Underground Operator Apprentice (WATER AND WASTEWATER OPR APPR)

This position is an entry-level position under the Underground Craft and Trades Apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program consists of four years of classroom studies and on-the-job training. The successful completion of this program, certification by the California State Water Resources Control Board as a Grade D1 Water Distribution Operator, certification as an asbestos concrete pipe worker and demonstrate journey-level skills and competency related to underground utility crafts and trades to obtain journey-level status.

Apply By Date August 13^th 2026 by 11:59PM

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience with the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment, as well as common hand tools.
• Knowledge to understand and interpret technical terminology; as well as skills to use and maintain common hand tools and power tools such as drills, saws grinders, pumps, pipe cutters and blowers.
• Drafting skills to draw simple diagrams; as well as knowledge of approved safety devices and practices
• Computer skills to utilize various software programs for work management, retrieve workflow information, job assignments and material and labor data entry; as well as organizational skills to establish work priorities, manage time and priorities to respond to deadlines, and work on multiple complex tasks that are not necessarily well-defined.
• Customer service and communication skills to provide courteous service in person and on the telephone; to convey a professional and business-like image to a diverse student, staff and general public population; and to remain calm and professional when dealing with difficult, disgruntled, defensive people in person, on the phone and via email.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of potable water treatment and distribution systems (i.e., pipes, pumps, wells and tanks).
• Knowledge of gas distribution systems. Knowledge of electrical controls.
• Knowledge of wastewater and storm drainage collections system (e.g., pipes, pumps, gravity sewer and force mains).

Key Responsibilities

• 70% - Construction, Maintenance & Operation
• 20% - Installation & Inspection
• 10% - Safety, Recordkeeping And Other

Department Overview

Utilities is responsible for providing mission-critical utility services to keep the UC Davis campus running in support of the campus Academic Plan and academic program needs. Utilities provides electricity, chilled water, heating hot water, steam, gas, potable and non-potable water, wastewater treatment, sewer collections and storm drainage to more than 1,600 buildings, totaling over 12 million gross square feet of campus space.
Utilities has 80+ FTE and is responsible for $40+ million budget.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $26.47/hr. - $41.91/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: WATER AND WASTEWATER OPR APPR
• UC Job Code: 008244
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M - F, 8 AM - 5 PM
• Location: Davis
• Union Representation: K3-Skilled Trades
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. This position may, at times, require the individual to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards include but are not limited to: asbestos, PCBs, radioactive materials, industrial and laboratory chemicals, fuels, solvents, infectious materials and wastes, biological hazards, and other hazardous materials. Must possess and maintain a valid California Class B Driver License within 12 months in the apprentice program. Position will participate in the DMV Pull Notice System. This position is subject to completion of a pre-placement medical exam provided by Employee Health Services, given at no charge to the applicant. This position supports critical campus functions operating 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. To assure adequate support of these functions, the employee may be required to participate in an on-call program to facilitate timely return of staff to the campus as required to meet critical needs. This on-call program may include requirements for the employee to inform the University how they can be reached during non-working hours, to carry University-provided radios, cell phones, pagers or other telecommunications equipment to facilitate communication between the campus and employee during non-work hours, or to accept rotating on-call responsibility that would periodically restrict the off-campus movements of the employee. If the employee's non-working hour movements are restricted by the University, employees will be compensated for their On-Call" time according to the established on-call rates. If actually called into work, the employee will be compensated according to the established campus policies and contracts. Employees may also be required to return to work after an assigned shift due to business necessities or emergencies. Compensation for "Call-Back" will be in accordance with campus policies and contracts. This position may be required to work a non-standard work schedule that may include nights, weekends. Apply safety practices using hand tools, power tools, personal safety equipment, and practices including Lock-Out/Tag-Out, confined space entry, and chemical handling. Participate in the development and promotion of safe work practices and procedures. Participate in maintaining proper traffic safety controls at work sites to move traffic safely and efficiently around work sites. Plan routine traffic safety at worksites and perform non-routine traffic control under general supervision. Adhere to safe work practices and abide by all applicable regulations, policies and procedures.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

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