Utility Mechanic

Utility Mechanic

Join our team as a Utility Mechanic! Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a skilled and mechanically inclined Utility Mechanic to help maintain the critical equipment and infrastructure that keeps the District's water, wastewater, and recycled water systems operating safely and efficiently. This hands-on journey-level role offers the opportunity to work on a wide variety of mechanical systems while supporting essential public services that benefit more than 200,000 customers.

If you enjoy troubleshooting complex equipment, working with pumps and motors, and solving mechanical challenges in a team-oriented environment, this is an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career in utility maintenance.

Under general supervision, the Utility Mechanic performs skilled mechanical work involving the installation, maintenance, repair, modification, and inspection of equipment and facilities used throughout the District's water, wastewater, recycled water, and treatment systems. The position supports preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs to ensure the reliability and performance of critical infrastructure.

Working closely with operations, engineering, and maintenance staff, the Utility Mechanic diagnoses equipment issues, performs repairs, and helps maintain a safe and efficient operating environment. This position may participate in standby assignments and respond to emergency maintenance needs.

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, and building relationships that strengthen communities.

What you will do:

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair pumps, motors, valves, compressors, gearboxes, conveyors, hydraulic systems, and other mechanical equipment
• Perform preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance on water, wastewater, recycled water, and treatment facilities
• Inspect equipment and diagnose mechanical failures using appropriate testing equipment and maintenance practices
• Perform equipment rebuilds, alignments, lubrication, and replacement of mechanical components
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, technical manuals, and engineering drawings
• Operate District vehicles, tools, welding equipment, and specialized maintenance equipment safely
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, and inspection documentation
• Coordinate with operations staff during equipment shutdowns, repairs, and emergency response activities
• Follow all District safety procedures and promote safe work practices in the field

What you bring:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience maintaining industrial or utility equipment
• Knowledge of pumps, motors, valves, hydraulic systems, piping systems, and rotating equipment
• Ability to diagnose equipment problems and perform complex mechanical repairs
• Experience using mechanical tools, precision measuring instruments, and maintenance equipment
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Commitment to safety, teamwork, and delivering reliable utility services

Education & experience: High school diploma or GED and journey-level experience in mechanical maintenance and repair of industrial, water, wastewater, or related equipment, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A valid California Class C driver's license is required. Relevant water, wastewater, or mechanical certifications are desirable, and participation in the District's standby program may be required.