System Operator I/II

Join The San Diego County Water Authority!The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency established in 1944 that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. Our mission is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to 22 retail water providers, including cities, special districts and a military base. For jobseekers, the Water Authority offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, high-impact work. Our team supports a $267 billion regional economy and the quality of life for 3.3 million residents through a multi-decade water supply diversification plan, maintaining major infrastructure, and forward-thinking policies that promote fiscal and environmental responsibility. We're also exploring new ways to strengthen regional water security, support strategic water resource management across Southern California, and deliver cost savings for local families.The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Department is responsible for operating the Water Authority's aqueduct delivery system; ensuring facility security and emergency preparedness; and maintaining and managing the fleet and various other assets. Specifically, the department controls water deliveries to meet member agency demands; manages dam and reservoir operations; ensures water quality; oversees water treatment plant and power generation operations; maintains all vehicles and heavy equipment; provides electro-mechanical support; implements the Asset Management Program (AMP); complies with all applicable environmental regulations; and develops and manages computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and system maintenance programs.The PositionSystem Operators play a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable delivery of water throughout the San Diego County Water Authority's regional aqueduct system. System Operators use a modern Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor, regulate, and control complex pipelines, pump stations, valves, hydroelectric facilities, reservoirs, and other infrastructure essential to meeting member agency demands. Operators interpret system data, adjust flows and pressures, respond to alarms or abnormal conditions, and coordinate system changes during scheduled or emergency shutdowns. They also conduct field inspections, perform minor adjustments or calibrations, and ensure all work aligns with standard operating practices and water delivery schedules. This position requires strong situational awareness, technical competency, and the ability to work independently while making informed operational decisions. System Operators may serve as the duty operator on a rotational basis, supporting 24/7 system operations and contributing to the Water Authority's mission of providing a safe and reliable water supply to the region.The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, safety-focused individual who thrives in an operational environment.

This individual understands the principles of water distribution, hydraulics, and system operations and is eager to learn and advance through additional training and certification. The ideal candidate works well independently, follows established procedures, and demonstrates strong problem-solving skills when responding to changing system conditions. They communicate clearly with supervisors, field personnel, and member agencies, maintain accurate logs and reports, and contribute to a culture of teamwork. Candidates who are proactive, technically curious, and committed to developing a deeper understanding of SCADA operations and aqueduct system behavior will excel in this role.Qualification GuidelinesAny combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. System Operator I is the entry-level position in the System Operator series. Initially under direct supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of duties involved in monitoring and operating the aqueduct system. The duties of this class are highly structured and performed within established guidelines and instructions. Following initial training and instruction, incumbents are expected to perform the duties of the class without constant, direct supervision. While the primary focus of this class is the performance of field inspections and monitoring of the system and facilities, incumbents are expected to learn the duties associated with the operation of the system from the central control facility. This class is alternately staffed with System Operator II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications for the higher level class.System Operator II is the full, journey-level class in the System Operator series. Incumbents perform the full range of routine skilled systems monitoring, regulation, control and maintenance.

Under direction of a supervisor, incumbents perform their work with considerable latitude during an assigned shift. Work is typically reviewed by checks of logs, reports and periodic inspections of the system and facilities. This class is alternately staffed with Senior System Operator and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications for the higher level class. Incumbents may serve as the on-call duty operator.Application ProcedureTo be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.Tentative Exam Schedule Application Deadline: 11/08/2026 Written Exam: 12/01/2026 Tentative Interview Date: 12/22/2026To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at . If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at .The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority's regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at .BenefitsThe Water Authority maintains four employee health plan options, inclusive of dental and vision.

Currently, the "basic" plans are the Kaiser HMO plan and Aetna Value Network HMO, and the "premium" plans are the Aetna Full Network HMO and PPO Healthcare plans. All medical plans feature a chiropractic benefit. Employees and eligible dependents are covered through Aetna Dental for dental services, and Aetna for vision services. The Water Authority pays 100% of the monthly premiums for full-time employees and their dependents for the basic plans, inclusive of dental and vision. Employees pay 50% of the cost that exceeds the "basic" medical plan Kaiser family coverage premium. All health benefits are effective on the first of the month following date of hire. Employees who waive Water Authority medical, dental, and vision benefits receive $41.66 per month, deposited into a Flexible Spending Account (Healthcare or Dependent Care) and $42.33 per month deposited into the deferred compensation plan.All regular Water Authority employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire. Additional benefits are provided in accordance with the Water Authority's CalPERS contract.Classic (Hired on or before December 31, 2012)2.5% @ 558.0% Employee Contribution1 Year Final Compensation PeriodNew Members (Hired on or after January 1, 2013)2% @ 627.75 % Employee Contribution3 Year Final Compensation PeriodMembership Category - CalPERS will identify each new member as either a "Classic" or a "New" member of the system based on the prior work history of the individual. Classic Member : New employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity, or who have less than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the Water Authority will be enrolled in the 2.5% @ 55 benefit formula and contribute 8% of salary to CalPERS. CalPERS contract provisions for