes, jackhammers, and other equipment and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds; and safely wear self-contained breathing apparatus while entering and working in confined spaces.

Additional Information

The City of Livermore is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.

CITY OF LIVERMORE
BENEFITS SUMMARY
Association of Livermore Employees

Please click here for a copy of the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Association of Livermore Employees. The information contained here is a summary of benefits. For a more detailed summary of benefits for all employee groups, click here . Any errors or omissions do not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. Updated 1/2025

MOUTERM
10/01/2021 - 09/30/2025

SCHEDULED INCREASES
10/11/2021 2.0% + $725.40/year
10/10/2022 3.5% + $754.56/year
10/09/2023 2.5% + $777.36/year
10/07/2024 2.0% + $796.80/year

CAFETERIA PLAN (MEDICAL, DENTAL & VISION)
$1,950/month towards medical, dental, and vision; unused balance paid in cash to employee.

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE & ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE (AD & D)
FT - $60,000 EE coverage or PT - $30,000 EE coverage, ER paid
$1,000 dependent coverage, ER paid

EE option to purchase $25,000 additional life insurance & supplemental life to $500,000 (not to exceed 5x annual earnings).

LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD)
ER paid
60% of base monthly earnings to $5,000/month max. (180 day waiting period)

PERS
New City of Livermore EEs are enrolled in the 2% at 60 formula or 2% at 62 formula, depending on eligibility, as per AB 340.

Classic PERS Misc Member - 2% at 60

• Member Rate = 7% EE paid
• Employer Rate = 34.43% ER paid (includes unfunded liability; FY23/24)
• 36 consecutive months Final Comp
• Sick Leave Credit
• 4th Level 59 Survivor Ben.
• Military Service Credit

New PERS Misc Member - 2% at 62

• Member Rate = 7.5% EE paid
• Employer Rate = 34.43% ER paid (includes unfunded liability; FY23/24)
• 36 consecutive months Final Comp
• Sick Leave Credit
• 4th Level 59 Survivor Ben.
• Military Service Credit

MEDICARE (Hired after 3/31/86)EE paid 1.45%ER paid 1.45%

RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS (RHS) ER contribution of 4% of base pay into RHS account.

VACATION ACCRUAL
Years of Service Accrual Per Year 1 80.6 2-5 120.12 6-10 135.98 11-15 160.94 16-19 180.18 20+ 192.4
Prorated for part-time EE.
Maximum accrual: 340 hours

HOLIDAYS & HOLIDAY-IN-LIEU PAY
Holidays: 12 observed holidays or in lieu day off or if work 2.5 times pay.
Holiday-In-Lieu Pay: EE's assigned receive 7.5% of base salary, paid per pay period

SICK LEAVE ACCRUAL
96.2 hours/year
Pro-rated for part-time EE

SICK LEAVE USAGE:

• FAMILY SICK LEAVE : For immediate Family Illness - ½ Annual Sick Leave Accrual.
• PARENTAL LEAVE : For non-birthing parent who becomes a parent due to adoption, foster care placement, or birth of a child - 48 hours
• BEREAVEMENT/ FUNERAL LEAVE (non-immediate family) : 3 regularly scheduled workdays of sick leave can be used for aunt or uncle.

FUNERAL LEAVE
3 regularly scheduled workdays max for immediate family.

PERSONAL LEAVE
Full-Time: 16 hours per year
Pro-rated for part-time EE.

PREGNANCY LEAVE & FMLA/CFRA
EE may use accrued leaves in compliance with City Rules & Regs
Benefit provided as per regulations: Federal Family and Medical Leave Act, California Family Rights Act, and California Pregnancy Disability Act

DEFERRED COMPENSATION 457(b)
ER contributes $75 per pay period, with required matching of $75 by EE

2025 Maximum :
Normal = $23,500
Age 50+ = $7,500
Catchup Limits = $46,000
Voluntary EE Participation

SECTION 125 PLAN
No ER contribution
2025 Maximum
Dependent Care*: Up to $5,000/year -- *See IRS Pub #503
Unreimbursed Medical: Up to $3,300/year

• Pre-tax Health Care Premiums
• FSA's for Dependent Care
• Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
• Other options offered by plan administrator

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
$850 per year/ paid in equal amounts per pay period
For Public Safety Dispatchers, Senior Public Safety Dispatchers, Supervising Public Safety Dispatchers, Police Clerks, Senior Police Clerk, Supervising Police Clerk, Animal Control Officers, Police Identification Technician, Supervising Property and Evidence Specialist, Property and Evidence Specialist, Community Service Specialists, Crime & Intelligence Analysts, and Crime Prevention Specialist.

SAFETY SHOE ALLOWANCE
Paid annually in July: $200/year for Meter Readers, and employees in Engineering Technician, Neighborhood Preservation Officer, and Building Inspector series who perform field work, and Public Works employees that are required to wear safety shoes or boots.

PRESCRIPTION SAFETY GLASSES
Reimbursement of up to $150/year for purchase of safety prescription glasses for EEs working in locations where there is a risk of eye injuries.

SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
EEs regularly assigned to city facilities operating 24/7 - $2.50/hour for all hours worked when assigned to a shift requiring EE work at least 4 hours between 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 a.m.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION
Public Works EEs: $12.00/day for EE who operates Class A vehicle, min of 50%+ operation/day.

STANDBY PAY
2 hours straight-time for standby on regularly scheduled work day
3 hours straight-time for standby on regularly scheduled days off and fixed City holidays

CALL BACK PAY
3 hours min @ OT rate for FLSA nonexempt. First 3 hours can't be taken as comp time but paid to EE.

WORK IN A HIGHER CLASS
If work min of 3 consecutive workdays, paid @ 5% differential or the minimum of the salary range of the higher classification.

COURT PAY/COURT CANCELLATION PAY
If in connection with EE's usual official duties, 3 hrs min @ OT, or 4 hrs min @ OT for those required to appear on normal day off or on graveyard shift.

SUPPORT SERVICES TRAINING OFFICER PAY
$90/pay period for full pay period while assigned.

BILINGUAL PAY
$60/pay period for both written & conversational. Must be certified by Department Head and approved by Admin Services Director, and used on the job.

$35/pay period for conversation level as certified by Department Head and approved by Admin Services Director.

TELEPHONE PAY
20 minutes and for each minute exceeding 20 minutes at OT rate.

CELL PHONE ALLOWANCE
Standard = $40/month (if authorized)
See Administrative Regulation 36 for details.

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS' LICENSE PAY
$35/pay period with valid CA Commercial Driver's License and valid DOT medical card.

OT COMP & COMP TIME OFF
OT for > 40 hrs/week or > 8 hrs/day in a reg scheduled day or hrs in excess of those normally scheduled & worked/day @ 1 ½ x reg. pay or Comp Time in lieu of OT for FLSA nonexempt. Accrued Comp Time in excess of 100 hours must be paid out.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
75% reimbursement for tuition & books
For undergraduate studies, $4,000 FY max; $16,000 lifetime max
For graduate studies, $5,000 FY max; $10,000 lifetime max

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
100% reimbursement for required licenses and certifications

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Three (3) sessions per incident per family member. Unlimited telephonic consultations.

FLSA WORK PERIOD
168 hour pay period beginning Monday at 12:01 a.m., ending 7 days later on Sunday at 12:00 midnight. If an EE is not on this work week schedule, something must be in writing documenting EE's work week.

For WR Operator series : 168 hour period beginning Sunday at 12:00 midnight,
ending 7 days later on Saturday at 11:59 p.m.

PAY PERIODS
26 pay periods per year

Benefits listed are for regular full-time employees. Benefits are prorated for 30-hour and 20-hour employees.

ER = Employer
EE = Employee
FT = Full-Time
PT = Part-Time

Closing Date/Time: 9/5/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Livermore

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