Utility Technician (Valve & Hydrants)

Utility Technician (Valve & Hydrants)

Join our team as a Utility Technician (Valve & Hydrants)! Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a motivated and safety-focused Utility Technician (Valve & Hydrants) to join our Operations team. This entry-level position offers a hands-on opportunity to build a rewarding career maintaining the critical infrastructure that delivers safe and reliable water to more than 200,000 customers throughout Southern Orange County.

If you enjoy working outdoors, learning new technical skills, and being part of a collaborative crew that takes pride in serving the community, this is an excellent opportunity to launch your career in the water utility industry.

About the Role Under direct supervision, the Utility Technician (Valve & Hydrants) performs routine and semi-skilled field work involving the construction, maintenance, inspection, and repair of the District's water distribution system. This position supports the operation of valves, fire hydrants, pipelines, and related water system infrastructure while learning the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to advance within the Utility Operator series.

As a Utility Technician (Valve & Hydrants), you'll play a vital role in the daily preventative maintenance that keeps water flowing safely for over 200,000 customers. Your work includes exercising valves to ensure they operate smoothly, flushing fire hydrants to maintain water quality and readiness, identifying and reporting inoperable valves, and performing routine checks on blowoffs, air and vacuum valves. You'll also conduct fire flow tests to verify system performance and support emergency response. Every day, you'll help improve system reliability, prevent outages, and protect public safetywhile learning hands-on skills and advancing your career in a collaborative, safety-focused team.

Working alongside experienced field staff, the Utility Technician gains hands-on experience operating equipment, performing preventive maintenance, responding to emergency repairs, and ensuring the reliability of the District's water distribution system. This role combines physical field work with technical training and provides a clear pathway for career growth within District Operations.

Meet Santa Margarita Water District Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to more than 200,000 customers throughout Southern Orange County.

Our people drive our innovation and success. We foster a collaborative, human-first culture where employees work together to solve challenges, support one another, and make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.

Our values include: Exemplary Service Excellence, Intelligent Innovation, Ethical Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency, Environmental & Resource Stewardship, Employee Development & Leadership Training, Building Relationships that Strengthen Communities.

Essential Functions What You Will Do Assist with the inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement of valves, fire hydrants, pipelines, and related water distribution facilities Perform excavation, trenching, backfilling, and site restoration activities Operate hand tools, power tools, light equipment, and District vehicles safely and effectively Assist with valve exercising, hydrant maintenance, flushing programs, and emergency water main repairs Learn to locate underground utilities and interpret maps, work orders, and system drawings Perform preventive maintenance activities to improve system reliability and operational efficiency Maintain accurate records, reports, and work orders Follow all District safety procedures, including traffic control, trench safety, confined space, and equipment operation requirements Participate in standby assignments and emergency response activities as required What You Bring A strong work ethic and willingness to learn utility operations and water distribution maintenance Mechanical aptitude and an interest in working with tools and equipment Ability to perform physically demanding work in a variety of outdoor conditions Strong communication and teamwork skills Commitment to safety, reliability, and exceptional public service Ability to learn technical procedures and progressively perform more complex maintenance activities Education & Experience Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. Experience performing construction, maintenance, mechanical, or utility-related work is desirable. A valid California Class C driver's license is required upon hire, with the ability to obtain a California Class A Commercial Driver's License within one year. Employees must also obtain the required California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator certification within the timeframes established by the District.