Operator III (Water Operations) at Irvine Ranch Water District

About the Department

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently hiring an Operator III in the Water Operations Department. 

Apply now! Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

The Position

Under general supervision, monitors, analyzes and controls the domestic and irrigation water systems through direct field control devices or through the use of the computer-based regional telemetry control system. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. May exercise guidance and lead lower-level staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Operators with a Grade III or higher Water Operator Certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board are the advanced journey levels in the classification series. Incumbents perform the full range of skilled plant operations and maintenance tasks with a significant degree of independence and at any time may oversee the work of lower-grade Operators. Assignments are varied and require sound judgment and initiative. Incumbents are required to accept standby duty, make process adjustments from a laptop computer or a provided electronic device, and/or respond to process problems and equipment malfunctions.

Position Duties

Assists the Water Operations Supervisor in coordinating pipeline shutdowns and start-up of new facilities.

Monitors, analyzes and controls water treatment plants.

Performs mathematical calculations that project blend needed at different locations and operates to DHS standards for NO3, chlorine, ammonia, sodium bisulfate, coagulants or other constituents.

Compiles statistics and forwards to appropriate staff for analysis.

Calculates and adjusts chemical dosages based on test results, plant flows and plant performance; maintains predetermined water quality parameters; applies mathematical formulas to calculate chemical dosages, chemical usage, pump rates and flow changes.

Under minimal supervision, plans, implements, delegates and monitors routine and non-routine mechanical work activities within the treatment facilities.

Operates the domestic, irrigation and treatment systems through the use of the computer-based telemetry control, monitoring and alarm system.

Diagnoses complex operating problems and takes effective courses of action.

Makes appropriate calculations from meter, gauge, graph or other instrumentation readings.

Evaluates and interprets lab tests and implements changes indicated.

Ensures appropriate safety training for work being performed by staff and meetings requirements are met.

Patrols the District's water system and takes corrective measures to ensure its continued efficient operation and to maintain water quality standards.

Performs routine water quality sampling and adjust chemicals to comply with Federal, State and local regulations.

Performs the chlorinating and testing of pipelines and reservoirs; check chlorine dosage rates; record daily usage.

Reads and documents critical water system pressures, flows, reservoir elevations and water quality.

Operates, maintains and monitors chlorination, chloramination and de-chlorination facilities, pumping stations, wells, hydro-electric pump stations, pressure regulating/flow control structures and reservoirs.

Meets with customers regarding complaints and resolves the problems.

Maintains daily journals and other control data to document the progress and completion of projects.
 

Participates in pipeline shutdowns and startup of new facilities.

Responsible for the maintenance of tools and supplies assigned to vehicles.

Conducts accurate physical and chemical tests of water.

Works according to safety standards under potentially hazardous conditions.

Takes readings from meters, gauges, graphs and related instrumentation.

Troubleshoots variations in operating conditions; reports findings to the Water Operations Supervisor and makes recommendations to prevent a process imbalance or upset.

Performs lab tests and analyzes data to determine unit process and overall treatment efficiency.

Participates in the scheduled emergency standby program.

Complies with District safety work-related practices and attends relevant safety training.

Responsible for all other work-related duties.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

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

Education:

High School diploma or equivalent with additional college-level courses in Water Treatment.

One college course in System Hydraulics.

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience in water distribution/treatment systems operations.

• A valid Class C California Driver's License is required. 
• California State Water Resources Control Board Grade 3 Water Distribution Certification 
• California State Water Resources Control Board Grade 3 Water Treatment Certification.

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas and working in confined spaces. Must be certified annually to wear respiratory equipment. Must be clean-shaven such that facial hair does not interfere with the fit of a tight-fitting respirator. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing 50 pounds, and up to 90 pounds with the use of proper equipment. All of this in various weather conditions (hot,cold,rainy) and environments, often exposed to wet muddy conditions.

When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.  Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District's online application.  To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination: will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application.  Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.