Underground Crafts & Trades Worker; WATER AND Wastewater OPR

Job Summary

Under direction of the Underground Operations Superintendent, provide journey-level plumbing/utility skills for installation, alteration, operation, and maintenance of campus utility systems including water, sewer, storm drainage, swimming pool and natural gas systems.

March 13th, 2026 by 11:59PM

• Completion of a recognized union or university apprenticeship program, accredited trade school, or equivalent journey-level experience in underground utility pipe fitting and construction trades.
• Journey-level knowledge and hands‑on experience in underground utility pipe fitting, installation, maintenance, and construction practices.
• Ability to fabricate, install, maintain, repair, and replace campus utility infrastructure and related systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications within designated time frames:
  Grade 1 Water Distribution Operator (within 24 months), Backflow/Cross Connection training (within 12 months), and Asbestos Cement Pipe Worker certification (within 12 months).
• Valid California driver's license and ability to meet driving record requirements, including enrollment in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
• Ability to read and interpret technical data, blueprints, mechanical specifications, and documentation related to water, sewer, storm drainage, natural gas, and pool systems.

• Experience safely operating heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, dump trucks/trailers, cranes, forklifts, trenchers, and related machinery.
• Experience performing quality control inspections and maintenance/construction project observations.
• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements governing domestic water, sewer, storm drainage, natural gas, and pool systems.
• Math skills are sufficient to perform system calculations (e.g., unit conversions, volume calculations, chemical feed rate determinations).
• Computer skills to manage work assignments, track costs, and schedule tasks.
• Knowledge of approved safety practices, tools, and equipment used in plumbing and utility system maintenance, along with strong customer service skills.

• 90% – Maintenance & Operation
• 5% – Safety and Record Keeping
• 5% – Job Supervision and Coordination

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, water, wastewater treatment, and drainage to more than 1,600 buildings, totaling over 12 million gross square feet of campus space. Utilities has 75+ FTE and is responsible for $40+ million budget.

• Salary or Pay Range: $42.42/hr.
  
  - $50.71/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC
  
  Job Title:
  
  WATER AND WASTEWATER OPR
• UC Job Code: 008245
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff:
  Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M‑F 8:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: K3‑Skilled Trades
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on‑site

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 rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

• High quality and low‑cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as…