Water Distribution/Production Specialist

Job Description

Come join the City of Fresno in Building a Better Fresno!

Want to see what it’s like to work here? Explore our We Work For You video series to discover the real stories, passion, and purpose of the team behind Fresno’s success.

Position Description

THE POSITION

Water Distribution/Production Specialist is the advanced level class which participates in the maintenance, construction and distribution of potable water for the production of ground water for the City's water systems. Incumbents may be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Depending upon assignment, incumbents may be assigned work in distribution or groundwater production. A Water Distribution/Production Specialist may provide lead instruction to lower-level distribution and production water utility staff.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Installs, maintains, and repairs water lines, valves, meters, fire hydrants, pressure regulators, pumps and tanks, surface water and groundwater treatment equipment, distribution, production equipment, and other water system infrastructures.

Operates and services equipment used in the repair, installation and maintenance of water system infrastructures including, but not limited to, compressors, jack hammers, backhoes, trenchers, tractors, trucks, and any other assigned light and heavy equipment.

Makes minor adjustments on service equipment; maintains tools and equipment in working order.

Operates and maintains wells, reservoirs, hydropneumatics tanks, and treatment facilities; and inspects residential and commercial service issues. Monitors and adjusts water distribution and production equipment.

Installs pipelines; makes water line taps; installs water services, fire hydrants, valves, and other water devices. Performs field duties related to the water system; takes water samples and inspects new construction. Excavates trenches and installs shoring as required by Cal OSHA rules and regulations.

Identifies service and main leaks; operates pipe locators; installs and inspect backflow devices.

Identifies and diagnoses leaks for customers and contractors. Reads and update waters distribution maps and as-built plans and blueprints.

Cleans and monitors pump stations and related equipment.

Performs emergency repairs to water lines as necessary; establishes proper traffic control devices.

Repairs, maintains, and installs water meters and related service lines; reads meters; turn services off and on as necessary.

Maintains logs of daily activities and keeps accurate records. Handles complaints and answers questions from the public.

Performs minor concrete work, e.g., meter boxes, and pouring hydrant pads, pump pedestals and short sections of sidewalks and curbs. Installs and removal of pumps in water wells.

Inspects new wells, monitoring wells, and destruction of privately owned wells. Notifies underground service alert of requirement for locating, marking, notification, and pavement markings for excavation. Locates and identifies City owned water and sewer line locations for Underground Service Alert (USA) as needed.

Performs surface water, groundwater and distribution system sampling. Cleans and maintains recharge basins; reads and maintains basin meters.

Wears and uses applicable PPE consistent with state mandates as required. May repair sewer lines that were damaged in the performance of duties. Maintains inventory and utilizes electronic work order systems.

Full job specifications available to be viewed at:

https://www.fresno.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Water-Distribution-Production-Specialist-10_25-10w1128.pdf

View “We Work For You” video to get an inside look at how rewarding it is to work for the City of Fresno: https://youtu.be/RjOUf52KPrk?si=NmkwtgYbTxdKcKOz

The two (2) current vacancies exist in the Department of Public Utilities Water Division - Distribution Section. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period at the City's discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.

THE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination and do not assure placement on the eligible list.

High School Diploma or GED completion or satisfactory completion of the educational requirements necessary to obtain a valid Water Distribution Operator Certificate, Grade D2, issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board

AND

Two (2) years of full-time work experience in the testing, cleaning, maintenance, inspection, repair, installation, replacement, construction, distribution and operation of water systems.

Applicants must attach a copy of their valid D2 certification under Cover Letters and Attachments. Applicants lacking the documentation may be rejected.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid Class "C" California Driver's License is required at the time of application

and continued maintenance throughout the entire term of employment in this classification.

Possession of a valid Water Distribution Operator Certificate, Grade D2, issued by the California

State Water Resources Control Board is required AT TIME OF application and continued

maintenance throughout the entire term of employment in this classification. Failure to maintain a valid Water Distribution Operator Certificate, Grade D2 certificate shall be cause for termination from this class.

Depending on assignment area: 1) may be required to obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Class "A" or "B" California Driver's License with appropriate endorsements for the entire term of employment in this classification within twelve (12) months of assignment, 2) may be required to obtain and maintain throughout the entire term of employment in this classification a valid Backflow Certificate by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that are necessary to safely, effectively, and efficiently perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation. This classification’s physical demands involve heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally with assistance, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical demands may be required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, walking.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The examination process may consist of the following:

WRITTEN EXAMINATION - 100%: A job-related written examination will be administered which may test a candidate's knowledge of the materials, methods, practices equipment and tools used in the installation and maintenance of valves, hydrants, water lines, meters, regulators, pumps, surface water and ground water treatment equipment, distribution and water services, basic mathematical principles, ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of assigned duties.

The written examination has been tentatively scheduled for the week of September 21, 2026.

Candidates must achieve a passing score on the Written Examination to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE

Qualified veterans who pass the examination may obtain five (5) additional points.
Candidates applying for veteran's preference are required to submit a copy of their DD214 with their application during the specified filing period. Evidence must be presented to indicate that the candidate was discharged honorably from the military service. Veterans, including City employees, must resubmit proof of honorable service for every examination for which veteran's preference credit is requested.

How To Apply

For information on how to complete an online application, please visit the Help & Support tab. For NEOGOV Application Assistance, please call 1-855-524-5627 or email [email protected]. ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS ARE ACCEPTED and must be submitted by midnight on the closing deadline, or they will not be accepted for any reason.

Required licenses, certifications, and education must be verified with supporting documents. Foreign education must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Please ensure all relevant attachments are uploaded with your application.

For the work experience section, provide detailed descriptions of job duties for each position related to the specific role you are applying for. Resumes are not a substitute for completing this section and will only be reviewed as supplemental information, not for determining minimum qualifications.

For other City of Fresno employment opportunities, please view our Careers Homepage . If you have recruitment questions, please call our office at 559-621-6950. Our office is located at 2600 Fresno Street, Room 1030, Fresno, CA 93721.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you need a special accommodation due to a qualifying disability, please contact the Personnel Service Department at (559) 621-6950 in advance of the examination.

3% Salary Increase, effective June 15, 2026

Bargaining Unit 1

Non-Supervisory Blue Collar

International Union of Operating Engineers, Stationary Engineers Local 39

BENEFIT

DESCRIPTION

HEALTH INSURANCE

The City contributes toward monthly premiums for PPO medical, dental and vision for employee and dependents.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

IRS 125 Plan for health and dependent care expenses.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

Voluntary 457 plan with Fidelity Investments to increase your retirement savings.

VACATION LEAVE

Accrue 8 - 15 hours per month based on years of service available after 6 months.

SICK LEAVE

8 hours per month, available after 90 days

HOLIDAYS

10 City-observed annual holidays, plus birthday and 2 personal days.

SHORT TERM DISABILITY

Provided through California SDI program

BILINGUAL PREMIUM

$100 per month upon approved certification

SUPPLEMENTAL SICK

40 hours per fiscal year.

80 hours lifetime maximum accrual.

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE

City contracted uniform service, cost shared 50/50 Safety Shoe voucher - $250

Prescription Safety Glasses - Reimbursement of $125

HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ARRANGEMENT (HRA)

Eligible retirees can use the remaining Sick Leave balance, in excess of 240 hours, at 80% of hourly rate and other qualified leave balances, tax free, to reimburse health insurance premiums and other qualified medical expenses.

RETIREMENT - City of Fresno Retirement Systems, one of the best funded public systems in the state. Reciprocity with other public California systems. Vested in Retirement benefits after 5 years of service. City employees do not participate in Social Security.

DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program): an optional, voluntary program that allows an employee to deposit retirement benefits in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno for up to 10 years. Participation minimum is age 50 and vested. Benefits include ownership of accumulated funds, compound interest earnings, and alternative distribution options.

Additional information regarding the City of Fresno benefits is available at

https://www.fresno.gov/personnel/human-resources-support/#tab-1

Please note that the benefits package described above is specific to permanent full-time employees. Employees engaged on a part-time, temporary, limited, or other basis may have different entitlements.

Closing Date/Time: 9/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific