Careers
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities at San Gabriel Valley Water Company
With over 290 employees, San Gabriel Valley Water Company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
⦁ Vacation and Sick Leave
⦁ 12 Paid Holidays
⦁ Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
⦁ Life Insurance
⦁ Long-term Disability Insurance
⦁ 401(k) with Company Match
Automatic Bill Payment
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter with your salary requirements and a detailed resume to one of the following:
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Email: HR@sgvwater.com (include “Job Title” in the subject line)
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Fax: (626) 442-2632
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Mail: Human Resources Manager, P.O. Box 6010, El Monte, CA 91734
Working in the Water Industry
The water industry offers diverse and meaningful career opportunities for individuals interested in environmental sustainability, public health, engineering, and technology. As essential contributors to providing safe and reliable water, water industry professionals play a critical role in managing one of our most vital resources. Careers in this industry span various fields, allowing employees to grow and specialize according to their interests and skills.
Career Paths in the Water Industry
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Operations and Maintenance
Operations and maintenance roles ensure the continuous delivery of clean water. This area includes:
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Water Treatment Operators: Manage and monitor water treatment facilities, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
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Distribution Technicians: Oversee the transport of water through pipelines, maintain equipment, and repair infrastructure as needed.
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Field Service Representatives: Conduct on-site service and repair, address customer issues, and monitor the integrity of water systems.
Engineering and Technology
Engineering professionals in the water industry work on designing and maintaining infrastructure and introducing innovative technologies.
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Civil Engineers: Design and improve pipelines, treatment plants, and reservoirs.
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Environmental Engineers: Focus on sustainable water practices, pollution control, and resource management.
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Data Analysts and Technologists: Use technology to enhance system efficiency, develop predictive maintenance models, and optimize resource management.
Environmental Science and Conservation
Professionals in this field are committed to conserving resources, monitoring water quality, and protecting ecosystems.
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Water Quality Scientists: Perform tests, analyze samples, and ensure water meets regulatory standards.
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Hydrologists: Study water cycles, groundwater movement, and assess water resource availability.
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Environmental Compliance Officers: Enforce regulations, manage environmental impact, and ensure adherence to conservation standards.
Customer Service and Education
These roles focus on community engagement, customer support, and educating the public about water conservation.
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Customer Service Representatives: Assist customers with service inquiries, billing, and support for conservation programs.
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Community Outreach Coordinators: Develop educational programs, work with schools and local organizations, and promote sustainable practices.
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Public Relations Specialists: Communicate water conservation initiatives, respond to public concerns, and maintain transparency with customers.
Management and Administration
For those with leadership and organizational skills, the water industry offers administrative and management positions that help guide operational efficiency and strategic direction.
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Utility Managers: Oversee day-to-day operations, manage budgets, and coordinate between departments.
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Project Managers: Lead projects such as facility upgrades, infrastructure expansions, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
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Human Resources and Administrative Professionals: Manage hiring, training, and organizational development to support a skilled workforce.
Why Choose a Career in the Water Industry?
The water industry offers stability, growth potential, and a chance to make a difference in communities and the environment. With ongoing advances in technology and a focus on sustainability, this industry is dynamic and evolving. Working in water is more than a job—it’s a commitment to resource stewardship and public health. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to apply your expertise in a new field, the water industry has a path for you.
Training and Certification
Training and Certifications for the Water Industry
Working in the water industry often requires specific certifications, particularly in roles related to water treatment and distribution. These certifications ensure that water professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to safely manage, treat, and distribute water to the public.
Water Treatment Operators play a vital role in ensuring water safety and quality by monitoring and managing treatment processes. Certification levels vary by state, but they typically include multiple levels that allow for advancement as operators gain experience and expertise.
Certification Levels:-
Grade/Level 1: Entry-level certification, suitable for those starting in water treatment. Requires basic knowledge of treatment processes, equipment, and safety protocols.
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Grade/Level 2–5: Advanced levels that require additional experience, more complex technical knowledge, and passing progressively challenging exams.
Certification Requirements:-
Education: High school diploma or GED; some levels may require college coursework or an associate degree in a related field.
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Experience: On-the-job experience in water treatment operations. Higher certification levels require more years of experience.
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Examination: Completion of a certification exam covering topics such as water chemistry, treatment processes, equipment operation, and safety.
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Continuing Education: Most states require ongoing training or continuing education credits to maintain certification.
Certification Authority: Certification is typically managed by the state’s water regulatory agency or department of health. The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) provides standardized exams that many states adopt.
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Water Distribution Operators are responsible for the delivery of treated water to customers, including managing pipelines, storage, and pumping stations. Certification verifies operators’ knowledge of system hydraulics, maintenance, and safety.
Certification Levels:-
Grade/Level 1: Entry-level certification, focusing on basic distribution system operations, safety, and maintenance.
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Grade/Level 2–5: Advanced levels require a deeper understanding of system hydraulics, troubleshooting, and managing larger, more complex distribution networks.
Certification Requirements:-
Education: High school diploma or GED; some higher levels may require additional technical coursework.
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Experience: Experience in water distribution operations. Higher levels require more extensive on-the-job experience.
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Examination: Certification exams test knowledge of system hydraulics, pipeline installation, leak detection, and regulatory compliance.
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Continuing Education: Like treatment certifications, distribution certifications often require ongoing education to remain valid.
Certification Authority: Distribution certifications are also managed by state agencies, with some states using ABC exams.-
Cross-Connection Control Specialists prevent contamination by ensuring that cross-connections (points where contaminants could enter the drinking water supply) are safely managed.
Certification Requirements:-
Training: Specialized coursework in cross-connection control and backflow prevention.
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Examination: Passing an exam focused on backflow prevention methods, cross-connection
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hazards, and regulatory requirements.
Certification Authority: Typically managed by state regulatory agencies or specific cross-connection control associations.-
Backflow Prevention Testers install, inspect, and maintain backflow prevention devices, which are essential for protecting water quality.
Certification Requirements:-
Training: Completion of an accredited backflow prevention course, often including hands-on training.
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Examination: Passing a written and practical exam on backflow prevention devices and testing methods.
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Recertification: Periodic recertification may be required, often involving a practical skills assessment.
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Water Quality Analysts perform tests on water samples to monitor chemical and biological content, ensuring regulatory compliance and public safety.
Certification Requirements:-
Education: Background in chemistry, biology, or environmental science is often required.
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Experience: Laboratory experience may be required for higher levels of certification.
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Examination: Testing knowledge in areas such as water sampling, analytical techniques, and interpretation of test results.
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Additional Training and Continuing Education
The water industry encourages continuous professional development. Many states require operators to complete a set number of continuing education hours for certification renewal. Training can cover topics such as:
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Advanced treatment and filtration techniques
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Safety protocols and emergency response
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Regulatory compliance and updates
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New technologies and best practices in water conservation
Industry Organizations and Resources for Training
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American Water Works Association (AWWA): Offers a range of training resources, certifications, and professional development courses.
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California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB): Provides certifications and guidelines specific to California.
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Association of Boards of Certification (ABC): Standardized exams and resources used by many states for certification programs.
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Offers guidelines, standards, and training resources on water quality and environmental regulations.