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City of Torrance

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR III

CAOther

1mo

Description

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.

The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.



The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Water System Operator III to be part of the

Public Works Department's Torrance Municipal Water Division Team!

The Department

The Public Works Department's Division of Torrance Municipal Water (TMW) is a full service water agency with approximately 26,500 service connections that provides both retail and wholesale water service to approximately 80% of the City. Torrance Municipal Water is a leading water agency in the South Bay that prides itself on serving its customers in a cost-effective manner, with a reliable supply of high-quality water, essential to maintaining public health and safety, economic vitality, and community well-being.

The Position

As a part of the Torrance Municipal Water Division, the Water System Operator III leads crews and provides in-the-field technical expertise to entry and intermediate level Water System Operators. In this lead role, the Water System Operator III is responsible for planning work, ensuring safety, training crew members, troubleshooting, and responding to customer concerns in the field.

The Water System Operator III also performs the most complex skilled work in the installation, maintenance and repair of the City's water system, and performs water quality control and meter repair. The most frequent jobs include preventative maintenance, corrective actions, and emergency repairs to water mains, hydrants, and replacing valves. Performs related duties as required.

The availability to respond to emergency call-outs during and after normal work hours is a must.

PREMIUM PAY

Additional Annual Earning Potential

LICENSE/ASSIGNMENT

%

Qualifications

POTENTIAL ANNUAL PAY INCREASE

Water Distribution Operator License - Grade D4

3%

Upon documentation that Water Distribution License Grade 4 is achieved (3%).

$2,704.42 -$3,131.23

Water Distribution Operator License - Grade D5

3.5%

Upon documentation that Water Distribution License Grade 5 is achieved (3½%).

$3,154.15 - $3,646.10

Water Plant Operator Assignment

7.5%

Public Works Water System Operator Ill's assigned as operator to the Goldsworthy Desalination Plant or other City water production facilities shall receive a seven-and one-half percent (7½%) assignment pay. The incumbent who receives this assignment pay may use the working title Water Plant Operator.

Water System Operator Ill's will be given an interest form to be considered for the assignment. All interested Water System Operator Ill's will be interviewed internally and, if accepted, will be required to pass a competency test. The competency test may be given annually or at a minimum of every two years. The test must be passed with a score of 70% or better and will contain both written and practical components.

Test topics may include membrane replacement, clean in place procedures, safe handling of chemicals, pump operations, and/or any related topic to plant operations.

A minimum of two (2) positions will be assigned to the Water Plant and or other City water production facilities. The Department Head may increase the number of positions based on operational demand subject to employee passing the competency test.

$6,760.84 - $7,803.03

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Required

Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the knowledge and skills required is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Equivalent to a high school diploma and four years of progressively responsible experience in the installation, maintenance, repair and/or inspection of water distribution facilities.

License And/or Certifications

Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid California driver's license; a State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator License Grade D3; and a State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Operator License Grade T2.

In addition to above, successful candidates will possess the following:

  • Strong technical skills with the ability to motivate and lead a crew;
  • State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator License Grade D4 or D5;
  • Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing;
  • Computer skills including knowledge of SCADA software;
  • Flexibility to adapt to various work environments ranging from working in-house at the meter shop and water quality office to working in field;
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with co-workers, the public, other City departments and individuals from other agencies.

How To Apply & Exam Process

Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position(s) is/are filled. First review of applications will be those received by Sunday, MAY 25, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.

Only Those Candidates Who Best Meet The City And Department's Needs Will Be Invited To Participate In The Examination Process, Which Will Consist Of The Following Components

  • Performance Test: Weighted 60% (will be tentatively scheduled)
  • Panel Interview: Weighted 40% (will be tentatively scheduled)

The tentative test date(s) will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date.

SPECIAL NOTES

In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between TME-AFSCME and the City of Torrance, new employees covered under that memorandum shall become members in good standing and pay the required service fee to said Local.

Safety Sensitive Positions (Document with position titles: Safety Sensitive positions.pdf):

Positions under this classification perform "Safety Sensitive" functions as defined by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and are subject to Federal drug and alcohol testing. Pursuant to the US DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations – 49 CFR Part 40, Federal Regulations do not authorize the use of Schedule 1 drugs, including marijuana and Cannabidiol (CBD) products, for any reason.

Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about our community.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the test date.

Positions in this classification may be considered "safety sensitive" under Federal law and employees assigned to these positions will be required to submit to drug and alcohol screening. As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and preemployment medical examination.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 before the test date.

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and a pre-employment medical examination.

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.

City of Torrance Inclusion Statement

The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!

Benefit Summary For Torrance Municipal Employees (tme-afscme)

Note: Not all benefits listed may be applicable to all positions with in the unit. Please refer to the MOU for specifics.

Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance (sec. 4.9)

The City's monthly contribution for health insurance is as follows:

Employee Only Emp. +1 Emp. +2 or more

Full Time 597.68 1,140.36 1,595.96

Part-Time

(hired prior to 1/1/08) 483.29 912.98 1,248.16

Part-Time

(hired after 1/1/08) 356.34 619.68 829.48

The City's monthly contribution for vision insurance is $3.33

The City's monthly contribution for dental insurance is $33.71/EE only and $67.42/EE +1 or more

City provides a $50,000 life insurance policy

Longevity (based on years of service) (Sec. 2.5)

Crafts and Trades employees** shall receive longevity pay in the following manner:

7 YOS: 2.5% above base pay.

11 YOS: 5% above base pay

15 YOS: 7.5% above base pay

19 YOS: 10% above base pay

  • YOS= Years Of Service
  • Except Public Safety Dispatcher and Animal Control Officer

Permanent Part-Time Employees (Sec. 2.8)

Permanent part time employees working 20 hours or more per week are entitled to all benefits. Accrual of time and money shall be ½ the amount received by full-time employees.

Premiums (sec. 3.1)

Varies by position and assignment. Varies (see Sec 3.1)

Night (sec. 3.5)

Swing Shift: 5% over base pay when ½ or more of the shift is worked after 4:00 p.m.

Graveyard Shift: 7 ½% over base when ½ or more of the shift is worked after midnight

Weekend Shift (sec. 3.6)

Weekend Shift: 5% over base pay for hours worked on Saturday and Sunday only

Applicable only to employees within the Community Services Department, Park Services Division

Holidays (sec. 4.1)

13 paid holidays (New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, The Friday after Thanksgiving, Last working day before Christmas, Christmas Day & last working day before New Year's).

Vacation Leave (sec. 4.2)

Accrual Rate Per Month

Years 1 -2 : 9.33 hours; Year 3: 10 hours; Year 4: 10.67 hours; Years 5 – 9: 12.67.hours; Years 10 – 20: 16.02 hours; Years 21 – 24: 17.33 hours; Year 25+: 18 hours

Maximum Accrual up to the amount earned over the preceding thirty-six (36) months.

Sick Leave (sec. 4.3)

Accural rate is six (6) hours per month

Maximum Accrual: of 600 hours.

Bereavement Leave (sec. 4.6)

Up to five (5) work shifts of bereavement leave; three (3) shifts with pay and two (2) shifts without pay per death of eligible family members

Disability Insurance (sec. 4.9)

Employee receives 2/3 base pay after elimination period (14 consecutive days for STD and 180 consecutive days for LTD)

  • (See Sec 4.9.B for details on coverage for employees who don't qualify for commercial policy).

Retirement (sec. 4.10)

PERS 2@55

Employees hired prior to 2/01/2011, City pays 7% EPMC*

Employees hired on or after 2/01/2011 pay 7% EPMC*

  • Employer Paid Member Contribution (EPMC) PERS 2@62 "New members" hired on or after 1/01/2013, pay (50%) of normal cost with three year average final compensation.

Uniforms (Sec. 4.11)

$80 each 6 months**: Telecommunications Techs, Wireless Techs, and Water Tech III incumbants (acting in capacity of Water Quality Inspectors)

$225 each 6 months**: Bus Operator, Transit Dispatchers, Police Services Officer and Animal Control Officer.

  • Payable during June and December of each year

Tool Allowance (Sec. 4.12)

$250 every 6 months*: (Mechanic, Senior Mechanic, and Senior Welder)

$175 tool and educational material allowance**: Animal Control Officer

$100 one-time reimbursement: Mechanic or Senior Mechanic required to use metric tools (upon proof of purchase)

  • Payable during June and December of each year
  • Payable in February

Safety Shoes (Sec. 4.14)

$125 allowance: every six (6) months of employment payable during June and December of each year for employees required to wear safety shoes

$250 allowance: per year for Animal Control Officer payable during September

Deferred Compensation (sec 4.15)

457 Plan: Enrollment is voluntary.

Upon completion of year one, employees receive a non-matching deferred City contribution of $300 ($11.54 per pay period) per calendar year.

01

I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history. I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job. I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application. I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application. I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.

  • Yes
  • No

02

The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?

  • Yes
  • No

03

Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

  • Yes
  • No

04

Amount of full-time (paid 40 hour/week or part-time equivalent) progressively responsible experience in the installation, maintenance, repair and/or inspection of water distribution facilities. NOTE: This work experience must be reflected on the job application at the time of submission.

  • 1 - 3 Years
  • 4 or More Years

05

Do you possess a valid California driver's license? You must provide your driver's license number and License Class ("A", "B", or "C") in the designated areas below.

  • Yes
  • No

06

Select your valid Driver's License Class.

  • Class A
  • Class B
  • Class C

07

Provide your valid Driver's License Number.

08

Do you possess and maintain a current and valid California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator License Grade 3 or higher?

  • Yes
  • No

09

Provide your valid California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator License Grade (Grade 3 or higher required).

  • D3 - Grade 3
  • D4 - Grade 4
  • D5 - Grade 5

10

Provide your valid California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator License Grade 3 or higher License Number.

11

Provide the Issue Date for your valid California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator License (Grade 3 or higher). Utilize Date Format MM/DD/YYYY.

12

Do you possess and maintain a current and valid California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Plant Operator License Grade 2 or higher license?

  • Yes
  • No

13

Provide your valid California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Plant Operator License Grade (Grade 2 or higher required).

  • T2 - Grade 2
  • T3 - Grade3
  • T4 - Grade 4
  • T5 - Grade 5

14

Provide your valid California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Plant Operator License Grade 2 or higher License Number.

15

Provide the Issue Date for your valid California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Plant Operator License (Grade 2 or higher). Utilize Date Format MM/DD/YYYY.

16

I certify that the information I have provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that this information is subject to verification with my former employers, and that misrepresentation may cause me to forfeit all opportunities to be considered for employment with the City of Torrance.

  • Yes
  • No
  • Required Question