Water Maintenance Worker I

Job Summary

Maintains and repairs the City’s water distribution system; installs, repairs, and maintains meters, valves, and related water system components; and performs related work as required.

Positions in the Water Maintenance Worker class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level through a recruitment process.

The Water Maintenance Worker I salary range is $63,684 to $78,624 annually.
The Water Maintenance Worker II salary range is $70,056 to $86,484 annually.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Water Maintenance Worker I : This is the entry-level classification in the Water Maintenance Worker series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine tasks in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water systems. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level, but they are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Water Maintenance Worker II : This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Water Maintenance Worker series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Water Maintenance Worker I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Water Utility Worker in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned, including providing direction and monitoring the work activities of staff, requiring additional training and certification.

Representative Duties

Identifies utility markings at job sites to determine location excavation; breaks and removes asphalt; excavates mains and lines following safe dig practices and shutdown procedures; installs and removes various types of trench shoring; backfills trenches.

Taps water main for installation of new services; installs, repairs, and maintains fire lines, fire hydrants, domestic water services, meters, various sizes of vault sections, meter boxes, and related water distribution components.

Investigates and repairs water mains, service leaks, and related water system problems; replaces water mains and removes old services.

Exercises, maintains, and repairs valves according to preventive maintenance schedules; tests and adjusts water volumes and pressures.

Operates a variety of equipment and tools including trucks, dump trucks, skip loaders, grinders, cutting torches, saws, assorted pumps, and related equipment; may operate heavy equipment as needed.

Determines appropriate equipment needed for work assignment; loads, transports, and unloads tools, supplies, materials, and equipment.

Interacts with and notifies customers of impacts to their water service, including serving discontinuation notices.

Sets up traffic control using the appropriate barricades, cones, and delineators; safely channels and directs traffic around work sites.

Assists in locating and marking underground utilities.

Performs routine preventive maintenance and basic repairs on tools, equipment, and vehicles used.

Maintains logs, records, and reports of maintenance and repair activities performed.

Reads and interprets water system maps, blueprints, standards, specifications, and related technical documentation.

Performs emergency work on water main breaks and related emergencies as required; assists with temporary and emergency water shutdowns.

Maintains shop and working areas in a clean and orderly condition.

Utilizes proper safety precautions related to all work performed and performs work in a safe manner following all City and applicable safety regulations, rules, policies, and procedures.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, techniques, equipment, and tools required for installing, maintaining, and repairing equipment and facilities found in water distribution systems
Basic excavation and concrete handling techniques
Plumbing and piping principles
Operational characteristics, use of, and maintenance requirements of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and light to heavy power equipment required for the work
Basic traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations
Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures related to the work
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff
The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work
Principles of basic mathematics
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed

Ability to:

Perform a variety of tasks in the installation, repair, and maintenance of water distribution systems and facilities
Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities
Read and interpret maps, schematics, drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and related technical documents
Work safely and adhere to principles of safety when working near traffic or in other environments
Load and transport pipes, steel plates, stomper, skip loader, backhoe and related materials and equipment to work site
Locate and detect leaking water mains
Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed
Understand and follow oral and written instructions
Safely and effectively use and operate a vehicle and tools and equipment required for the work
Learn, understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed
Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines
Effectively use computer systems, standard office productivity and presentation software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Provide effective customer service

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from high school or the equivalent

Experience: One year of general construction experience in water utility industry, plumbing, or general contracting.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of, or successfully obtain within 12 months of appointment, a valid Grade I (D1) Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), to be maintained throughout employment

Possession of a Class C California Driver’s License to be maintained throughout employment

Possession of, or successfully obtain within 6 months from date of appointment, a valid Class B California Driver’s License to be maintained throughout employment

Possession of, or successfully obtain within 6 months from date of appointment, a valid Forklift Operator certification, to be maintained throughout employment

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

Selection Process:

All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of any of the following:

• Training and Experience Evaluation: Qualifying
• Written Exam: 100%
  • Please Note: The written exam is tentatively scheduled for April 22, 2026

If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

Background Investigation:

Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 4/2/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• City of Santa Monica

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