Example Experience and Training

Completion of the twelfth grade, or its equivalent, supplemented by completion of six college semester units (or two 36 hour courses) in the fundamentals of water supply principles or other specialized training accepted by the California Department of Public Health towards the D3 Operator Certificate and either:

1. 30 months of experience in water distribution system operation, at least 6 months of which was as a D3 certified Water Distribution Operator; or,
2. Three years of distribution system operation experience, at least 6 months of which must have been as a D3 certified operator at a D3 or higher facility.

An Associates Degree with a major in water or wastewater technology or distribution that included at least 15 units physical, chemical, or biological science may be substituted for one year of the required general distribution system operator experience under either of the above qualifying experience patterns. A Bachelor’s degree with a major in civil, environmental, or sanitary engineering, one of the physical, chemical, or biological sciences, or other closely related field may be substituted for two years of the required general distribution system operator experience under either of the above qualifying experience patterns.