Utility Technician (Mechanical)

Utility Technician (Mechanical)

Join our team as a Utility Technician (Mechanical)!

Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a motivated and mechanically inclined Utility Technician (Mechanical) to join our Operations team. This entry-level position offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career maintaining the equipment and infrastructure that keeps the District's water, wastewater, and recycled water systems operating safely and reliably. From pumps and motors to compressors and treatment equipment, you'll gain hands-on experience working with the critical mechanical systems that serve more than 200,000 customers throughout Southern Orange County.

If you enjoy working with tools, solving mechanical problems, and learning new technical skills in a collaborative environment, this is an excellent opportunity to launch your career in utility operations.

About the Role

Under direct supervision, the Utility Technician (Mechanical) performs routine and semi-skilled work involving the construction, maintenance, mechanical repair, and operation of the District's water, wastewater, recycled water, and treatment facilities. Working alongside experienced Utility Mechanics and Systems Operators, you'll develop the technical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to inspect, maintain, repair, and install a wide variety of mechanical equipment and infrastructure.

This role provides extensive on-the-job training while exposing employees to preventative maintenance programs, mechanical troubleshooting, equipment rebuilds, treatment facilities, pump stations, and emergency response activities. As your skills, certifications, and experience grow, you'll have the opportunity to advance within the Utility Mechanic series.

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 its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region's largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters.

Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD's goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies.

Santa Margarita Water District's values include:

• Exemplary service excellence
• Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive
• Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency
• Environmental and resource stewardship
• Employee development and leadership training
• Building relationships that strengthen communities

Essential Functions

What You Will Do

• Assist with the installation, maintenance, repair, and rebuilding of pumps, motors, compressors, valves, engines, piping systems, and other mechanical equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance on treatment plant equipment, pump stations, and District facilities.
• Learn to troubleshoot mechanical equipment and assist with equipment repairs and installations.
• Assist with servicing chemical feed systems, pumping stations, telemetry equipment, and related infrastructure.
• Perform excavation, trenching, backfilling, and site restoration associated with maintenance activities.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, shop equipment, District vehicles, forklifts, and other maintenance equipment safely.
• Read and interpret maps, schematics, blueprints, and technical drawings to support maintenance activities.
• Assist with maintaining buildings, facilities, fire protection systems, and related mechanical infrastructure.
• Maintain accurate work orders, maintenance records, and inspection documentation.
• Participate in standby assignments and respond to emergency maintenance situations as needed.

What You Bring

• Mechanical aptitude and an interest in industrial equipment, pumps, motors, and mechanical systems.
• Willingness to learn preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment repair techniques.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
• Strong work ethic, communication skills, and commitment to teamwork.
• Ability to safely operate tools, equipment, and District vehicles.
• Commitment to safety, quality workmanship, and continuous learning.

Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines

Education & Experience

Equivalent to graduation from high school or GED and some experience performing construction, mechanical, industrial maintenance, or related labor work, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A valid California Class C driver's license is required. Employees must obtain a California State Water Resources Control Board Distribution Operator Grade I (D1) certificate within 12 months of hire or promotion, along with required CPR, First Aid, Confined Space Entry, and SCBA certifications.

Other Necessary Requirements/Additional Information

To view the full job description click here: Utility Technician Mechanical JD