Salary : $99,747.70 - $120,506.10 Annually
Location : 1541 Second Street, Napa, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-UT48-01
Department: Utilities
Opening Date: 07/23/2026
Closing Date: 8/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

DESCRIPTION
***This is an internal promotional recruitment, only open to City of Napa full-time classified employees.***
Are you passionate about leading a skilled team and coaching others? Do you have a Water Distribution Operator Certificate Grade D2 or higher issued by the State of California? Are you eager to use your expertise in water distribution maintenance to make a difference in your community and grow your career at the City of Napa?
Then APPLY TODAY to employ your technical skills and bring a collaborative work style to your team and the community we serve!
The City of Napa Utilities Department is seeking to fill one (1) opening for Water Distribution Operator Lead to oversee and participate in the maintenance, installation, and repair of the City's water distribution system.
We are looking for a leader who an in-depth knowledge of the various aspects of water distribution operations such as new installations, repair, job site safety, installation of trench shoring, and implementing temporary traffic control zones. Applicants with increasingly responsible experience in water distribution system construction and maintenance activities, including lead and supervisory responsibilities, are strongly encouraged to apply!

As a Water Distribution Operator Lead, you will lead the work of staff involved in the operation, construction, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems, water meters, services, and related water system facilities. You will be responsible for adhering to safety protocols, and performing a variety of complex tasks related to the installation, construction, maintenance, upgrade and/or replacement of the City's water mains, service laterals, fire hydrants, valves, meters, meter vaults and other water system facilities and related infrastructure. The Water Distribution Operator Lead reports to the Water Distribution Supervisor and Water Distribution Manager, and will be asked to assist with scheduling, training, and oversight of team members. The Water Distribution Operator Lead is an integral team player who exercises technical and functional supervision over a crew (or crews) consisting of Water Distribution Operators, which requires flexibility, cooperation, and communication.

Special Requirements:
- Possession within six (6) months of hire and continued maintenance of a California Class A Commercial Driver's License with Tanker Endorsement is required. Incumbents are subject to pre-employment drug test and inclusion in random and other alcohol and drug testing as mandated by the Federal Department of Transportation.

- Possession at time of hire of a Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State of California is required. Achieve a passing score on the Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator examination within twelve (12) months of hire and possession of and continued maintenance of a Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State of California within twenty-four (24) months of hire is required.
Ideal candidates for the position of Water Distribution Operator Lead will have shown success in demonstrating the following competencies:

• Technical Knowledge and Skills - Technical, functional, and/or professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise; using expert knowledge to accomplish results.
• Planning and Organizing - Establishes a course of action to ensure work is completed efficiently through prioritizing, using resources, and staying focused.
• Decision Making - Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; compares information from different sources to draw conclusions and develop appropriate solutions; Committing to an action after weighing alternative solutions against important decision criteria.
• Leading Teams - Using appropriate methods and interpersonal styles to develop, empower, and guide the team to attain successful outcomes and objectives.
• Collaborating - Working cooperatively to help a team or work group achieve its goals.
• Safety Intervention - Knows conditions that affect the team or self under normal conditions and conditions that occur in crisis situations; Skilled in identifying conditions that might cause hazards.
• Adaptability - Maintains efficiency when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusts to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures; adapts quickly to change and easily considers innovative approaches.
• Coaching & Developing Others - Guides others to make the most of their available skills and provides timely mentorship and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas needed to accomplish a task or resolve a problem.

This recruitment and examination is being conducted to fill one (1 ) vacancy for Water Distribution Operator Lead, and may be used to fill future similar vacancies as they occur during the active status of the employment list. The active status of this employment list will be six (6) months unless abolished sooner or extended beyond that date in accordance with the Civil Service Rules.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
01
This is an internal promotional recruitment, only open to City of Napa full-time classified employees.
Are you currently a full-time classified employee for the City of Napa?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a valid Grade D2 or higher Water Distribution Operator Certification issued by the State of California?
If yes, please identify the grade and operator number.

03

Do you possess a valid Class A or B commercial drivers license issued by the State of California?
If yes, please identify A or B and any endorsements you possess.

04

The Water Distribution Operator Lead position requires two years of increasingly responsible experience in the installation, construction, repair, and maintenance of water system facilities. Please describe how your experience meets this requirement.
Required Question