Equipment Operator I- Water

Salary : $73,729.52 - $89,618.69 Annually

Location : Fountain Valley, CA

Job Type: Non-exempt FLSA

Job Number: 2025-44

Department: Public Works

Division: Utilities

Opening Date: 09/09/2025

Closing Date: 10/3/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Description

CLASS DEFINITION

Performs a variety of manual, semi-skilled and skilled maintenance tasks. Operates a variety of light, medium and/or heavy gas, electric, and diesel powered motorized equipment in the construction, maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the City's wastewater system, including pipelines, lift stations, storm drains, and catch basins; or water distribution and reclaimed water facilities and pipelines, depending on the area of assignment. Also performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Skilled work performing the more routine duties and responsibilities. This classification is differentiated by the operation of the more routine and less complex heavy equipment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The incumbent works under the general supervision of a Foreman or Supervisor.

Job Overview

Operate a variety of light, medium and/or heavy gas, electric and diesel powered motorized equipment used in public works maintenance and construction including loaders, skip loaders, backhoes, forklifts, tractors, dump trucks and related equipment.

Performs skilled work, including excavations, shoring applications, surfacing, earth moving, laying pipes, loading and hauling materials.

Perform heavy, semi-skilled, manual labor construction and maintenance work when the nature of the job does not require constant operation of equipment.

Grade, shape, backfill and contour surfaces in accordance with engineering specifications.

Load, transport and unload a variety of materials, including stone, gravel, dirt, asphalt and timber.

Perform minor maintenance on assigned equipment, including lubricating parts, making minor adjustments and repairs; and keeping operating records.

Perform traffic control at the worksite, set up cones, direct traffic and assist the public.

When assigned to Sewer/Storm Drains

Perform maintenance and construction tasks to maintain maximum, constant water flow in the wastewater system; clean and repair storm drains to prevent flooding; lift manhole covers and retrieve debris inside manholes; operate combination hydro-jet vacuum truck to clean sewer and storm drain lines; excavate and repair sewer lines; review wastewater system maps; and assist in the repair and maintenance of equipment and systems.

Operate equipment, including sewer/storm drain combination hydro-jet vacuum truck, CCTV van and related construction equipment.

OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES

May work in a lead capacity on a temporary basis in the absence of a Foreman or Supervisor.

May perform, as needed, technical oversight and training to Maintenance Workers and Temporary Laborers.

Complete a variety of checklists, maintain a variety of records and complete reports as assigned.

Perform other duties as assigned.

When assigned to Sewer/Storm Drains

Operate portable and trailer mounted pumps and auxiliary generators.

Perform routine maintenance on sewer and storm drain lift stations.

Perform Dig Alert identification and markings for sewer and storm drain utilities.

Qualification Guidelines

EDUCATION

High School graduation, equivalent, or possession of a General Education Development Test (GED) certificate is required.

College-level coursework with an emphasis in utility science is highly desirable.

EXPERIENCE

When assigned to Sewer/Storm Drains

Previous sewer/storm drain maintenance experience, preferably in a municipal setting is highly desirable.

Previous experience operating a variety of light-to-medium equipment is required.

REQUIRED LICENSES

Incumbents must maintain, at all times, the license(s) and certification(s) required for this job description.

Possession of, or ability to obtain within the probationary period, a valid California Class B Commercial Driver's License for airbrakes is required at the time of appointment or within the probationary period.

When assigned to Sewer/Storm Drains

A commercial driver's license Tanker Endorsement is required at the time of appointment or within the probationary period.

Possession of a Grade 1 CWEA Collection System Maintenance Certificate is required at the time of appointment or the ability to obtain within the probationary period.

National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) completion is required within one year of appointment to this position.

NASSCO Lateral Assessment Certification Program (LACP) certification is desirable.

NASSCO Manhole Assessment Certification Program (MACP) certification is desirable.

Possession of OSHA competence certification for trench shoring is highly desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Must be available for standby duty and is subject to periodic call-out during off-time hours to assist with emergencies.

KNOWLEDGE OFWhen assigned to Sewer/Storm Drains

Methods, tools, practices, materials and related equipment used in the construction, maintenance, camera inspection, rehabilitation and reconstruction of sewer lines, storm drain lines, manholes and catch basins.

Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State and Local laws and regulations for municipal wastewater and storm drain systems.

Procedures for and proper use of confined space entry monitoring equipment and emergency escape breathing apparatuses.

REQUISITE ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Skill in the use and maintenance of small hand tools, power equipment and other equipment.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, City officials, contractors and the public.

Effective verbal communication skills.

Understand and follow written and verbal instructions.

Safely operate a motor vehicle.

Interpret and understand engineering plans and specifications is highly desirable. Implement and oversee preventative maintenance program for assigned equipment.

Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods and under unfavorable weather conditions.

Lift and carry heavy objects safely.

Proper operation of safety equipment including air analyzers, life lines and emergency escape breathing apparatuses.

Skill in avoiding or protecting existing facilities and utilities during sub-surface excavations.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work will primarily be outdoors with full exposure to the elements, but may work indoors as well. Performs strenuous physical labor for extended periods of time requiring physical strength and endurance; drive a City vehicle on City business; operate motorized equipment and machinery; may work under damp conditions and in confined spaces and, therefore, may work on slippery and uneven surfaces; crouch, sit, stand, walk, bend, crawl, kneel, pull, reach, push, twist, climb ladders and sloping surfaces, grasp, drag, lift and carry items weighing 45 up to 100 pounds; work above shoulder level with power and/or hand tools for sustained periods of time; may be exposed to dust, pollen, grass, dirt, chemicals, solvents, paint, grease/oil, fumes, electrical and mechanical hazards, vehicular traffic, vibration and noise; work with machinery; meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, vision, hearing, dexterity and use of both hands and legs appropriate to the duties to be performed.

NOTE

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT DESIGNATION

Non-exempt

COVERAGE UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONS

Incumbents in this classification are covered under the Department of Transportation regulations for drug and alcohol policy as specified in the City's Administrative Regulation No. 1051.

Please for a list of MOU's and City benefits.

01

Which of the following do you currently possess?

A commercial driver's license Tanker Endorsement

Grade 1 CWEA Collection System Maintenance Certificate

National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP)

NASSCO Lateral Assessment Certification Program (LACP) certification

NASSCO Manhole Assessment Certification Program (MACP) certification

OSHA competence certification for trench shoring

02

Do you have previous sewer/storm drain maintenance experience in a municipal setting?

Yes

No

03

Please describe your experience operating a variety of light-to-medium equipment.

04

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED?

YES

NO

Required Question