Senior Utility Mechanic

Join our team as a Senior Utility Mechanic! Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Utility Mechanic to support the maintenance and reliability of critical water, wastewater, recycled water, and treatment infrastructure throughout the District. This advanced journey-level role performs complex mechanical maintenance and repair work on sophisticated equipment and systems that are essential to daily operations and public service reliability. If you enjoy solving complex mechanical challenges, working with large-scale infrastructure systems, and mentoring others in a collaborative field environment, this is an exciting opportunity to take your career to the next level. About the Role Under general supervision, the Senior Utility Mechanic performs advanced technical and skilled work involving the installation, modification, fabrication, maintenance, repair, and servicing of sophisticated mechanical systems and machinery used throughout District infrastructure. This is the lead-level classification in the Utility Mechanic series and requires a high level of technical expertise, independent judgment, and hands-on troubleshooting ability. The role supports preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities on a wide variety of treatment and pumping systems and may provide day-to-day guidance and training to less experienced personnel. The position works closely with Crew Chiefs, Foremen, and operations staff to maintain safe, efficient, and reliable facility 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 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 What You Will Do Perform advanced maintenance, installation, fabrication, and repair work on pumps, valves, compressors, motors, conveyors, clarifiers, hydraulic systems, chemical feed systems, and related treatment equipment Diagnose equipment issues and perform complex troubleshooting, rebuilds, alignments, and repairs on mechanical and hydraulic systems Conduct preventive and predictive maintenance activities, including lubricant and oil analysis and equipment condition monitoring Support system shutdowns, startups, and emergency repairs on treatment and transmission infrastructure Install and repair chlorine feed and storage system components and respond to chemical feed system leaks and emergencies Design and fabricate brackets, mounts, supports, and prototype components using welding and fabrication equipment Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, plans, and technical documents to plan and complete work assignments Operate District vehicles, tools, and equipment safely and maintain accurate maintenance and inspection records Assist with training and supporting less experienced personnel as assigned What You Bring Advanced knowledge of mechanical maintenance and repair practices for industrial, water, and wastewater systems Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills for pumps, motors, valves, compressors, and treatment equipment Experience with welding, fabrication, and mechanical system alignment Ability to work independently on complex assignments and support field crews as a technical resource Commitment to safety, teamwork, and operational reliability Ability to work in demanding environments and respond to emergency operational needs Education & Experience High school diploma or GED and significant journey-level experience in the maintenance and repair of water, wastewater, recycled water, or industrial mechanical systems, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Advanced certifications related to water, wastewater, or mechanical systems are desirable. A valid California driver's license and required safety certifications must be maintained. To view the full job description click here: Senior Utility Mechanic Job Description