Salary : $98,520.00 - $119,760.00 Annually
Location : Oakland, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-132
Department: Water Operations Dept
Opening Date: 11/02/2026
Closing Date: 11/13/2026 4:30 PM Pacific
Max Number of Applicants: 300
The Position Only the first 300 applications will be accepted by the Recruitment Division online at www.ebmud.com during the filing period.This recruitment will remain open until the application limit has been reached or until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, whichever occurs first.Note that the study guide will be available online ONLY;
candidates are responsible for downloading/ printing the study guide. The study guide will NOT be available after 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2026.
Click to download the Water System Inspector I study guide.THE POSITION
Water System Inspector I (WSI) is the entry-level position in the System Water Quality Unit. Initially under close supervision, WSIs perform a wide range of water distribution system duties focused on water quality. As experience and proficiency are gained, assignments become progressively more difficult and diverse as supervision decreases. The WSI positions offer broad and varied opportunities to learn and to promote to the Water System Inspector II level after two years.
The three main areas of responsibility carried out by WSIs are: regulatory-driven sampling, scheduled work with maintenance yards and other work units, and responding to and conducting (BN2.1)a variety of consumer-related investigations and inspections.
WSIs investigate water quality, flow, pressure, and other water distribution system issues; plan, schedule, and conduct disinfection and dechlorination of distribution mains and reservoirs; interpret chemical, microbiological, and other technical data pertaining to water quality; inspect and sample raw and treated water; prepare clear, concise, and complete reports and correspondence. Successful WSIs have:
• Strong communication skills to coordinate, follow up, collaborate, and problem-solve with East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) staff and consumers.
• A genuine interest in learning about EBMUD's source and treated water distribution systems, water sampling, field analysis, and data interpretation.
• Desire to learn and exercise multiple skills in precision work such as sampling, operating, and calibrating electronic equipment; researching and investigating system conditions; field work, including water main flushing, and using and maintaining chlorination equipment.
Knowledge of:
• basic chemical and physical characteristics of water and the principles of water sanitation
• water treatment and distribution principles
• principles of dealing with the public where relations may be strained
• basic math (+ - x / %), and
• basic science
Ability to learn:
• to read topographical and distribution system maps and specifications
• to use a variety of chlorination, pipe leak location, and related tools and equipment
• to collect, analyze, and integrate data to solve problems
• to independently coordinate, schedule, and conduct routine and complex investigations of water quality, flow, noise, pressure, seepage, and related water system issues
• to apply and interpret state and federal codes and regulations regarding safe drinking water and procedures for monitoring and reporting the results of water disinfection and dechlorination
• to operate electronic devices proficiently
• to practice workplace safety techniques and procedures related to handling water treatment chemicals, confined space entry, basic first aid, boat safety, and traffic control
• to recognize the principles of hydraulics related to systems and backflow prevention devices used in a water transmission and distribution system
• to apply basic chemistry and microbiology principles applicable to water treatment and water quality maintenance
The Water System Inspector monthly salary range starts at $8,210, increasing to $8,621, $9,052, $9,505, and $9,980 after 6, 18, 30, and 42 months, respectively. The WSI positions offer broad and varied opportunities to learn and to promote to the WSI II level after two years. The top monthly salary of the Water System Inspector II level is $11,290.
Requirements 1. Completion of the twelfth grade, or its equivalent.
2a. Two years of experience in a water or wastewater system in laboratory analysis, engineering, operations, maintenance, customer services or closely related area; OR
2b. Satisfactory completion of 24 college semester units in directly related science coursework.
3. A valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
4. Possession of, or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire, a State Water Resources Control Board Grade D1 certificate.
Willingness and ability to:
• Lift hoses and chemical containers weighing up to 50 pounds while on board a moving boat; handle field testing and sampling equipment and glassware carefully with minimal breakage.
• Maintain sufficient swimming skill for self-preservation
• Work overtime in emergency situations or when assigned
• Work in a variety of weather conditions, where poison oak, dogs, and insects may be hazards
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. To be considered under the "equivalent combination of education and experience" provision, it is your responsibility to include in your application materials written evidence of employment performed at the level of the typical duties of this position and/or coursework in subject areas directly related to this position. For more information, see our FAQ page at http://www.ebmud.com/jobs/job-resources/job-faqs-frequently-asked-questions/.
The Selection Process 1. Submit a completed EBMUD application online at www.ebmud.com beginning Monday, November 2, 2026 and submitted by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov 13, 2026.
Only the first 300 application materials submitted online during the filing period will be accepted. Application materials submitted at any other time or on other dates will not be accepted. Application materials faxed, mailed, or delivered to EBMUD will not be accepted.
2. Candidates must achieve a passing score on each test part in order to advance to the next step in the selection process.
3. Application materials will be reviewed and those applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be invited to an in-person written test currently scheduled for Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5, 2026.
4. The study guide required for the test is now available, online only, through 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 1, 2026.
Candidates may use the link in this job announcement, or the link in their Government Jobs account, to access the study guide. Candidates are responsible for printing the study guide during the time period it is available.
5. Candidates scoring highest on the written test will be invited to a panel interview currently scheduled for Tuesday, December 15th or Wednesday, December 16th.
6. Successful candidates will be placed on the hiring list, based on rank, for further consideration to fill the current regular vacancy, as well as others occurring over the next 12 to 24 months.
7. The probation period for this position is 6 months. For those holding civil service status the probation period is 6 months.
8. All employment offers are conditional, pending the results of a Live Scan background screening. All selected finalists must participate in the Live Scan background screening process to remain in consideration for EBMUD employment.
Click to download the Water System Inspector I study guide.Our excellent benefits package includes:
- 12 days paid vacation; 16 holidays; 13 days paid sick leave;
- Family health insurance (choice of Kaiser fully paid or Sutter Health Plus or Anthem Blue Cross 85% paid);
- Fully paid family dental and vision care plans; life insurance; long-term disability insurance;
- EBMUD Retirement Plan (reciprocal with CalPERS);
- $1,000/yr. contributed to flexible spending account or cash;
- $145/mo. public transit subsidy;
- 401(k), 401(a) and 457(b) tax-deferred retirement plans; Roth 401(k);
- $3,500/yr. tuition reimbursement;
- And opportunities for professional growth including training and career development.
