WATER UTILITIES WORKER I

Salary : $53,428.63 - $68,191.20 Annually
Location : Signal Hill, CA
Job Type: Full-Time (Non-Exempt)
Job Number: 2025-0016
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 10/20/2025

Position Description
The City of Signal Hill is looking for motivated individuals to join our Public Works team
Under direct supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the construction operation, maintenance, repair and/or cleaning of water facilities in the City.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME ONCE SUFFICIENT QUALIFIED APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED. INTERESTED CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY IMMEDIATELY.

PLEASE READ THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS BEFORE YOU APPLY. FAILURE TO ATTACH YOUR CERTIFICATION(S) MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.

APPLICANTS WILL PARTICIPATE IN A PANEL INTERVIEW FOR THIS RECRUITMENT AND MAY ALSO PARTICIPATE IN A WRITTEN EXAM.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry/journey level class in the Field Maintenance Worker class series. Incumbents assigned to this class initially perform routine and closely related duties under close supervision. However, as experience is acquired, they are expected to work independently exercising judgment and initiative. The Water Utility Worker I is distinguished from those in the Water Utility Worker II and Senior Water Utilities Worker class in that the former does not frequently perform the most complex and difficult field maintenance duties, provides constant lead supervision to other field maintenance personnel, nor frequently operates heavy equipment in the most difficult and responsible work situations.
Example of Duties
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include, but are not limited to the following characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Independently, or as a member of a crew, perform a variety of semi-skilled work in the installation, repair, and maintenance of the City water system.
• Operate heavy construction equipment in routine situations, including backhoes, loaders, dump trucks and trenchers.
• Locate, excavate and repair leaks in water lines and mains.
• Install, maintain and repair hydrants, valves, meters and meter boxes.
• Use light equipment such as concrete saws, tappers, compactors, and jackhammers as well as a variety of hand tools.
• Read water meters; maintain appropriate records.
• Assist in the repair of pumps, booster stations, and other water system facilities.
• Tap water lines, turn on and shut off water service as directed.
• May operate the City water system; monitor and ensure adequate water levels in storage facilities; take samples and keep appropriate records.
• May perform backflow device inspection and testing duties.
• May administer the Cross-Connection Control program.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Respond to emergency calls; subject to call back at any time.
• Perform various related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:

EDUCATION: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
EXPERIENCE: Six (6) months paid full-time experience performing general construction and/or maintenance work.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

• Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required.
• Class B California drivers' license is required upon completion of one-year probationary period.
• A California State Water Resources Control Board issued Water Distribution Grade D1 Certificate is required or must be obtained within twelve (12) months of employment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: AWWA Backflow Tester and Cross Connection Specialist certification desired.

Position requires standby duty upon approval from Water Superintendent and is subject to call-out during regular off-time hours to assist in emergency repair and maintenance situations according to guidelines in place as outlined in the applicable Personnel Rules and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Utilization and care of general construction and maintenance tools and equipment as used in the assigned area of work.
• Methods, techniques and procedures related to parks, buildings or street maintenance or water system operations and maintenance.
• Hazards associated with the work and proper safety precautions.
• Traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in truck and heavy equipment operations.
• Purposes, uses and cares of a variety of vehicles, equipment, power tools, and hand tools, including motorized, pneumatic, and hydraulic equipment.
• Techniques and methods of irrigation system installation and maintenance, or basic practices and procedures of electrical and plumbing work.
• Proper and effective use of chemicals and cleaning solutions.
• Safe work practices.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to operate equipment and machinery requiring complex and rapid adjustments, such as the use of hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and the operation of vehicles in a safe and effective manner.
• Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing semi-skilled movements, such as assembling.
• Ability to exert heavy physical effort in moderate to heavy work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move 50 - 70 pounds.

Mathematical Ability:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to apply functional reasoning in performing routine functions following clearly prescribed standard practices.
• Ability to exercise judgment required in situations characterized by repetitive or short cycle operations covered by set procedures or sequences.
• Ability to mix chemicals and cleaning solutions.
• Ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information, following a prescribed plan; ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and/or sort data and information.

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication:

• Ability to utilize and comprehend a variety of reference data and information, such as billings, letters, production orders, operating instructions, schedules, records, basic maps and blueprints.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English language, spoken and written, with coworkers and the general public.
• Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests.

Environmental Adaptability:

• Ability to work under mildly safe and uncomfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors, such as temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, violence, noise, vibrations, wetness, machinery, disease and/or dust may cause discomfort and where there is a risk of injury, requiring extended recovery time.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors with varied environmental demands.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Selection Procedure:
All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification. Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City of Signal Hill. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City application and supplemental questionnaire.

Admission to competitive examination may be limited to those whose applications show the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position. Any part of the examination process may be qualifying only.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
The City of Signal Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workplace diversity.

Americans with Disabilities:
An applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at or at (562) 989-7304/7307 no later than 5 business days before the scheduled testing date(s).

Fingerprinting:
A candidate who is selected for hire is subject to fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice.

Pre-Placement Medical Examination:
A conditional offer of employment is based upon the successful completion of a City paid pre-placement medical examination to determine a candidate's fitness to perform the essential functions of the position. This examination will include a drug screening.

Oath and Disaster Service Worker:
All City employees are required to sign the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Public Employees upon the beginning of employment. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all City employees are required to perform assigned emergency service duties in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to sign a Disaster Service Worker Statement upon hire.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS- AVAILABLE TO FULL-TIME CITY EMPLOYEES

• 96 hours of vacation leave annually
• 96 hours of sick leave annually with buy-back program
• 10 paid holidays per year (80 hours)
• 36 hours personal holiday leave per year
• 2% @ 60 retirement formula - Employees contribute 7% of the required employee contribution. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This retirement formula is available to those candidates who currently work for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency or have worked for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency within the last six (6) months.
• 2% @ 62 PERS retirement formula - Employees contribute 7.75% of the normal cost of the benefit . There will be no Employer Paid Member Contribution. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This formula is provided for all new PERS members and those who have been separated from a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency for more than six (6) months.
• Medical insurance - The City participates in the CalPERS health benefit program and contributes up to $1,200 per month toward medical premiums. An additional $750 is available for individuals with health, dental and/or vision premiums not fully covered with the $1,200. 75% of any monies remaining (of the $1,200) after medical premiums are paid may be applied toward optional benefits including: vision, dental, or deferred compensation plan. No cash pay-out in lieu of benefits
• Dental - City contribution of $70 per month
• Vision insurance - Employee premium paid by City
• Based on years of City service, qualified retirees may be eligible for City contribution to retiree health premium. Employees contribute 1% of their salary towards their future retiree health benefit.
• $50,000 Life Insurance Policy
• Short & Long Term Disability Plans
• Social Security Participation
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Flexible Benefits Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

City of Signal Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, military or veteran status, ancestry, disability, and age (over 40), or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws.

AN EEO/ADA/VET Employer.
01

In order to better evaluate your background, responses to this supplemental questionnaire are required in addition to your online application. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process. Resumes in lieu of this questionnaire will not be accepted. In addition, copies of certifications, coursework and/or degrees must be attached to this application.I acknowledge receipt of this information.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

03

How many years of paid full-time experience do you have performing general construction and/or maintenance work?

• Less than six months
• Six months to less than one year
• One year to less than two years
• Two years or more
• No experience

04

Which of the California State Water Resources Control Board issued Water Distribution Certificate listed below do you possess?

• D1 Certificate
• D2 Certificate or higher
• None

05

Do you possess a California State Water Resources Control Board issued Water Treatment Operator Certificate?Please select from the options below:

• T1 Certificate
• T2 Certificate or higher
• None

06

Do you understand for the Water Utility Worker I/II classification, a California State Water Resources Control Board issued Water Distribution Grade D1 certificate will be required, or, the ability to obtain a Water Distribution D1 certificate within the first 12 months of employment?

• Yes
• No

07

How many years of related water utility work experience do you possess?

• Less than one year of experience
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years or more
• No experience

08

Please describe, in detail, your experience performing general maintenance work and/or related water utility work experience. Where did you gain your experience and what position did you hold?
09

Do you have experience in service and meter replacement projects?

• Yes
• No

10

Please describe your experience operating heavy equipment such as backhoes, loaders, etc., the type of work you performed while operating this equipment and where you gained this experience.If you do not have any experience in this area, please indicate N/A.
11

Please describe your experience working in trenches or excavations performing pipeline installation and/or pipeline maintenance. Please indicate where you gained this experience.If you do not have experience in this area, please indicate N/A.
12

Do you possess an Los Angeles County AWWA Backflow Tester and Cross Connection Specialist certification?This certification is not required but highly desirable.

• Yes
• No

13

Do you have a valid California driver's license?

• Yes
• No

14

Have you had your driver's license revoked or suspended within the last 3 years?

• Yes
• No

15

Have you ever been terminated or asked to resign in lieu of discipline or termination?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

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