Water System Operator

Job title: Water System Operator

Posting Close Date Applicants must submit their completed application by 11-30-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions As part of the online application process, all applicants are required to submit both an updated resume and cover letter at the time of application. Resumes and cover letters received after the application closing date will not be considered.

Applications received that do not contain a resume and a cover letter with responses to the required questions listed below will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in this recruitment process.

In your cover letter, please ensure to include responses to the following:

1. If you possess an ADEQ certification or equivalent state water certification in distribution or treatment, please include the level (numerical or alpha) and type of certifications you possess. List the certifying agency and your operator number or ID.
2. Please describe your experience in water treatment, wastewater treatment, or distribution systems operations or maintenance.
3. Please describe your experience working with SCADA or Telemetry Systems.
4. Describe your experience working with Sodium Hypochlorite, Hydrogen Peroxide, or disinfection chemicals.
5. Do you possess a valid and unrestricted driver’s license? Do you have at least two (2) years of driving experience? Have you had a DUI in the past two (2) years)?

If you possess any of the preferred qualifications listed above, and wish to receive consideration for the experience the information must be verifiable in your resume and cover letter.

SAVE THE DATE: Interviews will be held December 10, 2026.

Required at the time of application:

1. Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Water Treatment Grade 2 or equivalent out-of-state water certification
2. Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Water Distribution Grade 2 or equivalent out-of-state water certification

Required within 12-months of hire as a condition of probation and must be maintained throughout employment in this classification:

1. ADEQ Water Treatment Certification Grade 3
2. ADEQ Water Distribution Certification Grade 3

The following pre-employment medical tests apply to this position:

• Basic Physical
• Non-NIDA Drug Test
• Respirator Physical

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: Six (6) months post high school Experience: Two (2) years relevant experience License Requirement: Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D Driver License Equivalency: Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidates will possess the following:

1. ADEQ Water Treatment Grade 3 and ADEQ Water Distribution Grade 3 Certification or equivalent state certification.
2. Two (2) years’ experience in the water industry or related field.
3. One (1) year of experience working with SCADA or Telemetry Systems.
4. One (1) year of experience working with Sodium Hypochlorite, Hydrogen Peroxide, or disinfection chemicals.

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile J4053 - Water System Operator To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation Grade G105

Hourly Range $21.96 - 32.94 USD The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Non-Exempt

Position Type Regular

Time Type Full time

Department Water Utility

Department Link https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Water

Background Check This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

Benefits

• The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

• Citizenship

• The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

• City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

• The City does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).

• ADA Accessibility Complaint Form

• The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at the appropriate contact line.