Pre-Apprentice Desert (Announcement Only)

PRE-APPRENTICE RECRUITMENT DESERT - ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING RECRUITMENT

APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME (DO NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THIS POSTING #2024-2919).

When the application filing period begins, a new posting (#2025-2927) that you can apply to will go live.

Below are the application filing period (accepting applications) dates.

APPLICATION FILING PERIOD (ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS)

Internal application filing period begins: Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Internal Applicants Only

External application period begins: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, (8:00 a.m. PST) through Tuesday, March 11, 2025 (4:30 p.m. PDT), or until 200 applications are received.

1 ELECTRICAL POSITION
• 3 MECHANICAL POSITIONS
  
  

This recruitment will hire four positions in 2025 and establish an eligibility list to hire electrical and mechanical positions in the future.

Location:

Gene Camp, Parker Dam, CA

STARTING HOURLY SALARY: $22.54 Per Hr.

The starting hourly rate is currently $22.54. There are increases throughout the program as you advance. Upon completion of the program, you will be at salary grade 42, step 4 which has a current hourly rate of $48.60. These hourly rates will change based on negotiated cost of living adjustments.

HOURLY SALARY Y-RATE for current employees in positions represented by AFSCME.

Applicants in AFSCME job families who enter the Apprenticeship Program shall be eligible for y-rating when their current hourly rate exceeds the scheduled grades and steps in the apprentice program. For employees that this might apply to, this means that you will not be eligible for a cost-of-living increase until the pay rate of the position you are in catches up and exceeds your y-rate amount.

DESERT BRANCH ASSIGNMENT PREMIUM

5% for all employees assigned to Gene Camp or Intake.

AFSCME MEMBERS

Applicants in AFSCME job families who enter the Apprenticeship Program shall be eligible for y-rating when their current hourly rate exceeds the scheduled grades and steps in the program.

POSITION RETURN RIGHTS
Applicants who successfully gain entrance into the program shall be guaranteed return rights to their previous classification, position, and work location within the 6-month probationary period should they voluntarily or involuntarily terminate their apprenticeship agreement. Voluntary or involuntary termination beyond the 6-month period is only guaranteed return rights to previous classification. Every effort will be made to return employee to the original location.

OTHER BARGAINING UNITS

If you are an employee not currently represented by AFSCME, please contact your bargaining unit to inquire about y-rating and return rights.

JOB INFORMATION
The Conveyance and Distribution Group has a total of 4 openings in the Desert Region for pre-apprentice positions in the Electrical and Mechanical maintenance crafts.

These pre-entry-level positions require no experience and will be responsible for performing general maintenance and general labor duties related to Metropolitan's pumping plants and distribution system. Upon successful completion of the pre-apprentice term of approximately 6 months, candidates will enter one of Metropolitan's State-certified apprenticeship programs.

Candidates select trade and location based on ranked scores (i.e., top score has first choice).

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU:

1) Download and review the Candidate Preparation Manual with Sample Test. See download instructions below.

**IMPORTANT** INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOWNLOADING PREP MANUAL

YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED

For additional information about the Apprenticeship Program email ApprenticeProgram2@mwdh2o.com Save

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Successful candidates will serve a trial period (pre-apprentice) of no less than 6 months. The objective of the 6-month trial period is to prepare employees to enter a 4-year apprenticeship in the electrical or mechanical trades at Metropolitan. After successful completion of the prescribed trial period, successful candidates will indenture into a 4-year apprenticeship program.

Those individuals who advance into an apprenticeship program will learn their trade on the job, working with journey-level maintenance electricians or maintenance mechanics, and from dedicated classroom instruction. The 4-year program is comprised of 7,280 hours of combined on-the-job training (OJT) and related instruction. Related and supplemental instruction classes will be held during the apprentice's normal working hours for an average duration of 80 hours per 6-month period of apprenticeship.

A significant amount of home study is required to be performed by the apprentice during non-working hours.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include but are not limited to the following:
* Assists in performing operations and maintenance tasks associated with Metropolitan pump plants, treatment plants, and distribution system; learns and uses basic tools and techniques as required for performing operations and maintenance tasks at various facilities.
* Operates a motor vehicle, pickup truck, forklift, or other light equipment as required.
* Participates in and receives various job-related and safety training.
* Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Requirements
* Applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
* Graduation from high school (High School Diploma) or a Certificate of High School Equivalency.
* Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class 'C' or higher driver's license is required (at time of application).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:
* Knowledge in mathematics and basic science fundamentals.

Skill and Ability to:
* Perform mathematical functions including algebra.
* Perform tasks that require good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and balance.
* Make satisfactory progress in the prescribed academic and practical exercises related to an apprenticeship program.
* Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
* Effectively communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, through simple or routine correspondence and reports. Understand and comply with Metropolitan's policies and standards for workplace health and safety.
* Work in a team environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands and working condition characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met or may be encountered by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* Frequently stand, walk, reach above shoulders, push, and pull.
* Frequently lift and/or move heavy loads over 25 pounds.
* Occasionally required to sit, use dexterity (includes keyboard), climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, and twist. Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, works at elevated heights, precarious places, tunnels, confined spaces, extreme cold and extreme heat conditions.
* Frequently works near moving mechanical parts and low/high electrical voltage and works outdoors.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Written Exam
* Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a written entrance examination. The written exam is a 3-hour (approximately) multiple-choice examination on general aptitude and mathematical knowledge, including algebra.

* Applicants must receive a score of 70% or higher to move forward in the recruitment process. Applicants will move forward based on their scores, from highest to lowest, on the Written Entrance Examination. The number of applicants receiving oral interviews will be equal to the number of apprentice positions expected in that grouping, multiplied by five (4 positions x 5 resulting in 20 applicants).

Oral Interview
* Applicants must receive a score of 70% or more on the oral interview to move forward in the process.
* Interview scores will be combined with the written exam to obtain an eligibility ranking.

Physical Abilities Test
* The Physical Abilities Test will consist of job-related activities. Tests are pass/fail and do not contribute to the ranked score. Only applicants that pass Physical Abilities Testing will move forward in the process.

Applicants failing the Color Sightedness Test will only be eligible for the mechanical apprenticeship positions.

During the Physical Abilities Testing you will be asked to perform five (5) different types of tasks. All must be completed within the given time. Below is a quick summary and what is expected of you.

* Confined Space (simulation)
Safely climb up and down ladders; work in a confined space; work and assemble items in low light conditions; and work and move while wearing proper protective equipment.

* Color Identification
Demonstrate the ability to properly match colors.

* Shoveling Test
Demonstrate safe shoveling techniques; keep sand within boundaries of a wooden frame; and cleanup workstation.

* Climbing/Lifting Test
Carry a bucket containing 20lbs up and down stairs; lower and lift a bucket containing 20lbs; lower a bucket into a targeted area and keep bucket within line of sight.

* Working Overhead
Safely lift conduit sections from the floor to overhead; demonstrate ability to steady the conduit to begin threading onto coupling; safely work from a portable ladder and demonstrate ability to twist the conduit while supporting the free end.

Only applicants that pass all parts of the Physical Abilities Test will move forward in the process. Applicants failing the Color Identification Test would only be excluded from the electrical apprenticeship positions.

VETERANS
Thank you for your service.
Upon written proof (DD214), applicants may earn additional points toward their overall ranking score as follows: 10-points for service in the Armed Services of the United States of America with a discharge or release under conditions other than dishonorable in accordance with California Labor Code 3076.5.

RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE DATES

You will receive an email by March 21, 2025 advising you if you are moving forward in the process. If you are moving forward, you will receive an email with specifics.

March 24, 2025 - April 5, 2025 (appx.) Written Test - Various Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Arizona Locations (If you are in a different state and need a testing center, please email jobs@mwdh2o.com)

April 21, 2025 - April 24, 2025 (appx.) Oral Interviews - VIRTUAL

May 8, 2025 - May 9, 2025 (appx.) Physical Abilities Test - Parker Dam, California

Work Schedule: 4/10 [Monday - Thursday or Tuesday - Friday dependent on location,
6:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.] This is based on business needs.

Classes are held two to three consecutive days once per month at the Diamond Valley Lake Training Center. Travel time and expenses are paid.

This job announcement has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification / job.

To view the full job description, click here: Pre-Apprentice (Electrical / Mechanical)

Updates to Your Status May Be Sent Via E-Mail, Postal Mail or Phone. Please Make Sure You Are Checking Your Spam / Junk Mail.

ABOUT MWD

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provides water for 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Qualified individuals with disabilities, who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process, please call (213) 217-7738 or email:jobs@mwdh2o.com.

Metropolitan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic(s).

Application Filing Period: Closes on March 11, 2025, at 4:30 pm PDT.
However, it may close prior to the filing end date if sufficient applications have been received. If sufficient applications have not been received, then the filing period end date may be extended.

Sponsorship: Applicants for employment with The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States (i.e., H1-B or other employment-based immigration case).