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 until Tuesday, 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 Wa