Utility Technician (Collections)
Salary
$67,746.17 - $93,389.36 Annually
Location
26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688, CA
Job Type
Temporary and Limited Term
Job Number
2026-34
Department
Operations
Division
Collections Maintenance
Opening Date
07/20/2026
Closing Date
8/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Join our Collections Crew as a Utility Technician!
Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a dependable and safety-focused Limited-Term Utility Technician to join our team immediately. This is a full-time limited-term position budgeted for up to one year, created to provide coverage during the leave of one of our valued staff members. This position has the potential to extend beyond one year or transition to a regular full-time position based on organizational needs.
In this role, you will support the operation, maintenance, and repair of the Districts wastewater collection infrastructure, helping ensure the reliable operation of sewer pipelines, manholes, lift stations, and related facilities that serve more than 200,000 residents throughout Southern Orange County. Working as part of a collaborative field operations team, you will perform essential work that protects public health and the environment while gaining valuable hands-on experience in utility operations. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals who enjoy working independently in the field while contributing to the safe and efficient operation of critical public infrastructure.
About the Role
Under general supervision, the Utility Operator (Collections) performs routine and skilled heavy physical work related to the construction, maintenance, mechanical repair, and operation of the District's wastewater collection system. Operators use a variety of hand tools, power tools, and specialized sewer maintenance equipment to clean, inspect, maintain, and repair sewer infrastructure.
This is the working-level classification in the Utility Operator series. Employees develop and apply technical skills while performing field assignments and may work under the direction of a Senior Utility Operator. As experience and proficiency increase, employees may advance to higher-level classifications.
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:
Essential Functions
What You Will Do
What You Bring
Knowledge of wastewater collection systems, sewer maintenance practices, and related mechanical equipment
Ability to perform physically demanding field work in outdoor environments and confined spaces
Mechanical aptitude and the ability to safely operate maintenance tools and equipment
Strong teamwork skills and commitment to safe work practices
Ability to read maps, follow work orders, and maintain basic maintenance records
Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines
Education & Experience
High school diploma or GED equivalent and experience performing construction, mechanical, or maintenance work related to utility infrastructure, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience working with wastewater or sewer collection systems is desirable.
A valid California driver's license and required safety certifications-including CPR, First Aid, Confined Space Entry, and SCBA training-must be maintained in accordance with District and OSHA requirements.
Other Necessary Requirements/Additional Information
To view full job description click here:Utility Technician (Collections) Job Description
Santa Margarita Water District offers a comprehensive benefit 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.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM: As a public agency, the Santa Margarita Water District has enrolled in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for retirement benefits. The retirement formula and required employee contribution may vary based on employment status.
HEALTH INSURANCE: The District contracts with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from PPO or HMO plans. Medical premiums for plans in an amount up to or equal to the highest HMO are paid for by the District for all full-time employees. The District shares the cost of medical insurance for dependents with the employee. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
DENTAL INSURANCE: The District provides dental insurance for all full-time regular employees. Optional dependent dental coverage is available at the Districts rates. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
VISION INSURANCE: The District provides each full-time employee and their eligible dependents with vision insurance through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
LIFE INSURANCE AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT: The District provides term-life insurance for all full-time employees through VOYA with Employee benefits equaling 2 1/2 times the employees annual salary to a maximum of $200,000. Adjustments are made based on the employees salary. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): The District provides all employees and their dependents with an EAP that provides confidential, professional assistance with a variety of services such as legal/financial concerns, ID recovery, mental health, and more.
GENERAL LEAVE ACCRUAL: General leave is a multi-purpose leave providing for vacations, personal affairs, and non-job related illness/injuries.
While accrual begins from the date of hire, for the most part, general leave may not be taken until completion of the employees six-month probationary period.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Regular full and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Districts deferred compensation program. The District shall match an employee's contribution into the deferred compensation plan up to a maximum of $2,400 per employee per year, or $100 per pay-period. The contributions occur each pay period except the third pay period in those months with three pay dates.
HOLIDAYS: The District provides 11½ holidays (92 hours) per year for full-time employees.
FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT: Through the Districts Flexible Spending Account (FSA), employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible "out-of-pocket" (unreimbursed) medical expenses, child or dependent care.
LIFESTYLE SPENDING ACCOUNT: A benefit in which your employer sets money aside for you to use on eligible expenses related to physical, financial and emotional
well-being.
EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT: All full-time employees are eligible for reimbursement for educational training or certification training taken from any college, university, or accredited institution, up to the IRS annual limit with Department Head approval.
The aforementioned information is only a summary of the Districts benefits. Detailed information may be found in the Personnel Rules and Regulations and/or the Memorandum of Understanding between the SMWDEA and the Santa Margarita Water District.
01
Do you currently possess a valid California Class A Commercial Driver's License?
02
If you do not currently possess a California Class A Commercial Driver's License, are you willing and able to obtain one within the first year of employment?
03
Do you have experience working with water distribution or wastewater collection systems?
Required Question
Employer Santa Margarita Water District
Address 26111 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, California, 92688
Phone (949) 459-6420
Website http://www.smwd.com