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Distribution System Operator | CalOpps

Distribution System Operator

OPEN TO ALL APPLICANTS

Position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Please apply promptly; Position may close at any time.

Salary: $7,612 - $9,126/month

~Posted on 9/14/2023~

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Distribution System Operations Department of the Operations Division is recruiting for one regular, full-time Distribution System Operator. Under general supervision, monitors, inspects, adjusts and performs maintenance tasks at the District's SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) control room and other water distribution facilities; performs radio and telephone dispatch for District personnel and consumers; and performs related work as required. Interested persons must submit a completed District application and supplemental questionnaire responses.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey-level class in which incumbents are expected to handle complex problems associated with the daily operation of the water distribution system and assist with the training of new Water Distribution Operators. As a condition of employment, employees in Distribution System Operator positions are required to pursue the training and education necessary to maintain a current Grade 3 Water Distribution System Operator certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

TYPICAL DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Operates and monitors the water system using a modern SCADA system;


• analyzes data obtained from the SCADA system in order to correct abnormal conditions in the water system;


• performs routine maintenance to SCADA system peripherals, such as changing printer paper, ribbons or cartridges;


• uses both hard copy maps and computerized GIS (Geographic Information Systems) data to analyze and correct system problems;


• receives and analyzes consumer and system problems, dispatches the appropriate District personnel;


• operates a computer based radio/telephone communication console;


• maintains a computer based radio/telephone log and related computer programs;


• installs and operates emergency system bypass lines, regulator systems and pumping systems;


• performs inspections, adjustments and maintenance at water distribution facilities; and


• follows applicable safety rules and regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT

Knowledge of:

• Operation of pumps and motors;


• methods, materials and equipment used in the operation of a water distribution system;


• basic hydraulics as it applies to the operation of a water distribution system;


• PC (personal computer) software applications, including operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, and enterprise systems;


• geography and landmarks associated with the District's service area;


• radio and telephone dispatch procedures; and


• English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar;

Ability to:

• Understand the operation of pumps and automatic valves;


• operate and understand a variety of computer programs;


• analyze data obtained from SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition


• read and interpret SCADA graphics and distribution system diagrams;


• work effectively and use sound judgment during major system failures caused by pipeline ruptures or natural disaster;


• analyze problems and take appropriate action within established guidelines;


• communicate tactfully and effectively with the public and District personnel;


• understand and carry out written and oral instructions;


• maintain accurate records and logs; and


• travel to off-site work locations depending upon job assignments.

Training and Experience: 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:

• Completion of the twelfth grade or its equivalent;

and

• Two years experience as a Water Distribution Operator.*

*An Associate's degree or Certificate in water or wastewater technology or distribution that includes at least 15units in physical, chemical, or biological science may be substituted for one year of operator experience.

*A Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or sanitary engineering, or one of the physical, chemical, or biological sciences, or other closely related field may be substituted for 1.5 years of operator experience.

*A Master's degree in civil, environmental, or sanitary engineering, or one of the physical, chemical, or biological sciences, or other closely related field may be substituted for 2 years of operator experience.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid D3 Distribution Operator certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). Possession of an appropriate California driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and satisfactory driving record.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Per California Government Code, Title 1, Division 4, Chapter 8, Section 3100 "all public employees are hereby declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law." (Ref: California Government Code, Title 1, Division 4, Chapter 8, Sections 3100- 3109);


• Work on an "on call" basis for emergency situations;


• field experience and familiarity with the terms, practices and procedures common to the water industry preferred;


• Willingness to work any day and any 8, 10 or 12 hour shift within a 24-hour period as assigned, including holidays, weekends and overtime as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

During the course of performing job duties the employee will need the mobility to work in a standard office setting, operate equipment, which may include office and/or field equipment, or specialized instruments or tools requiring repetitive arm/hand movement and/or the coordinated movement of more than one limb simultaneously; enter and retrieve data from personal computers and terminals via keyboards which is often performed while sitting for extended periods of time. The employee frequently stands, walks, bends at neck and waists, twists at neck and waist, uses simple and power grasping with both hands, uses fine manipulation of both hands and fingers, and may require use of the arms above the shoulder, climb or balance; stoop, kneel or crouch. While working in the field the employee may walk on uneven or un-level ground surfaces such as hills, slopes, ditches or trenches, on or in tanks, and may work at heights up to ten to twelve feet climbing ladders or stairs. The employee is occasionally required to lift and carry short distances objects such as reams of copier paper, office supplies, files, books, printed materials and other packages or equipment weighing up to 10 to 25 pounds. This position requires that the employee demonstrate adequate hearing and speech to converse in person and over the telephone, and vision to read printed materials, distinguish color, and use a computer screen.

The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate noise. The employee is exposed to outdoor temperature, humidity, wetness and dust. The position may require the ability to work overtime and weekends as needed.

Employees who drive on District business to carry out job-related duties must possess a California driver's license for the class of vehicle driven and meet automobile insurability requirements of the District including review of a recent DMV history. In order to drive, individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles and equipment safely.

To be successful in this job, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the listed duties. These duties are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and functions of the position. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be directed to the Human Resources Manager.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

To be considered for this career opportunity, applicants must submit the following information to the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline shown on this announcement.

1. Properly completed District application. Clearly state the title of the position for which you are applying.


2. Supplemental application. The attached page of supplemental questions will be a primary tool in evaluating qualifications for this position. The responses will be evaluated along with the completed application form. Applications received without completed Supplemental Responses will not be considered.


3. Strongly recommended (see below).


4. Valid D3 Distribution Operator certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) (required).

A resume may be included but does not substitute for a completed application. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement in the selection process. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to show that he/she meets the minimum qualifications in this job announcement.

The examination process may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical test, and oral and/or final interviews. All applicants will be notified of the disposition of their application. Based upon information provided in the application documents, the applicants presenting the best job-related qualifications will be invited to continue in the process. An eligibility list may result from this examination process.

Applicants who are selected for district employment are subject to a background check conducted by an outside agency and must take and pass a pre-employment/pre-duty medical exam. Depending upon job duty assignments, the applicant may be required to submit an original California Department of Motor Vehicles driving history. Current employees are exempt from this requirement.

Do NOT submit the DMV driving history until requested to do so.

You may apply ONLINE through CALOPPS at: Distribution System Operator | CalOpps

Online applications are strongly encouraged. A manual application packet may also be obtained by calling 415-945-1434, or in person at MMWD/HR, 220 Nellen Avenue, Corte Madera, CA 94925.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly as this recruitment may close at any time without notice.