Senior Maintenance Mechanic

Salary : $87,108.00 - $130,164.00 Annually
Location : 3512 Michelson, Irvine, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 01024-2
Department: Mechanical Services
Opening Date: 05/18/2026
Closing Date: 6/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for a Senior Maintenance Mechanic in the Mechanical Services Department.
The District:

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website:
IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.
IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.
The Position:

Under general supervision, the Senior Maintenance Mechanic performs skilled journey-level mechanical work in the installation, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of equipment used in the treatment, conveyance, and distribution of potable, recycled, and wastewater systems. This includes pumps, valves, compressors, chemical feed systems, dewatering equipment, piping systems, and other mechanical infrastructure. This classification is distinguished by its advanced technical responsibilities, mentoring of less experienced staff, and its performance of condition-based monitoring, fabrication, and reliability-based diagnostics.
For the full job description and responsibilities of the position, please click
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of the duties assigned. Incumbents perform the most difficult mechanical work for all District assets, including: the installation, maintenance, and overhauling of all District equipment related to domestic and reclaimed water distribution systems, sewage collection systems water/wastewater treatment, and dewatering/solids handling. Including the fabrication, welding, machining, troubleshooting and performance of complex repairs; and the performance of predictive, reactive, and preventive maintenance in a computerized environment. Participates in standby duties at the sole discretion of the District.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Inspects, diagnoses, disassembles, repairs, and reassembles mechanical equipment and components used in water, wastewater, and recycled water systems.


Fabricates parts and fittings using welding, machining, and other fabrication techniques; perform millwright-level repairs.


Maintains, troubleshoots, and assesses machinery condition using predictive tools including vibration analysis, thermography, and oil sampling.


Supports preventive and condition-based maintenance through computerized systems; documents and reports findings.


Provides technical direction, training, and support to maintenance personnel as assigned.


Reads and interprets blueprints, mechanical drawings, specifications, and technical manuals.

Participates in equipment installation projects and leads assigned tasks or crews as needed.


Submits materials requisitions; maintains adequate inventory of tools and consumables.


Complies with all applicable safety protocols, including confined space entry, LOTO, PPE use, and respiratory protection requirements.


Responds to after-hours emergencies as assigned; participates in standby rotation at the discretion of the District.


Performs other duties as assigned.


Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Completion of an accredited apprenticeship program or related college coursework (e.g., mechanical, millwright, welding) is highly desirable.

Experience:


Four (4) years of journey level mechanical experience in water/wastewater treatment, collection, or water distribution systems.

License/Certifications:

• Possession of a valid Class 'C' California Driver's License is required.
• Class 'A' California Driver's License is highly desirable.
• NCCCO Crane Certification is highly desirable.
• CWEA Grade II Mechanical Technologist Certificate is desirable CWEA Grade III Mechanical Technologist is highly desirable.
• Additional relevant certifications (e.g., welding, rigging, forklift, crane, confined space) are desirable and may be required based on assignment.

Knowledge of:

• Operation and repair of pumps, valves, gearboxes, piping, and related mechanical equipment in water or wastewater settings.
• Machining, welding, rigging, and alignment practices.
• Predictive maintenance tools and interpretation of diagnostic results.
• Applicable safety codes and Cal/OSHA regulations.
• Use of CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to:

• Independently perform complex mechanical repairs and installations.
• Lead or assist in training other mechanics.
• Maintain detailed maintenance records and reports.
• Work safely under demanding conditions including heights, confined spaces, and in the presence of sewage, chemicals, or hazardous environments.
• Respond to emergencies and participate in after-hours standby when required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Will lift 50 lbs. on a routine basis. Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly. Must be certified annually to wear respiratory equipment. Must be clean shaven such that facial hair does not interfere with the fit of self-contained breathing apparatus. Ability to exert moderately heavy physical effort in moderate to heavy work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Ability to operate heavy equipment and machinery with some requiring complex and rapid adjustments, such as power hand and shop tools, mechanic's hand tools, shovel, motor vehicles, compressors, hoists, ladders, drafting tools, etc.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Ability to work under sometimes uncomfortable conditions with exposure to environmental factors such as toxic agents, wildlife, disease, or equipment, traffic, or machinery. Work in indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to extreme weather, noise, fumes, dust, hazardous materials, and confined spaces. Wear respiratory protection and maintain facial hair standards in compliance with fit-testing.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.
New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time:
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Spark Hire Assessment: As part of our interview process, candidates will participate in a one-way video interview conductedthrough Spark Hire. This interview allows candidates to showcase their ability to communicate clearly and confidently in a recorded format. During the interview, candidates will respond to a series of pre-recorded questions, demonstrating their verbal communication skills, professionalism, and ability to articulate their qualifications efficiently.

Written Examination : which will evaluate candidates' proficiency in electrical safety, installation, and maintenance for those candidates qualifying forthe position.


Oral Interview Examination : will assess candidates' experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate's interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.
IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive, and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWD does not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Eligible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in a deferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 10 scheduled paid holidays plus two (2) personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.
01


What is your highest level of education?

• Did not graduate from high school or receive GED
• High school graduation or equivalent
• Some college
• Associates Degree
• Bachelor's Degree

02


How many years of experience do you have in operating and repairing pumps, valves, gearboxes, and piping in water or wastewater settings?

• Less than one year experience
• 1 to less than 2 years of experience
• 2 to less than 3 years of experience
• 3 to less than 4 years of experience
• 4 to less than 5 years of experience

03


How many years of journey-level mechanical experience in water/wastewater treatment, collection, or water distribution systems do you have?

• Less than one year experience
• 1 to less than 2 years of experience
• 2 to less than 3 years of experience
• 3 to less than 4 years of experience
• 4 to less than 5 years of experience
• 5+ years of experience

04


Do you have a CWEA Grade II Mechanical Technologist Certificate? If so, please attach to your application.

• Yes
• No

05


Do you have a Class A Commercial Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have a NCCCO Crane Certification? If so, please attach to your application.

• Yes
• No

07


Do you have a valid California Class C Drivers' License?

• Yes
• No

08


Do you have any welding, rigging, forklift, crane, or confined space certification? If yes, please list certifications below.
Required Question