Operator I/II Sewer Division

Job Description:

Operator I/II Sewer Division

Description

DESCRIPTION

The full salary range for this position is as follows: Operator I - $31.53 to $40.25 / Operator II - $34.76 to $44.37. Expected hiring range is as follows: Operator I - $31.53 to $34.76 Analyst II - $34.76 to $38.32

The Operator performs semiskilled to skilled work in the maintenance and repair of various systems and areas; operates light and moderately heavy power-driven equipment to clean, maintain and repair.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Operator I

This entry-level class in the Operator series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Operator II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties as assigned to the journey level class. This class is typically used as a training class in that incumbents have only limited related work experience. Incumbents work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Operator II

This is the full journey level class within the Operator series and is distinguished from the Operator I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned with only minimal instruction or assistance. Incumbents work independently, seeking assistance only as new or unusual situations arise. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Operator I class.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Operate a variety of light to heavy equipment including, but not limited to, front-end loader, backhoe, dump truck, street sweeper, and road grader used in the construction and/or maintenance of storm drains and canals, roads, trails, parks, and related projects.

· Respond to questions and concerns from members of the public; provide information as is appropriate; and resolve public service complaints.

· Responding to related emergencies determines proper actions and performs the necessary repairs to resolve each situation.

· Ensure the proper authorities are notified of the emergency. Follow up with post-emergency notifications and reports.

· Perform preventative maintenance on the tools, equipment, and vehicles used to perform work functions; and ensure vehicles have adequate tools, equipment, materials and supplies to perform daily activities and respond to after hour emergencies.

· Set up traffic controls to ensure a safe work site and safe public passage and access around the work site.

· Perform related work, as required.

· Operate a variety of light to moderately heavy equipment involved in the maintenance, cleaning, and repair of sanitary sewer lines and related facilities.

· Operate a specialized industrial vacuum-cleaning vehicle to clear and clean sanitary sewer lines.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

· The operations, services, and activities of a wastewater collection system operations and maintenance program.

· Principles and practices of technical and functional supervision and training.

· Maintenance, repair, and methods of operation of related tools and heavy equipment including backhoes, high pressure water jetting equipment - hydrovactor, dump trucks, 90 lb. jackhammers, and other related equipment.

· Occupational hazards and safe working practices pertinent to wastewater collection system maintenance, repair, and construction, including working around biohazards and in confined spaces.

· Traffic control laws and safety procedures.

· Methods and techniques for recordkeeping.

· Basic principles of mathematics.

· Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

Operator I - Collection Systems

· Perform operation, maintenance, and repair of the wastewater and storm water collection system and associated tools and equipment.

· Operate backhoes, high pressure water jetting equipment, hydro-vector, 90-pound

jackhammers, closed circuit television inspection systems, and a variety of motorized heavy equipment, hand and power tools, and mechanized machinery in a safe and effective manner.

· Develop and implement appropriate actions when responding to sanitary sewer overflows, maintenance, and repair issues.

· Follow and comply with standard operating procedures.

· Apply applicable regulations regarding wastewater containment and other related issues.

· Follow and comply with safety procedures for working around biohazards, confined spaces, wastewater and stormwater, wastewater facilities and equipment, and outdoor or field settings.

· Work independently and make sound decisions.

· Respond to issues and concerns from the community and internal clients.

· Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

· Communicate effectively verbally and in writing in an accurate, clear, concise, and understandable manner.

· Read, understand, and interpret essential technical information including maps and drawings.

· Perform basic mathematical calculations.

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Operator II - Collection Systems

· Perform operation, maintenance, and repair of the wastewater and storm water collection system and associated tools and equipment.

· Operate backhoes, high pressure water jetting equipment, hydro-vactor, 90-pound jackhammers, closed circuit television inspection systems, and a variety of motorized heavy equipment, hand and power tools, and mechanized machinery in a safe and effective manner.

· Develop and implement appropriate actions when responding to sanitary sewer overflows, maintenance, and repair issues.

· Follow and comply with standard operating procedures.

· Apply applicable regulations regarding wastewater containment and other related issues.

· Follow and comply with safety procedures for working around biohazards, confined spaces, wastewater and stormwater, wastewater facilities and equipment, and outdoor or field settings.

· Work independently and make sound decisions.

· Respond to issues and concerns from the community and internal clients.

· Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

· Communicate effectively verbally and in writing in an accurate, clear, concise, and understandable manner.

· Read, understand, and interpret essential technical information including maps and drawings.

· Perform basic mathematical calculations.

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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

Collection Systems:

Operator I:

o Education: High school diploma or G.E.D. or equivalent.

o Experience: One year of general maintenance and/or construction work experience with an agency, company, or organization.

Operator II:

o Education: High school diploma or G.E.D. or equivalent.

o Experience: Two years of experience in construction and maintenance of

wastewater collection systems, storm drains, and related facilities equivalent to that of a Collection System Operator I with the City of Palmdale.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements:

Possession of a valid California driver's license by the time of appointment, and the ability to be insured with the City's insurance carrier is required.

Operator I:

Collection Systems:

· Possession of a valid class C California driver's license by the time of appointment.

· Possession of a valid Class A or B California driver's license within one year of appointment.

· Possession of a Grade I Collection System Maintenance certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association within one year of appointment.

· Employees in these classifications are required to successfully complete a medical fitness exam for the use of a respirator as soon as practical.

Operator II:

Collection Systems:

· Possess a valid Class A or B California driver's license within one year of

appointment.

· Possession of a Grade II Collection System Maintenance certificate.

· Employees in these classifications are required to successfully complete a medical fitness exam for the use of a respirator as soon as practical.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands:

Mobility: frequent use of a keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional climbing, bending, and squatting; walking on level and slippery surfaces; reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, stooping. crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment.

Lifting: properly lift and carry loads during a variety of situations; frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 40 pounds; the need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment, and supplies weighing 90 pounds or more is also required.

Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. The nature of work requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment.

Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.

Work Environment:

The work environment for this classification takes place within indoor and outdoor settings. When working outdoors, the incumbent works in all weather conditions including wet, hot, and cold; and when working outdoors the incumbent works within heavy vehicle traffic conditions. The incumbent may use chemicals, which may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants.

Incumbents in this class must be available for on-call and stand-by duty or assignments; and respond to after-hours emergencies. Work may take place during irregular business hours, such as evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Revised: June 2025

FLSA: Overtime Eligible

The City of Palmdale is noted for its highly skilled workforce, with a large concentration of aerospace firms located at Air Force Plant 42 and nearby Edwards Air Force Base. Its family-oriented and culturally enhancing venues, such as the Palmdale Playhouse, DryTown Water Park and Palmdale Amphitheater, make Palmdale "a place to call home."

Palmdale is located approximately one hour north of Los Angeles off the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR-14). It encompasses 106.6 square miles and has a population of approximately 165,450. The City is served by several school districts and has a growing retail and commercial base. For more information, visit www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov.

BUSINESS HOURS: Normal operating hours are from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday - Thursday. CLOSED on Friday.

UNION: The Teamsters Local 911 represents certain positions in the City's Public Works Maintenance division.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

APPLICATION MATERIALS must be submitted by the closing date listed in the job bulletin. Resumes cannot be accepted in lieu of a City online application.

RESIDENCE within the City is not required.

AN ELIGIBILITY LIST of the most qualified applicants will be compiled based on the results of the selection process. The list will remain in place for a period to be determined by Human Resources.

The benefits listed here apply to full-time and benefited part-time positions, not to unbenefited part-time employees unless described.

A PROBATION PERIOD of six months minimum applies to initial employment with the City.

VACATION, HOLIDAYS AND LEAVE: The City provides 15 paid holidays per year and 80 hours vacation (years one through four) with a maximum accrual of 240 hours (160 hours for benefited part-time employees). Administrative employees accrue 80 hours of administrative leave per year with a maximum accrual of 240 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Employees accrue 96 hours per year with a maximum accrual of 800 hours (400 hours for benefited part-time employees). Unbenefited part-time employees receive 28 hours of paid sick leave per fiscal year.

RETIREMENT: The City is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Full-time and benefited part-time employees will be enrolled in either the New Member or Classic plan, as defined by CalPERS. New Members are enrolled in the 2% @ 62 formula and pay the full 7.75% employee contribution. Classic Members are enrolled in the 2% @ 60 formula and pay the full 7% employee contribution.

All other part-time employees are covered under the Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS).

WELLNESS PROGRAM: The program includes gym membership discounts, healthy eating programs, exercise classes & other programs.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: Direct Deposit is mandatory for all new employees.

CREDIT UNION: F&A Federal Credit Union & Logix Federal Credit Union (formerly Lockheed) are available options.

INSURANCE: The City offers group health, dental/vision, long term and short term disability, and a $50,000 life insurance policy for full-time employees. The City contributes towards the employee's health insurance.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: The City participates in the ICMA-RC Deferred Compensation Plan, which enables benefited part-time and full-time employees to contribute on a tax deferred basis.

OVERTIME COMPENSATION: Overtime is accrued at time-and-a-half for eligible employees for time physically worked in excess of the regular 40-hour work week.

PART-TIME EMPLOYEES: Unbenefited part-time employees are reviewed for merit salary advancement but are not eligible for any other benefits listed. Benefited part-time employees are eligible for CalPERS retirement, sick leave, holidays, and vacation on a prorated basis.

MILEAGE PAY: Any employee may be reimbursed for work related mileage at 54 cents per mile when assigned to use their private vehicle on City business.

SOCIAL SECURITY: The City does not participate in Social Security and does not deduct Social Security payments from any employee's salary. The City deducts 1.45% of salary for Medicare and makes a 1.45% matching contribution.

*Benefits can change at any time.

Closing Date/Time: 2/24/2026 1:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$65,582.40 - $92,289.60 Annually