Water Systems Operator I/II

Why Join San Bruno Public Works?
 

Are you ready to make a difference with the City of San Bruno? Join us at a pivotal moment as the next Water Operator I/II — an opportunity to make a lasting impact within a dynamic, fast-paced, collaborative, community-focused environment.  Our Water Division ensures the safe and efficient operation of the City’s water distribution, treatment systems, and related facilities. We strive to offer excellent service to our residents, maintain and upgrade our infrastructure, and uphold high standards of environmental stewardship. You will join a dedicated group of professionals who take pride in working collaboratively to meet the City’s water needs.  
 
About The Position  
The Water Operator position entails performing semi-skilled, skilled, technical, and maintenance tasks within the Water Division of the Public Works Department.  This role encompasses the operation and maintenance of the distribution system and associated facilities, along with the production and treatment of groundwater for the City's water supply. Key responsibilities include maintaining and repairing water infrastructure such as production wells, pump stations, and storage tanks. The operator monitors and ensures water quality using field equipment and SCADA systems and is involved in pipeline construction/repair, meter installation, and heavy equipment operation.  
 
The position also includes addressing customer inquiries and complaints, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, and responding to emergency situations after hours. This role requires technical expertise, physical labor, and the ability to work in challenging conditions to ensure the efficient operation of the water system.  
 
How to Succeed in This Role  

• Adaptability and Willingness to Learn: Operator I candidates should be open to on-the-job training, learning standardized chemical tests, and mastering safe work practices and procedures.
  

• Technical Proficiency: Operator II candidates should be comfortable with advanced equipment operations, complex water system maintenance, and reading/interpreting gauges and recording devices.
  

• Physical Readiness: Regularly perform tasks such as bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, and lifting weights up to 50–100 pounds.
  

• Teamwork and Communication: Collaborate effectively with supervisors and fellow operators while keeping clear, accurate records.
  

• Customer Service Focus: Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and responsiveness in serving the public and with the team.  

 

Qualifications  

Water Systems Operator I  

• Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. 
• Experience: No specific experience required; some general maintenance and/or construction experience is preferred. 

Water Systems Operator II  

• Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. 

• Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible experience performing duties involving the operation, installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution facility systems at a level equivalent to a Water Systems Operator I. 
  

Other Requirements: Water-Systems-Operator-III-PDF

Compensation
 

The hourly rate for this represented position is currently $42.41 to $52.04 (Operator I) and $48.50 to $59.52 (Operator
II). The City is proud to offer a competitive total compensation package with the following highlights:  

 

• • 4-day workweek (Monday through Thursday, 9-hours per day) with a 3-day weekend every week.  
  • Approximately 80 to 184 hours of vacation per year, dependent on years of service.  
  • 96 hours of sick leave per year and over 10 paid holidays.  
  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plan with choice of HMO or PPO program for employee and eligible dependents.  
  • Defined benefit retirement program through CalPERS (Classic-2.7%@55 or New/PEPRA-2.0%@62). More information is available at CalPERS.   
  • Deferred Compensation Section 457b plan and City match  
  • Education assistance including tuition reimbursement
    
  • Employee home loan assistance program  

For a listing of employee benefits, please see the Miscellaneous column in our benefits summary linked here.  

 

How to Apply
 

Applications will be submitted online at BambooHR. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on December 3, 2026. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before the recruitment is closed.  The City of San Bruno utilizes a merit-based selection system. Such a system is competitive and based on broad outreach efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to take part in a process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of competitors to perform duties of the position.   

Equal Opportunity Statement  
The City of San Bruno is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and as such does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, gender, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin in its employment actions, decisions, policies and practices.  If you require special accommodations, please contact us to discuss your needs.