Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution Operator

Woodard & Curran is an employee-owned engineering, science, and operations firm dedicated to clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. We foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports professional growth, flexibility, and meaningful work, empowering our employees to make a lasting impact on our clients, communities, and the planet.

Join a Team That Protects One of Our Most Valuable Resources

Woodard & Curran is seeking a Water Treatment & Distribution Operator to join our team supporting the Adelanto Public Utility Authority in Adelanto, California. If you're looking for a career where your work has a direct impact on public health, environmental stewardship, and community well-being, we'd love to hear from you.

As part of a collaborative team of five professionals, you'll help operate and maintain a large and complex drinking water system that serves thousands of residents. Reporting to the Project Manager and Chief Operator, you'll gain hands-on experience across all aspects of water treatment and distribution while building a rewarding career in the water industry.

The Adelanto system includes:

12 groundwater wells

2 purchased water interconnections

165 miles of water transmission and distribution pipelines

Nearly 10,000 service connections

6 reservoirs

3 booster pump stations

1 drinking water treatment plant

A 3-zone distribution system

No two days are the same. You'll have opportunities to learn new skills, solve operational challenges, and contribute to maintaining regulatory compliance and reliable water service for the community.

Why Join Woodard & Curran?

At Woodard & Curran, we're committed to helping our employees build meaningful, long-term careers. We offer:

Competitive hourly pay: $25 - $45 per hour (depending on if you are new to the industry, or an experienced professional)

Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement benefits

Generous paid time off and holiday schedule

Flexible spending account options

Ongoing training and professional development

Company support and reimbursement for industry licenses and certifications

Bonus opportunities for achieving higher levels of certification

A collaborative team environment focused on safety, growth, and career advancement

Whether you're early in your career or looking to continue growing within the water industry, we'll support you every step of the way.

Work Schedule

Standard schedule: Four 10-hour days per week, typically Monday - Thursday, with rotating operator coverage on Friday - Sunday, allowing for some three day weekends.

Participation in a rotating 7-day on-call schedule

$200 weekly on-call stipend when assigned

Occasional weekend work, overtime, and emergency response may be required to support system operations

What You'll Do

Operate and maintain drinking water treatment and distribution facilities

Monitor system performance and water quality

Conduct routine inspections, testing, and preventive maintenance

Utilize SCADA, maintenance management systems, and other operational software

Maintain accurate operational records and reports

Assist in troubleshooting equipment and system issues

Support regulatory compliance and reporting efforts

Participate in emergency response activities and on-call coverage

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

California Grade T1 Operator-in-Training Treatment Certificate and Grade D1 Operator-in-Training Distribution Certificate

Ability to obtain California Grade T2 Treatment and Grade D2 Distribution certifications within two years of hire

High School Diploma or equivalent

Valid California driver's license

Ability to regularly lift and move up to 40 pounds

Ability to work outdoors and respond to emergency situations when needed

Preferred Qualifications

1-3 years of experience in water treatment and/or distribution operations

Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting drinking water systems

Familiarity with SCADA systems, Microsoft Office, maintenance management software, and related technology

Understanding of drinking water regulations, compliance requirements, and reporting processes

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work effectively with team members, regulatory agencies, and the public

Experience with laboratory testing, recordkeeping, and facility maintenance

Successful candidates must pass a background check, pre-employment physical, and drug screening prior to employment.

Make an Impact Every Day

If you're passionate about protecting public health, enjoy hands-on work, and want to build a career in the water industry with a company that invests in its employees, we encourage you to apply.

Join Woodard & Curran and help deliver safe, reliable drinking water to the Adelanto community.