Operations Technician III/IV - Electrical Services

Salary : $81,117.00 - $127,051.00 Annually
Location : 16451 El Sobrante Rd. Riverside, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-30
Department: Automation and Electrical Services
Opening Date: 11/06/2026
Closing Date: 12/3/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

THE OPPORTUNITY
Western Water is seeking a journey- to advanced-level electrician to join our Electrical Services Team as an Operations Technician Ill 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 systems
• Switchboards, transformers, and grounding systems
• Motor control centers (MCCs)
• Variable speed drives (VFDs/VSDs)
• Emergency backup generators and UPS systems
• Solar electrical systems
• Process and safety instrumentation

The 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 Duties

The 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.

Selected candidate will be placed into the level of position commensurate with experience. Incumbents within the Operations Technician series report to an Operations Field Manager. Operations Technicians may receive general direction from a Senior Operations Technician I/II.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The 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 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 appropriate department call team to provide continuous operational services in accordance with the California Municipal Water District Act of 1911. This requirement is at the sole discretion of the District and typically occurs on a rotating basis for a 1-2 week period following supervisor approval.
• Must maintain a valid California Driver License.
• 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. Operations 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 electrical service and repair tasks to machinery, equipment, and electrical systems. Including 5 KV 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).
• 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.

Supplemental Information

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Any 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.
~ 24 semester units or formal apprenticeship may substitute for six months of experience at Ops Tech II or above.
Successful completion of an accredited electrical/electronic technician apprenticeship program desired.
Two (2) years performing duties similar to an Ops Technician II.Operations Technician IV
Two (2) years performing duties similar to an ops Technician III.
Minimum Certification/License Requirements
Job Title

Job Function

Certification*

DMV Class

Operations Technician III

Electrical Services

Distribution 2(a)/Electrical 2

C
Operations Technician IVElectrical ServicesDistribution 3(a)/Electrical 3
C
(a) Desirable.

* Certifications:

Distribution = California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Certification

Electrical = C10 Electrical Contractor license, California Certified Electrician (General Electrician), California Water Environment Association Electrical/Instrumentation, or other equivalent trade certifications
May 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.

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.