Salary : $90,360.00 - $109,848.00 Annually
Location : Fresno
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26ES0019
Department: Department of Public Utilities
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 01A

Position Description
Keep Fresno's water flowing strong - step into a leadership role that makes a real impact. As a Senior Water Distribution/Production Operator, you'll guide skilled crews, tackle major construction and maintenance projects, and help ensure the safe, reliable delivery of potable and groundwater across the city. Ready to grow your career? Apply now!

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Lead and coordinate crews on construction, maintenance, and repair projects.
- Install, maintain, and repair water lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and pumps.
- Operate and service light and heavy equipment.
- Monitor and adjust water distribution and groundwater production systems.
- Conduct field inspections and collect water samples.
- Locate leaks, perform emergency repairs, and set up traffic control.
- Read, interpret, and update maps, plans, and blueprints.
- Maintain accurate logs, records, inventories, and work orders.
- Address public inquiries and ensure safe, efficient project execution.

- Perform related duties as assigned.

Duties and schedules may vary by assignment, please inquire about specific duties and/or schedules if called upon for an interview. Incumbents may be required to work any shift; overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Explore the for additional position details.

The current vacancy exists in the Public Utilities Department, Water Division. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.
Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that are necessary to safely, effectively, and efficiently perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

This classification's physical demands involve heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally with assistance, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical demands may be required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, walking.

The Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination and does not assure a place on the eligible list.
Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent GED completion
AND
Three (3) years of full-time work experience in the testing, cleaning, maintenance, inspection, repair, installation, replacement, construction, distribution and operation of water systems
AND
A valid Water Distribution Operator Certificate Grade D3, issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board is required at the time of application and must be maintained throughout the entire term of employment in this classification
AND
A valid Class C California Driver's License is required at the time of application and must be maintained throughout the entire term of employment in this classification.
Applicants must provide proof of a valid driver's license and Water Distribution Operator Certificate Grade D3 Applications submitted without the required documents attached will be rejected.
Additional Requirements

The selected eligible candidates certified will be required to successfully pass a department interview and a Department of Justice fingerprint prior to employment with the City of Fresno.

Depending on assignment area: 1) may be required to obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Class "A" or "B" California Driver's License with appropriate endorsements for the entire term of employment in this classification within twelve (12) months of assignment, 2) may be required to obtain and maintain a valid Backflow Certificate by the California State Water Resources Control Board throughout the entire term of employment in this classification.
The Selection Process

The examination process may consist of the following:

Written Examination - 100%: The written examination is designed to test a candidate's knowledge of principles and practices of water distribution and appropriate safety practices; knowledge of local, state and federal statues, codes, rules and regulations governing water systems; basic math principles; ability to apply skills in interpersonal relations; tool and equipment identification and usage; and/or other job related topics.

Candidates must achieve a passing score to qualify for the eligible list.

The written examination is tentatively scheduled for the week of September 14th, 2026.
Veteran's Preference

If an examination is conducted for a position within the classified service, qualified veterans who pass the examination will have five (5) points added to their final score. Candidates must submit a copy of their DD214 Member 4 form or electronic copy indicating honorable discharge with each application prior to the filing deadline.
How To Apply

For information on how to complete an online application, please visit the tab. For NEOGOV Application Assistance, please call 1-855-524-5627 or email [email protected]. ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS ARE ACCEPTED and must be submitted by midnight on the closing deadline, or they will not be accepted for any reason.

Required licenses, certifications, and education must be verified with supporting documents. Foreign education must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Please ensure all relevant attachments are uploaded with your application.

For the work experience section, provide detailed descriptions of job duties for each position related to the specific role you are applying for. Resumes are not a substitute for completing this section and will only be reviewed as supplemental information, not for determining minimum qualifications.

For other City of Fresno employment opportunities, please view our If you have recruitment questions, please call our office at 559-621-6950. Our office is located at 2600 Fresno Street, Room 1030, Fresno, CA 93721.
3% Salary Increase, effective June 15, 2026

Bargaining Unit 1

Non-Supervisory Blue Collar

International Union of Operating Engineers, Stationary Engineers Local 39

BENEFIT

DESCRIPTION

HEALTH INSURANCE

The City contributes toward monthly premiums for PPO medical, dental and vision for employee and dependents.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

IRS 125 Plan for health and dependent care expenses.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

Voluntary 457 plan with Fidelity Investments to increase your retirement savings.

VACATION LEAVE
Accrue 8 - 15 hours per month based on years of service available after 6 months.

SICK LEAVE

8 hours per month, available after 90 days

HOLIDAYS

10 City-observed annual holidays, plus birthday and 2 personal days.

SHORT TERM DISABILITY

Provided through California SDI program

BILINGUAL PREMIUM

$100 per month upon approved certification

SUPPLEMENTAL SICK
40 hours per fiscal year.

80 hours lifetime maximum accrual.

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE

City contracted uniform service, cost shared 50/50 Safety Shoe voucher - $250

Prescription Safety Glasses - Reimbursement of $125

HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ARRANGEMENT (HRA)

Eligible retirees can use the remaining Sick Leave balance, in excess of 240 hours, at 80% of hourly rate and other qualified leave balances, tax free, to reimburse health insurance premiums and other qualified medical expenses.

RETIREMENT -City of Fresno Retirement Systems, one of the best funded public systems in the state. Reciprocity with other public California systems. Vested in Retirement benefits after 5 years of service. City employees do not participate in Social Security.

DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program):an optional, voluntary program that allows an employee to deposit retirement benefits in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno for up to 10 years. Participation minimum is age 50 and vested. Benefits include ownership of accumulated funds, compound interest earnings, and alternative distribution options.
Additional information regarding the City of Fresno benefits is available at
Please note that the benefits package described above is specific to permanent full-time employees. Employees engaged on a part-time, temporary, limited, or other basis may have different entitlements.
01

Do you have a High School diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have three (3) years of full-time work experience in the testing, cleaning, maintenance, inspection, repair, installation, replacement, construction, distribution and operation of water systems?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a valid Water Distribution Operator Certificate Grade D3, issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board?

• Yes and I will be attaching the documentation for verification with this application.
• No and I understand that this a requirement for this position.

04

Do you have a valid Class C California Driver's License?

• Yes and I will be attaching the documentation for verification with this application.
• No and I understand that this a requirement for this position.

Required Question