Operations Crew Chief, Domestic

Salary: $8,592.00 - $11,996.00 Monthly
Location : 75525 Hovley Lane East, Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Operations
Division: Domestic/Non-Potable Water
Opening Date: 10/20/2026
Closing Date: 11/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Summary
THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A 3.6% COST OF LIVING INCREASE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2027
TITLE:Operations Crew Chief, Domestic
SRN S15: $8,592 - $11,996, Monthly, Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: ASSET
DEPARTMENT: Operations
Section: Construction
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Reports to: Operations Supervisor, Domestic
Supervises the following positions: Technical and maintenance staff
Promotional opportunity procedures will include the following:Review of minimum qualifications Review of personnel file, including but not limited: attendance history, disciplinary history, and performance evaluationsTesting / Assessments Oral Interview(s)

DEFINITION
Under direction, plans, schedules, assigns, evaluates, and serves as a first line working supervisor over an assigned crew responsible for the production, construction, and maintenance of the District's Domestic Water System; operational activities related to water treatment and disinfection facilities, coordinates backflow, meter, and valve maintenance programs along with facility locate, leak detection and cross connection programs; performs activities related to water treatment and disinfection; works closely with supervisory and/or management staff in planning, organizing and establishing work priorities; performs the more complex work assigned to the crew; and performs related work as required.

Essential Functions
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of an assigned crew providing production, construction, and maintenance of the District's Domestic Water System, treatment and disinfection facilities, and provides backflow and cross connection services; ensures work performed meets quality standards and completed in a timely manner.
• Assumes responsibility for ensuring staff are properly trained in work procedures; observes employee work performance/skill sets and recommends appropriate training; monitors the effectiveness of training in meeting skill goals; participates in and provides input into, other personnel matters including grievances, disciplinary actions, and employee selection or promotions.
• Inspects job sites and reviews work in progress to ensure quality completion, compliance with specifications, and conformance to work procedures.
• Works with supervisory and management staff on the planning and implementation of preventive, corrective and predictive maintenance program; monitors maintenance operations to identify issues and schedule corrective maintenance.
• Assumes responsibility for evaluating employee performance; develops, prepares and delivers performance evaluations for assigned staff; confers with supervisor and manager on performance issues; within established authority, counsels employees, addresses and monitors performance issues and confers with supervisor on matters outside level of authority.
• Monitors activities of the work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate supervisory staff; implements improvements.
• Coordinates assigned services and operations with those of other District departments to ensure an integrated approach to mutual projects and services.
• Assists in the determination of the costs of materials and resources for jobs; monitors costs of assigned work projects and prepares information for supervisory/management staff.
• When assigned to oversight of contracted services, reviews work in progress to ensure quality completion, compliance with specifications and budgeted amounts; prepares reports for supervisor and/or manager.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries or refers to supervisor.
• Observes and complies with District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols, and ensures that staff do the same.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Please visit for the full job description.
Minimum Qualifications
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: Equivalent to a High School Diploma and Possession of, or required to obtain within 24 months of appointment, a Foundational Leadership Certificate; or a minimum of 12 credit hours/units of Supervision/Managerial/Leadership courses from a CVWD approved program.
Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in large water systems, cross connection controls, water treatment, or related fields; and/or one (1) years' experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.
Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment;

AND
Depending on assignment, possession of one or more of the following certifications:

• Grade D3 Water Distribution Operators Certificate, issued by the State Water Resource Control Board and a California State Class "A" Driver's license, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Grade D3 Water Distribution Operators Certificate and possession of a Backflow Tester Certificate issued by the County of Riverside, or the CA/NV American Water Works Association and possession of a Cross Connection Specialist certificate issued by the CA/NV American Water Works Association, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Grade 4 Water Distribution Operators Certificate, issued by the State Water Resource Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Grade D3 Water Distribution Operators Certificate; Possession of a Grade T2 Water Treatment Operators Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board; and possession of a 40-hour HAZWOPER certification, or be obtained within 24 months of appointment and be maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and practices related to the design, operation, construction, and maintenance of large water systems including distribution, treatment, disinfection, cross-connection, backflow, and laboratory processes.
• Job costing principles; orders parts for inventory and non-inventory.
• Methods and techniques of conducting site inspections.
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of maintenance and repairs for a wide variety of vehicles and equipment relating to water lines and distribution, and water loss control.
• PH and calibration of pH pumps using caustic soda; inspection, maintenance, and repairs of Chlorine table feeder operations; pH and calibration of pH pumps; construction repairs for gate valves, fire hydrants, and pipeline projects.
• Domestic Water System, including wells, boosters, reservoirs, and hydro-systems.
• Distribution system design and hydraulics as well as water main and well disinfection.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Drinking water regulations.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• Operational characteristics, and the safe and proper use of, machinery, tools, equipment, and materials necessary to perform assigned duties.

Ability to:

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Perform the most complex (if a working supervisor, add functional or occupational area)
• Prepare accurate cost estimates for operation, maintenance and repair projects.
• Read, understand and prepare plan specifications, working sketches, plat sheets, and blueprints.
• Recommend process and operational improvements and efficiencies in assigned areas.
• Complete job and work orders in a timely manner with high quality.
• Diagnose repairs needed on equipment of various types.
• Troubleshoot the chlorine tablet feeder and caustic skid when issues arise.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

The Coachella Valley Water District provides a comprehensive, balanced, and competitive benefits package ensuring employees have many options to meet their healthcare, wellness and/or retirement savings goals. Providing employees with flexibility and support for all the different stages of life. Employees may pay some portion of their benefit premium costs based on the provisions of their labor-negotiated Memorandums of Understanding (MOU's) and the level of coverage they select. Additional information regarding CVWD employee benefits is available at
01

Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid "C" class California Driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you currently possess a Foundational Leadership Certificate, or a minimum of 12 credit hours/units of Supervision/Managerial/Leadership courses?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have any of the following licenses or certifications? Please check all that apply:

• California Class A Driver's License
• Grade D3 Water Distribution Operators Certificate, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board
• Grade D4 Water Distribution Operators Certificate, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board
• Backflow Tester Certificate issued by the County of Riverside, or the CA/NV American Water Works Association
• Cross Connection Specialist Certificate issued by the CA/NV American Water Works Association
• Grade T2 Water Treatment Operators Certificate (or higher) issued by the California Water Resources Control Board
• 40-hour HAZWOPER Certification

05

Do you have three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in large water systems, cross connection controls, water treatment, or related fields; and/or one (1) years' experience in a lead or supervisory capacity?

• Yes
• No

06

Please briefly describe how you have three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in large water systems, cross connection controls, water treatment, or related fields; and/or one (1) years' experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.
Required Question