Operations Technician I:  $6,020.29 to $ $7,899.14/mo.

Operations Technician II:  $6,337.06 to $8,314.78/mo.

Operations Technician III: $6,653.90 to $8,730.50/mo.

THE DISTRICT:

Located in the central portion of Santa Barbara County, the District is a public water agency governed by an elected five-member Board of Trustees that provides potable water service to domestic, agricultural, commercial, and institutional customers in the communities of Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Ballard, the Santa Ynez Band of the Chumash Indians, and the City of Solvang on a limited basis. The District utilizes a diversified water supply portfolio including local groundwater wells, River wells, and rights to the Cachuma Project and State Water Project supplies.

THE POSITIONS:

Depending on the position, performs a wide variety of work in the operation and maintenance of the District’s water distribution system and production facilities, including the installation, maintenance, and repair of water services, valves, mains, hydrants, and meters; reading water meters and recording use; monitoring and ensuring  compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding water system operations; utilizing the supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA); and operating and maintaining a variety of heavy equipment, hand and power tools, and miscellaneous equipment.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Operations Technician I:  This is an apprentice-level position in the Operations Technician series.  Incumbents are expected to have some level of background education, training, and/or hands-on experience in water distribution operations.  Employees participate in performing a variety of skilled and semi-skilled installation, maintenance, operations, and repair work on the District’s water production and distribution system.  Work is usually supervised while in progress and evaluated for conformance with District and industry standards.

Operations Technician II:  This is an intermediate-level position in the Operations Technician series.  Incumbents in this position are distinguished from the Operations Technician I position based on increased levels of education, training, and/or hands-on experience in water distribution operations.  Employees perform a wide range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising mature judgment and initiative.  Positions at this level receive instruction, assistance, and/or supervision as needed, where employees are expected to be fully aware and capable of implementing the District’s operating protocols, procedures, and standards.  Work is normally reviewed upon completion and for overall results.

Operations Technician III:  This is an advanced-level position in the Operations Technician series.  Incumbents in this position are distinguished from the Operations Technician II position based on advanced levels of education, training, and/or hands-on experience in water distribution operations.  Employees perform a wide range of duties and special assignments, working independently, and exercising advanced judgment and initiative.  Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction, assistance, or supervision as new or unusual situations arise, where employees are expected to be fully aware and capable of implementing the District’s operating protocols, procedures, and standards.  Under direction of the District’s Superintendent and Distribution & Operations Supervisor, incumbents in this position may be responsible for field project oversight and supervision of other operations personnel.  

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

High school diploma or equivalent required for all positions within the Operations Technician series.

REQUIRED Experience and Certifications:

Operations Technician I:  One to three (1-3) years of increasingly responsible work experience in performing maintenance, repair, and/or operation work with a public or regulated water distribution system, and possession of a Grade 1 Water Distribution (D1) certificate and Grade 1 Water Treatment (T1) certificate from the State of California State Water Resources Control Board.  Continued maintenance of valid certificates is a condition of employment for this position.

Operations Technician II:  Three to five (3-5) years of increasingly responsible work experience in performing maintenance, repair, and/or operation work with a public or regulated water distribution system, and possession of a Grade 2 Water Distribution (D2) certificate and Grade 1 Water Treatment (T1) certificate from the State of California State Water Resources Control Board.  Continued maintenance of valid certificates is a condition of employment for this position.

Operations Technician III:  At least five (5) years of increasingly responsible work experience in operating a public or regulated water distribution system, and possession of a Grade 3 Water Distribution (D3) certificate and Grade 2 Water Treatment (T2) certificate from the State of California State Water Resources Control Board.  Continued maintenance of valid certificates is a condition of employment for this position.

Required for EACH position:

·         Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver’s license and be insurable with the District’s insurance at the standard rate and continue to meet the established driving standards as a condition of employment for this position. 

·         Incumbents are required to participate in District provided training to acquire basic First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificates during the initial 12 months of employment and continued maintenance of valid certificates as a condition of employment for this position.

·         Full-time residency within approximately thirty (30) miles of the District office in order to efficiently respond to emergency calls.

·         Subject to call back during off-duty hours according to rotational schedule.

Essential Functions:

·         Performs variety of installation, repair, operation, and maintenance work related to the District’s potable water distribution system and related facilities (e.g., reservoirs, transmission and distribution mains, wells, booster pump stations, water treatment facilities, sample stations, air vacuum release valves, system valves, pressure control stations, service lines, fire hydrants, meters, electrical equipment, and other appurtenances).

·         Assists in and/or helps oversee routine maintenance tasks for various District facilities, such as rust removal and/or painting of structures and water appurtenances; general upkeep of District buildings, yards, well and reservoir sites, fencing, gates, and other structures; general upkeep of District vehicles, tools, and equipment.

·         Assists in and/or helps oversee grounds work, including weed abatement around reservoirs, well and booster pump sites, access roads, rights-of-way, and other locations using hand tools and various mechanical equipment.

·         Assists with the installation, testing, and repairs of water service connection and water meters.

·         Assists in responding to customer calls and concerns regarding water service, leaks, repairs, and other matters.

·         Operates electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, gasoline-powered, and variety of hand tools.

·         May operate various motor-driven equipment such as skid steer, mini-excavator, backhoe, vacuum excavator.

·         Performs skilled maintenance, repair, and construction work to ensure reliable operation of the District’s water distribution system.

·         Assists in responding to routine and emergency leak repairs in water mains, laterals, and service connections.

·         Collects water quality samples and prepares water quality reports and related documentation; assists in water treatment and disinfection procedures.

·         Participates in virtually all aspects of team-oriented approach to customer service.

·         Coordinates with the District’s Superintendent, Distribution & Operations Supervisor, field staff, front office staff, and management.  

·         Other duties as assigned.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge Of:

Commensurate with certifications held, knowledge of principles, methods, materials, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of potable domestic water treatment and distribution systems; mechanical and electrical characteristics of motors, meters, valves, control panels, telemetry systems, and other water control or measuring devices; math and record keeping commensurate with Distribution and Treatment certificates held; applicable federal, state, and local standards for maintaining water quality and complying with treatment and distribution standards and requirements; AWWA specifications; hydraulics; principles for disinfection of water distribution systems and maintaining sufficient disinfectant residuals; effective preventive maintenance practices and routine operation and maintenance programs; safety precautions and procedures; design and operation of water meter systems; teamwork and developing consensus.

Ability To:

Depending on the position held, ability to train, supervise, and participate in work related to the operation and maintenance of District’s water meter system, storage, treatment, transmission and distribution facilities; read, write, and perform mathematical calculations; perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in facility construction and maintenance; understand and follow oral and written instructions; communicate effectively in both oral and written form; perform routine laboratory tests and samplings, analyze results and take effective corrective action when necessary; maintain logs, records and charts; read and interpret gauges and recording devices reflecting water system operations; read and interpret maps, drawings, product label instructions and equipment operation procedures; operate and maintain a wide variety of hand and power tools used in water treatment and distribution; take a proactive approach to problem solving; perform assigned tasks in a safe manner; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and learn, understand, and implement the District’s protocols and procedures.

Tools and Equipment Used:

Motor vehicles, generators, pumps, gauges, detection devices, and specialized equipment such as analyzers, computer-based telemetry recorders and indicators, computer control systems, electrical equipment, and common hand and power tools, detection devices, mobile radios, telephones, calculators, and a variety of lab equipment.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee frequently is required to stand, sit, and/or walk for prolonged periods.  The employee must be able to smell, and to speak and hear clearly.  The employee may be required to climb, balance, bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl. The employee must be able to carry, push, pull, reach, and loft equipment and parts weighing up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Elements:

Travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals, computer screens, traffic conditions, work in or with water and on slippery or uneven surfaces.

BENEFITS:

• Health, dental and vision insurance available the first day of the month following enrollment. Employee/family coverage paid by the District up to 100% of the maximum allotted by Resolution of the Board of Trustees.

• CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement plan that includes a lifetime benefit determined by a set formula (years of service, age at retirement, and final compensation).  

• Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage paid by the District.
• The District participates in Social Security.
• Voluntary deferred compensation plan available.
• Disability insurance at a nominal cost to employee on date of hire.
• 10 days vacation accrued each year (vacation accrual can be taken after six months of employment with the District); increases to 15 days after 5 years of employment, and 20 days after 10 years.
• 12 paid holidays per year.
• Sick leave – 12 days per year.

TO APPLY:
To obtain an application please visit www.syrwd.org, or send an email request to general@syrwd.org, or call (805) 688-6015. Completed application and resume should be sent to Racel Cota, the District’s Administrative and Financial Manager, at Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District, ID No.1, P.O. Box 157, Santa Ynez, CA 93460, via email to rcota@syrwd.org, or hand-delivered at 3622 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez, CA 93460.

Upon hire, candidate must possess a bank account to accommodate the District’s direct deposit for monthly pay. Upon hire, the candidate must submit a Department of Motor Vehicles printout summarizing their driving record covering the last 30 days from the closing date of this recruitment.

A "no smoking" policy has been adopted in all District facilities to promote a health-based, smoke-free workplace as part of the District’s commitment to a pollution-free environment. An Equal Opportunity Employer - Women, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons desiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process may contact the District Office at (805) 688-6015 prior to the final filing deadline.  The provisions contained in this job flyer do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revised without notice.