I Want to Work for the Water Company!

Erin McCauley – Acting District Manager

California Water Service Company

February 23, 2009

Types of Jobs in the Field

• Distribution Operators• Treatment Operators• Customer Service

Representatives• Meter Readers and

Collectors

Types of Jobs in the Main Office

• Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)

• Water Quality– Chemists– Regulatory Affairs staff

• Accounting/Purchasing/Rates setting

• Information Technology

• Human Resources

• Public Relations

Treatment Plant Operators

• Monitor treatment process and keep records

• Adjust chemical feeds and speeds

• Collect and analyze samples

Example Treatment Plant Schematic

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

SPARE

UP-FLOW CLARIFIER

PUMP

INTAKE

PUMP

GAC SYSTEM

SEDIMENTATION TANK

TO SEWER

CLEARWELL

SPARE

BA

CK

WA

SH

FILTERS

BA

CK

WA

SH

ALUM POST CHLORINE

PRE-CHLORINE

Distribution Operators

• Monitor all facilities and keep records– Check system pressure,

flowrates, and power usage

• Open/Close street valves• Pump maintenance and

repair• Clean and maintain tanks• Locate and Repair main

leaks• Repair fire hydrants

Customer Service Representative

• Handles customer issues on phone and in person

• Manage the computerize billing system

• Call out field employees to respond to problems

Meter Readers and Collectors

• Read the water meters so we have accurate customer bills

• Note any problems with meters

• Repair and replace meters and meter boxes

• Turn off and on customer meters when there are billing problems

What are the benefits of the job?

• It is a stable, growing field

• You are contributing to your community

• The is always something new going on

• Many utilities have good benefits packages

• Opportunities for advancement

What skills do I need?

• Dependability• Common Sense• Team Player • Good Attitude

• High school level math

• A valid Driver’s License and a good driving record

• Water Distribution and Water Treatment Certification

• Clean criminal record

Can I get a job without Certification?

• Yes – meter reading, customer service

• Most main office jobs

• Recommend getting certification anyway – good way to show commitment

How do I get an Operator job?

1. Get your GED2. Complete a correspondence course in

Water Distribution or Water Treatment through Sacramento State

3. Apply for the test4. Take the Level 2 Distribution or

Treatment exam. 5. Apply for the Certification6. Apply for a job

What types of places hire Operators?

• Wholesaler agencies – SFPUC, Zone 7, Metropolitan Water

• Retail agencies (public) – City of Sunnyvale, Palo Alto

• Retail agencies (private)– Cal Water, Cal Am, San Jose Water

• Operations and Maintenance companies (private)– OMI, Thames

Where can I get a job

• California Water Service Company – www.calwater.com• East Bay Municipal Utilities District – www.ebmud.com• Santa Clara Valley Water District - www.valleywater.org• San Jose Water Company – www.sjwater.com• American States Water Company - www.aswater.com• Alameda County Water District - www.acwd.org• Contra Costa Water - www.ccwater.com• San Francisco Public Utilities Commission –

www.sfwater.org• Many Cities

Are there other places to look for jobs?

• American Water Works Association-www.awwa.org

• Water Jobs - www.waterjobs.com

• BC Water Jobs - www.bcwaterjobs.com