Operations Technician III/IV - Electrical Services

Salary : $78,601.00 - $123,111.00 AnnuallyLocation : 16451 El Sobrante Rd. Riverside, CAJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: 25-29Department: Automation and Electrical ServicesOpening Date: 07/31/2025Closing Date: 8/15/2025 5:00 PM Pacific DescriptionAt Western Municipal Water District ("Western Water") we believe in a one-team mindset and prioritize collaboration within the department and throughout the agency (across people, processes, resources) - no silos here. Together, we work to understand and anticipate Western Water's needs.Who we areWestern Water is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County providing water and wastewater (sewer) services to nearly one million people across 527-square-miles of inland southern California. Our customers are an essential partner in ensuring long-term water resiliency for our region. Together, the Western Water team is focused on being the definitive leader in water and wastewater (sewer) services, upholding the highest level of stakeholder trust, and ensuring an exceptional customer experience.Western's values include:Service ExcellenceEfficiency Water Supply ReliabilityFiscal Responsibility and ValuePublic Trust, Accountability and TransparencyEnvironmental StewardshipEmployee EmpowermentInnovationTHE OPPORTUNITYWestern Water is seeking a journey- to advanced-level electrician to join our Electrical Services Team as an Operations Technician III or IV (Electrical Services). This position plays a vital role in ensuring the operational integrity, efficiency, and safety of electrical systems across our water and wastewater treatment facilities.As part of the Electrical Services Team, you will focus exclusively on electrical systems and be responsible for maintaining the District's water and wastewater infrastructure. This includes work on:480V-5kV power distribution systemsSwitchboards, transformers, and grounding systemsMotor control centers (MCCs)Variable speed drives (VFDs/VSDs)Emergency backup generators and UPS systemsSolar electrical systemsProcess and safety instrumentationThe ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with power distribution systems, motors and motor controls, and be confident working independently in the field performing skilled electrical maintenance, repair, and installation work.Operations Technicians receive their direction from a Senior Operations Technician as well as the Operations Supervisor. District employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings and holidays as required to accommodate Western Water's needs, in addition to responding as a Disaster Emergency Service Worker. Examples of DutiesThe Operations Technician III is the full journey-level class in the Technician series. Under minimal guidance and direction, incumbents carry out duties and assignments requiring full technical knowledge and skill in the work of an assigned unit. Incumbents work under general supervision while exercising independent judgment within established functions and procedures.The Operations Technician IV is the advanced-level class in the Technician series. Under general direction, incumbents work independently to carry out duties and assignments requiring advanced technical knowledge and skill. Incumbents exercise independent judgment in the interpretation of procedures and regulations, participate in special projects, and provide training to entry or journey level employees. Incumbents may provide oversight of operational areas or subordinate staff as assigned. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSThe duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this classification.May perform grounds maintenance, weed abatement and facilities cleaning duties, some of which requires heavy manual labor.Operate a pager, cell phone, and a mobile and/or base station two-way radio for dispatching and routine communications.Investigate public complaints and recommend corrective action.Maintain accurate and legible records for timesheets, workload planning, and related documents in accordance with state and federal laws, regulations, and District policies and procedures.Utilize and maintain detailed records for use within the Computerized Work Management System (CWMS).Participate in safety training programs and other related functions.Inspect, operate, calibrate, and maintain light/heavy equipment linked to department functions.Perform inspections and maintenance of District facilities, equipment, tools, and vehicles.Monitor and utilize the District's SCADA system as required by department or call team roles.Coordination and purchase of department supplies or equipment.Operate GPS equipment in order to locate and survey District systems as determined by department functions.Perform lockout/tag out (LOTO) procedures to block electrical and other energy sources utilizing District safety policies and procedures.Perform duties in confined spaces utilizing District safety policies and procedures.Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance, operational, and repair tasks involved in the District's water or wastewater systems.Contingent upon meeting certification and experience requirements, employees may be assigned to the after hour response team to provide continuous operational services in accordance with the California Municipal Water District Act of 1911.Must maintain a valid California Driver License.Electrical/Instrumentation Services Team: Working hours and schedules may change with operational need.The Electrical/Instrumentation team is responsible for the maintenance for all Western Water pumping systems, process equipment, control systems and facilities. The department provides timely and cost effective testing, repair, maintenance, modification and installation of electrical power distribution, motors and motor controls, as well as, analytical, and process instrumentation. The performance of this team is essential to ensuring the reliability of Western Water's assets for the purposes of providing consistent district services. Operation Technicians are expected to exercise their skills in the areas noted below:Perform preventative and predictive maintenance of district analytical instrumentation, safety instrumentation, process control instrumentation equipment, and facilities.Perform a wide variety of journey to advanced level electrical service and repair tasks to machinery, equipment, and electrical systems. Including 5KV power distribution systems, switchboards, motor control centers (MCC's), VSD's, transformers, power panels, grounding systems, generators, automatic transfer switches, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) systems, solar arrays etc.Maintain detailed records for use within the Computerized Work Management System (CWMS).Generate CWMS reports, conduct staff training, update assets, create templates, schedule routines, and work order flow development.Assist with research, writing, and maintaining of Energy Control Procedures (SOPs) for the District Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program.Assignment to Call Team may be required. Typical Qualifications Know and understand District personnel rules, policies and labor contract provisions with the ability to exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time.Independently oversee and direct crews during after-hour activities and emergency response.Utilize exceptional customer service and communication skills both verbally and in writing, with the ability to cultivate professional business partnerships and inspire team collaboration.Think creatively and seek alternative solutions in order to produce results that benefit Western Water, its internal and external customers, while clearly articulating options to management and policy makers.Use modern office equipment including basic computer software applications, and those related to the field of work.Define and explain key processes and business requirements within the department.Make effective and engaging oral presentations clearly, logically and persuasively.Highly motivated professional who is a self-starter, resourceful and able to work independently with minimum supervision.EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONAny combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, along with the specific licenses/certifications outlined below:Job TitleEducationExperienceOperations Technician III~ Equivalent to High School Diploma.~ Associate degree in related discipline, technical school, or apprenticeship program equivalent to 60 semester units may substituted for two years of professional experience.~ Bachelor degree in Automation or Control technology or 120 semester units in a related field may substitute for three years of professional experience and immediate certification requirement. Successful completion of an accredited electrical/electronic technician apprenticeship program desired.Two (2) years performing duties similar to an Operations Technician II. Operations Technician IVThree (3) years performing duties similar to an Operations Technician III.Minimum Certification/License RequirementsJob TitleJob FunctionCertification*DMV ClassOperations Technician III Electrical ServicesDistribution 2(a)/ Electrical COperations Technician IVElectrical ServicesDistribution 3(a)/ Electrical C(a) Desirable.* Certifications: Distribution = California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator CertificationElectrical = any one or more of the following: C10 Electrical Contractor license, California Certified Electrician (General Electrician), California Water Environment Association Plant Maintenance Technologist, Electrical/Instrumentation, or other equivalent trade certificationsMay be required to and be medically able to wear respirator and fall protection, to be annually fit tested, confined space entry trained and maintain facial hair such that it does not interfere with any respirator or SCBA sealing surface. Each may be required to be a member of the confined space rescue team at the sole discretion of the District. Supplemental Information The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical: Employees in this position may be required to work in both an office and outside environment. Depending on department responsibilities, employees are required to use repetitive motion for keyboard use and writing; frequently grasp, reach/work overhead, hold and reach; sit for long periods of time; frequently walk, stand, squat, twist and bend; balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl; occasionally climb stairs and ladders; occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds or 60 pounds with assistance; employees may be required to operate equipment, machinery, controls and tools; perform manual labor; constantly use overall color vision plus hand, eye, and feet coordination; and frequently hear and talk, in person and on the phone. Mental: Employees should possess the ability to speak, read, and write English, in addition to exercising math and computer aptitude as required. Employees work under pressure with frequent interruptions while communicating and interacting with a variety of District personnel, the public, and others encountered in the course of work. The ability to explain, interpret, and apply related rules, regulations, policies and procedures; and work on multiple concurrent assignments, often within tight timeframes using good business judgment is necessary. Environmental: Employees occasionally work in a temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and settings. The employee will primarily work outside with exposure to various weather conditions and regularly work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level is typically loud. Employees may work in confined spaces and may be exposed to fumes, vapors, dust, sewage, toxic or caustic chemicals. Employees may work in areas with poisonous plants and/or venomous or threatening animals or insects. Incumbents are expected to use principles of effective safety practices including the use of personal protective equipment in a proper and safe manner, use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques, and maintaining safe personal and common workspaces. Western Water is a tobacco free campus prohibiting smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and unregulated nicotine products in any District vehicle and building, which includes any building owned and occupied, or leased and occupied, by the District, including, Headquarters, the Operations Center, and any remote facilities owned, leased and/or operated by the District.HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITSNotice: Benefits listed below assume full-time regular status.Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance You and your eligible dependents may enroll in these benefits effective the first of the month following your date of hire. Effective January 1, 2025, Western Water contributes up to $2,890.93 toward the cost of medical, dental and vision insurance. Employees will pay any costs exceeding this amount through bi-weekly pre-tax payroll deduction. Employees may choose between four medical plansAnthem Blue Cross CaliforniaCare (HMO), Anthem Blue Cross Prudent Buyer Advantage (PPO 500), Anthem Blue Cross Prudent Buyer Classic (PPO 200) or Kaiser Permanente (HMO). There are two dental plans to choose fromDeltaCare (DMO) and Delta Dental (PPO). The Standard provides us with two vision options, Vision Service Plan (VSP) or EyeMed.Opting Out of Medical CoverageEmployees with medical insurance through another provider can opt out of Western's medical plan. By opting out, employees will receive a flat monthly rate of $690. Proof of other coverage is required on an annual basis during the open enrollment period. Employee must enroll in a dental plan and the vision plan. Enrollment for eligible dependents, in these plans, is optional.Flexible SpendingEffective the first of the month following date of hire, employee may participate in the flexible spending plan. This plan provides you the opportunity to pay for certain medical, dental, vision and childcare expenses with pre-tax dollars resulting in substantial tax savings.Life InsuranceThis benefit is provided by the District through Lincoln Financial Group ("Lincoln") and is effective the first of the month following your date of hire. You are provided with up to $50,000 in life insurance for you and $1,000 for your eligible dependents.Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)This benefit is for you only and is provided by the District through Lincoln. AD&D is effective the first of the month following your date of hire and provides payment for specified losses sustained through dismembering or fatal accidents. The maximum amount of AD&D insurance is equal to the amount of your life insurance. Supplemental Life InsuranceEffective the first of the month following your date of hire, you may purchase supplemental life insurance for you and your eligible dependents through Lincoln. This supplemental life insurance provides a guaranteed issue amount for you up to $150,000, up to $30,000 for your spouse and $10,000 for your children.Short Term DisabilityWestern Water provides short term disability (STD) insurance through Lincoln. Coverage is effective on the first (1st) of the month following six (6) months of consecutive employment. STD benefits begin on the 1st day of disability for an accident or 8th day of disability for an illness and provide up to 60% of your base salary. Long Term DisabilityWestern Water provides long term disability insurance through Lincoln. Coverage is effective on the first (1st) of the month following six (6) months of consecutive employment. LTD benefits begin on the 91st calendar day of a medically certified disability and provide up to 60% of your base salary. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Administered by Lincoln's EmployeeConnect, the EAP assists in dealing with problems affecting an employee's personal life and/or job performance. Use of this benefit, paid 100% by the district for up to five meetings with EAP staff, is strictly confidential. Other services provided through Lincoln's EmployeeConnect EAP are referrals or advice on topics such as legal consultation, parenting, senior care, childcare, pet care, and healthy rewards. RETIREMENT BENEFITSDeferred Compensation 457(b)You may participate in a Deferred Compensation Program (457(b) Plan) to save toward retirement and, at the same time, reduce your bi-weekly taxable income. 401(a) Retirement PlanWestern Water contributes into a 401(a) Retirement Plan for those employees covered under the Confidential unit (COU). Contributions, in the amount of 2% of your base pay, are made on a bi-weekly basis. You are 100% vested in this benefit upon date of hire.Public Employees Retirement SystemWestern Water contracts with the Public Employees Retirement System ("PERS") of the State of California for employee retirement benefits. New employees, who are hired on or after December 16, 2012, and who formerly worked for another PERS agency, or an agency with a reciprocal retirement system, and who meet certain eligibility requirements, shall be enrolled in the 2% at 55 PERS retirement plan. These employees will be obligated to pay the 7% employee contribution rate. The 2% at 55 retirement plan shall provide for benefits based on the highest three-year average salary.Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, who are defined as "New Members" by California law (essentially those individuals who have not previously been a member of a public agency retirement system) shall be enrolled in the statutorily required 2% at 62 PERS retirement plan. New Members will be obligated to pay 50% of the "normal cost" of their retirement benefits as required by State law (Currently 7.75% of base pay). The 2% at 62 retirement plan shall provide for benefits based on the highest three-year average salary.Retiree MedicalUpon your retirement from the district, you may be entitled to lifetime retiree medical benefits. Refer to the Employee Association (MOU) or Confidential unit (COU) for detailed information on the vesting schedule for this retirement benefit.Social Security and MedicareAs an employee of Western, you pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. Western pays the same Social Security and Medicare tax, dollar for dollar, on your behalf.COMPENSATIONCost of Living Adjustments (COLA)Western Water provides all employees an annual cost of living adjustment. Details of the cost-of-living adjustment are provided in the Employee Association (MOU) or Management/Professional/Confidential unit (COU) agreements.Longevity PayWestern Water provides longevity pay to certain employees who have completed five or more years of continuous service. Refer to the Employee Association (MOU) or Management/Professional/Confidential unit (COU) agreements for detailed criteria and amounts of longevity pay.PAID TIME OFFVacationDuring the first four (4) years of employment, vacation is accrued at the rate of 3.08 hours per pay period. This is equivalent to 10 days per year. During the fifth (5th) through ninth (9th) years, you accrue 4.62 hours per pay period and during the tenth (10th) and subsequent years, you accrue 6.16 hours per pay period. These are equivalent to 15 days and 20 days per year, respectively. Vacation can be used after the completion of the probationary period. The maximum vacation accrual is 480 hours. In addition, you may cash out up to a maximum of eighty (80) hours of your accrued vacation time, once per calendar year, provided you have no less than eighty (80) hours remaining following the cash out.HolidaysAfter two full work weeks of employment, you will receive pay, at your then current straight time hourly rate, for Ten (10) holidays. Those holidays are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.After completion of the probationary period, you may take three (3) additional workdays per fiscal year as "floating holidays". These holidays are taken at your discretion, in full day increments, and are subject to approval by your supervisor/manager. Floating holidays not taken during the fiscal year are converted to vacation time for each unused floating holiday.Sick LeaveYou accrue 96 hours of sick leave per year. After completing a full calendar year of employment and using no more than eighteen (18) hours of sick leave during said calendar year, you may be compensated for up to forty (40) hours of accrued sick leave at your then current rate of pay. Sick leave can be used after 90 calendar days of employment and shall be cumulative to a maximum of 1,600 hours. Sick leave is paid on a specific scale upon termination of employment.Administrative LeaveAfter completion of the probationary period, employees covered by the Confidential unit (COU) receive thirty-two (32) hours for non-exempt and forty (40) hours for exempt positions of paid administrative leave. Administrative leave hours not taken during the fiscal year are converted hour-for-hour to vacation time hours.Additional Benefits9/80 work schedule, Educational Assistance (subject to available budgeted funds), Certification Reimbursement Program and Interest-Free Computer Loan Program.*** To review the full agreements between the Employee Association (MOU) and Confidential unit (COU) with Western Water please use the following links:01 Do you currently possess a valid California Class C Driver's License? Yes No 02 Do you currently possess any of the following (select all that apply)? C10 Electrical Contractor License California Certified Electrician (General Electrician) California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Plant Maintenance Technologist California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist None of the above 03 Do you currently possess a Water Distribution Operator Certification Grade 2 or higher from the California State Water Recourses Control Board? Yes No Required Question