$4,651.03 to $6,102.55/mo.

FILING DEADLINE: October 31, 2025

The Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District, Improvement District No.1 (District) is accepting applications for its Operator-In-Training position.

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 POSITION:

Under general supervision, performs variety of work activities related to the maintenance, repair, and operation of the District’s water system facilities and related equipment; reads and records readings of water meters; learns to perform skilled installation, repair, operation, and maintenance procedures; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the entry-level job for performing a variety of work related to the District's potable water distribution system.  Prior work experience in construction or trade-related fields is desirable but not required.  Operators-in-Training work under close supervision while performing installation, repair, operation, and maintenance activities necessary for ongoing functionality of the District’s water distribution system.  As incumbents develop job skills, knowledge and experience, additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned toward advancement to higher-level operator positions.  Incumbents are required to obtain a Water Distribution Operator D1 Certificate and a Water Treatment Operator T1 Certificate (issued by the State Water Resources Control Board) within one year of the date of hire.  Upon obtaining such certificates and completing one (1) year of satisfactory service with the District, an incumbent becomes eligible for promotion to the position of Operations Technician I.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

·         Assists with a 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).

·         Performs 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.

·         Performs landscaping and 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.

·         Reads water meters and reports readings; assists with District procedures in detecting possible water leaks and other abnormalities in consumer water use.

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

·         Learns to perform 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.

·         Learns to collect water quality samples, and to prepare and maintain 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.

·         Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:             Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.

Licenses:                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. 

Knowledge Of:

·         Basic knowledge of materials, tools, and equipment used in water service installation, maintenance, and repair work.

·         Proper work safety standards.

Ability To:

·         Perform basic work assignments in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water service facilities.

·         Learn skilled techniques for performing 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).

·         Safely operate motor vehicles, power-driven equipment, and hand tools used in carrying out District operations.

·         Follow oral and written directions.

·         Perform heavy physical labor.

·         Learn the location of various water service infrastructure and related facilities within the District.

·         Use proper safety precautions in working with chemicals such as chlorine and other disinfection products.

·         Learn standard water quality testing and various safety procedures and protocols.

·         Maintain and update water treatment and water production records and logs.

·         Learn to read water measurement and recording equipment and interpret results for District operations.

·         Establish and maintain cooperative and courteous working relationships with co-workers and members of the public.

·         Complete District-provided training and acquire and maintain basic First Aid and CPR certificates.

·         Maintain full-time residency within approximately thirty (30) miles of the District to efficiently respond to emergency calls.

·         Commit to rotational schedule for possible call-backs during off-duty hours.

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 accommodation(s) 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, materials, 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 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.