Water System Operator Trainee 1

Posting Close Date

Applicants must submit their completed application by 11-12-2026 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. Please describe your experience working with hazardous chemicals.
2. Please describe your experience and skill level in MS Office and other computer software.
3. 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.
4. 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 4, 2026.


Required within 12 months of hire:

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

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

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

Recruiter contact information: If you have any questions, please contact Roxie Escarcega at [email protected] or (520) 837-2138.

ABOUT THIS JOB

The Water System Operator Trainee I (WSOT I) is considered an operator-in-training and works under the general guidance of certified water system professionals.  The WSOT I is responsible for observing water operations and learning to operate and monitor the water supply, quality, and pressure at all Tucson Water distribution and treatment facilities.  

Work is performed under the supervision of the Water Plant Supervisor.  This position does not supervise.   

Essential duties include but are not limited to:

• Observes the monitoring and operation of reclaimed and potable water distribution systems
• Learns to utilize SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) to monitor, operate, assess, and balance distribution flows and pressures to meet customer demands
• Learns to respond to SCADA alarms to make proper adjustments in the distribution systems. 
• Observes the collection and analysis of water samples and learns to calibrate water sampling equipment to ensure compliance with Arizona Department of Environment Quality standards
• Assists with the collection, logging, and analysis of daily readings for flow meters, chemical injection pumps, and recharge basin levels under the guidance of certified water staff. 
• Learns to receive and resolve service calls from internal and external customers by providing accurate and timely information. Learns to communicate with internal and external stakeholders to monitor power outages, track external project progress, and resolve field issues. 

• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions: Some exposure to light physical or environmental conditions (noise, dust, weather, etc.). This unit operates 24/7, 365 days per year and individuals in this position will be required to work a flexible schedule, which may include four 10-hour shifts or five 8-hour shifts including weekends, holidays, and nights. This position is also classified as Safety Sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school diploma or GED
Experience: No experience required
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.


The ideal candidates will possess the following:

1. Skill in MS Office and other computer software
2. One (1) year of experience working with hazardous chemicals

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J4051 - Water System Operator Trainee I

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

Compensation Grade

G103

Hourly Range

$18.15 - 27.23 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 [email protected] or 520-791-2619.  

Recruiter Name

Roxie Escarcega (49375)

Recruiter Email

[email protected]

For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-837-4190.