Lead Water Distribution Operator III-IV (Promotional Only)

- OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT REGULAR STATUS CITY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEES -

Applications and supplemental questions will be accepted untilTuesday, March 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Pay

• Lead Water Distribution Operator III - $88,264.39 - $107,285.78 Annually DOQ
  
• Lead Water Distribution Operator IV- $92,778.61 - $112,771.98 Annually DOQ
  

About the Opportunity

The City of Ventura is now accepting applications for the position of Lead Water Distribution Operator III-IV (Promotional Only).

The Lead Water Distribution Operator III-IV plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability of water distribution systems, coordinating field operations, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting safe work practices across the distribution team.

This position is flexibly staffed and may be filled at either level, depending on the certifications, qualifications, experience, and demonstrated skills of the incumbent, as well as the staffing needs of the City.

What You'll Do

The Lead Water Distribution Operator III/IV serves as a working lead responsible for directing and training staff in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and service facilities, including valves, hydrants, air/vac valves, meters, and service connections. Using the Lucity AMMS system, the Lead develops and assigns work orders, prioritizes tasks, and coordinates field activities to ensure efficient use of crew time and resources.

In this role, the Lead oversees the installation, shutdown, maintenance, replacement, and disinfection of water mains, valves, and related appurtenances, including installing and relocating fire hydrants and performing taps on water mains up to 12 inches. The position also manages the City’s annual flushing program and ensures compliance with regulatory discharge requirements and best practices under NPDES through the use of the NoDES flushing truck.

The Lead Water Distribution Operator also operates a variety of heavy equipment, including backhoes, skip loaders, tractors, boom trucks and attachments, crew trucks, dump trucks, and valve operating trucks. Additional duties may include performing minor acetylene welding and cutting in support of field maintenance operations.

Incumbent may be required to work stand-by on rotational basis and report to work on a callback basis as needed within a designated time frame. Standby assignment is at the discretion of the Division Head.

The Ideal Candidate - Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Strong knowledge of water distribution systems, pipelines, valves, hydrants, and related infrastructure
  
• Experience coordinating or leading field crews performing installation, maintenance, and repairs
  
• Ability to prioritize work assignments and manage multiple field operations
  
• Knowledge of water system disinfection procedures and regulatory requirements
  
• Experience using specialized equipment for leak detection, excavation, and system maintenance
  
• Strong understanding of safety practices, confined space requirements, and field operations
  
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and underground utility diagrams
  
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with staff, contractors, and the public
  
• Strong working knowledge of the American Waterworks Association standards and California Water Resources Control Board standards
  
• A commitment to public service, operational reliability, and environmental stewardship
  

Minimum Qualifications - Required

A combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and three years of related water system maintenance experience, one year of which should be in a journey-level capacity. Prior supervisory or lead experience and/or training is highly desirable .

Formal training in the following areas is highly desirable : confined space hazard prevention, asbestos safe handling and disposal, traffic safety control, and flagging.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATES

License: Possession of a valid California Class C driver license is required. Within 6 months of employment, the incumbent is required to obtain and, thereafter, maintain a valid California State Class A license with Auto Transmission and Air Brakes Restrictions - No Endorsement. Pursuant to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, drug testing is required.

Certificate:

Lead Water Distribution Operator III: Possession of a valid California Water Resources Control Board Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator certification or possession of a D2 certification and successful completion of the D3 examination, and possession of the D3 certification within one year from the date of hire.

Lead Water Distribution Operator IV: Possession of a valid California Water Resources Control Board Grade D4 Water Distribution Operator certification.

How to Apply

-OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT REGULAR STATUS CITY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEES -

Note: Current City of Ventura employees must use the Workday Jobs Hub career section to apply for this position.

• To be considered for this promotional opportunity, you must be a Regular or probationary status employee with the City of Ventura. Please complete an online City Application and supplemental questionnaire to apply for this promotional opportunity.
  
• Submit an online City job application and supplemental questionnaire via your employee WorkDay Jobs Hub App by the filing deadline. It is important that your city job application show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess. Resumes, CVs and cover letters may be attached to your application but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application or supplemental questionnaire. Submitting an incomplete application or supplemental questionnaire, may disqualify you from further consideration in the recruitment process.
  

Selection Process

• All applications and supplemental questionnaires submitted will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement.
  
• Candidates will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified based on experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Candidates will be notified about their status after the filing deadline.
  
• A select number of candidates will be invited to a panel selection interview. Select candidates will be notified of specifics at a later time.
  

The Eligibility List established for this classification may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.

THE SCHEDULE

The timeline dates are subject to change. Candidates will be notified as necessary.

• Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.- Application Deadline. Applications and supplemental questionnaires must be submitted by this date to be considered for the position.
  
• Week of March 17, 2026 - Candidates will be notified by email of their status by this date.
  
• Week of March 17, 2026 - Department selection Interviews are tentatively scheduled for this date. Qualifying candidates will be notified by email or phone if they are invited to the interview panel.
  
• March 2026 - Candidates will be notified of the outcome of the interview by this date.
  

Additional Information

For additional information on the duties and responsibilities of the position, refer to the job descriptions located on the City’s Career Page at City of Ventura Jobs or by viewing here Lead Water Distribution Operator III -IV .

Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team at:

recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov or (805) 654-7802.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, (805) 654-7853, e-mail: recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!

• 

• City of Ventura

• 805-654-7853

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