Water Operator I (Temporary Assignment)
Camarillo
Friday, 01 May 2026
ABOUT THE CITY - Nestled in the heart of Ventura County, just minutes from California's scenic coastline, Camarillo offers a unique blend of small-town charm, a vibrant community spirit, and an exceptional quality of life as a forward-thinking and innovative local government, we are dedicated to delivering outstanding service while fostering a dynamic, empowered workforce that reflects the high standard to the community we serve. Discover more about us and our organizational culture here. Learn more about the Water Division here. THE POSITION - The ideal candidate for the Water Operator I (Temp–PT) position is someone with a strong construction or field-labor background, who is comfortable working outdoors and performing physically demanding tasks. While prior experience in water distribution is not required, the ideal candidate will bring a willingness to learn, a positive attitude, and a genuine desire to grow into a skilled water professional. The candidate will be proficient with basic hand tools and small equipment, understand safe work practices, and be able to follow instructions and procedures with accuracy. They apply practical, real-world problem-solving skills to daily tasks, demonstrate reliability, and can recognize hazards or issues before they become problems. Teamwork, clear communication, and a commitment to high-quality work are essential traits for success in this role. Under immediate supervision, the Water Operator I performs a variety of semi-skilled work in the maintenance, operation, and repair of the City’s potable and recycled water distribution systems. Employees in this entry-level classification receive on-the-job training to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the full range of water operations duties. Assignments include reading, maintaining and installing/replacing residential and commercial water meters, providing customer service, performing basic maintenance, and assisting with water-quality testing and system repairs. This class is distinguished from Water Operator II by the performance of more routine and structured duties under close supervision while learning to operate specialized equipment and systems. This classification is part of a flexibly staffed series in which employees may advance to the next level in the series based on demonstrated competencies, experience, and the needs of the department.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Please click on this link to see the entire classification description: Water Operator I
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Education and Experience:Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade (high-school diploma or GED). One (1) year of experience in maintenance, construction, or a related field. Desirable Certifications:Grade D 1 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board. Grade T 1 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board. Valid California Class A driver’s license with tanker and air brake endorsements. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of:Basic principles, practices, and methods of water distribution and maintenance. Construction tools, materials, and equipment used in water-system maintenance and repair. Safe work practices and procedures, including confined-space entry and traffic control. Basic hydraulics and water-flow principles. Operation of light and heavy equipment used in construction and maintenance work. Fundamentals of water disinfection and water-quality standards. Basic components of a water-production system, including wells, pumps, reservoirs, pressure-regulating valves (PR - Vs), and SCADA systems. AMI/ AMR metering systems and troubleshooting basics. Recycled-water regulations and maintenance practices. Proper use and care of hand and power tools. Basic office procedures, recordkeeping, and computer software applications. Basic mathematics and measurement principles. Principles and practices of customer service and communication. Applicable federal, state, and local regulations related to potable and recycled water systems. Ability to:Learn and perform a variety of water-system operations, maintenance, and repair tasks safely and efficiently. Accurately read and record meter readings and consumption data. Use, operate, and maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment properly. Read and interpret maps, as-builts, and work diagrams. Perform basic water-quality sampling and testing under direct supervision. Maintain accurate logs, records, and reports. Follow written and oral instructions, policies, and procedures. Communicate clearly and courteously with coworkers and the public. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others. Perform basic arithmetic calculations. Work safely in confined spaces, around traffic, and under varying environmental conditions. Adapt to changing technologies and learn new systems and equipment. Demonstrate reliability, initiative, and a willingness to learn.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL DEMANDS - Work requires sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; walk for prolonged periods of time; frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach; push, pull, lift, and/or carry moderate to heavy amounts of weights; work in confined space and tight spaces; operate assigned equipment and vehicles; climb ladders to unusual heights, ability to verbally communicate to exchange information. WORK ENVIRONMENT - Outdoor field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, gases, mechanical and electrical hazards and all types of weather and temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions; work in or around water; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain; work at heights. Exposure to chemicals, confined space, traffic safety control and flagging. Incumbents may be required to respond to emergency and public calls after hours including evenings and weekends and/or work a standby schedule. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)The City of Camarillo is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered. Disaster Services Assignments. As public employees, we play an enhanced role in the event of a disaster or other emergency in our community. You will be registered as a disaster services worker, and you will be issued a disaster services identification card. In the event of a disaster or other emergency, make sure that your family is safe and secure first, then report to your assigned emergency location. Temporary employees generally do not receive disaster services assignments. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view the correspondence. FOR FIRST CONSIDERATION, CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE LISTED CLOSING DATE AND TIME. TENTATIVE INTERVIEWS WILL BE HELD THE WEEK OF JUNE 1.