Program assistant Jobs in Chico, CA

California Water Service

Job Description:

California Water Service Group (Cal Water) invites you to build a meaningful career with the third largest publicly traded water utility in the United States. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values—integrity, quality, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship—and is reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace®, a Great Place to Work®, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.

This is a journey-level position in this classification series. Within the areas described in the primary job function, the administrator completes assignments with limited supervision. The administrator proceeds on their own initiative in compliance with policies, practices, and procedures prescribed by the immediate supervisor. The administrator formulates conclusions and recommendations based on the analysis of data. This position can be located in Bakersfield, Chico, San Jose or Torrance, CA.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides Asset Program Administration using Cal Water information systems (Inventory, Procurement, Scheduling, Coordination, Execution, Documentation, and Reporting).
• Administers inspection programs including consultant coordination, scheduling, completion tracking, documentation collection, and status reporting.
• Executes tasks to update asset inventories with limited oversight.
• Coordinates scheduling of field activities with Operations Superintendents.
• Runs reports to monitor project and program execution.
• Records maintenance and inspection results using Cal Water information system.
• With limited oversight, executes advanced tasks associated with procurements of equipment, material, goods, and services.
• Processes advanced purchase requests (requisitions and change orders) in Cal Waters financial and procurement system (PeopleSoft).
• Supports bidding events with direction from others (using Bonfire software).
• Executes tasks and reporting associated with vendor records and database upkeep and status assessment and onboarding with limited oversight.
• Runs reports forecasting procurement needs to support ensuring readiness of vendor pool.
• Executes reporting to track bidding event contracts and bond workflow through purchase requisition request development and purchase order issuance.
• Executes tasks associated with the direct purchase activities associated with routine service, equipment and material purchases with direction.
• Executes reporting to support the tracking of procurement support request tasks to track the team’s support level-of-service and performance with limited direction.
• Runs standard and ad-hoc reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
• Executes accounting processes in financial and procurement systems (PeopleSoft) with direction (invoices, receipts, etc.).
• Develops monthly Construction Phase Cost and Schedule Risk Report (CPCSR) with limited oversight.
• Completes tasks associated with lessons learned logging, tracking, and reporting with limited oversight.
• Executes tasks associated with process and procedure development, documentation, and implementation for construction phase support with limited oversight.
• Supports data collection and runs key KPI reporting with limited oversight.
• Maintains and monitors data quality, completeness, and consistency within asset management information systems.
• Executes tasks to collect end-of-project performance feedback (Project 360) and generates reporting with limited oversight.
• Executes logging of preliminary and stop notices associated with mechanics lien risk management with limited oversight.
• Runs reporting to ensure as-built submittal and recording with limited oversight.
• Runs reporting to ensure timely closure of projects and programs to support closeout activities with limited oversight.
• Supports capital planning activities through data collection, estimate tracking, project candidate administration, and reporting.

Qualifications/Requirements

• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent.
• Proficiency in all job-related software and hardware.
• Properly plans, prioritizes, and documents work.
• Technical knowledge and ability needed to complete job assignments and to train newer technicians to complete job assignments.
• Valid California Driver License.

Knowledge/Ability

• Ability to research, interpret, and analyze information and problems, evaluate alternatives, and derive trends, sound conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to execute tasks per established procedures and accurately input and process data.
• Proficient with Powerplan, Peoplesoft, Bonfire, AVETTA, MS Project Online, and Smartsheet.
• Proficient with Maximo, GIS, and BI systems.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications to create spreadsheets, presentations, and Word documents including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and SharePoint.
• Journey-level knowledge of general project delivery and management.
• Basic knowledge of water or wastewater systems and assets.
• Basic knowledge of company operations and facilities.
• Knowledge of company standards and procedures relating to job functions.
• Ability to understand and write policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Must be well organized and able to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines.
• Ability to communicate well with others, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service practices and telephone communication etiquette.
• Ability to communicate and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Exercises good judgment to prioritize assignments and work in order of urgency and sensitivity.
• Participates in the development of long-range vision, mission, and strategic planning processes for Asset Management.

Salary Range:

Bakersfield or Chico, CA - $48.07 - $56.89

San Jose, CA - $49.13 - $58.15

Torrance, CA - $49.23 - $58.26

Deadline to submit resume is Friday, November 20, 2026.

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.