Entry Level Valve Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $65,772.98 - $90,669.28 Annually
Location : 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Represented
Job Number: 2026-33
Department: Operations
Division: Valve & Hydrant Maintenance
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: 8/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Join our team as a Utility Technician (Valve & Hydrants)!
Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a motivated and safety-focused Utility Technician (Valve & Hydrants) to join our Operations team. This entry-level position offers a hands-on opportunity to build a rewarding career maintaining the critical infrastructure that delivers safe and reliable water to more than 200,000 customers throughout Southern Orange County.
If you enjoy working outdoors, learning new technical skills, and being part of a collaborative crew that takes pride in serving the community, this is an excellent opportunity to launch your career in the water utility industry.
About the Role
Under direct supervision, the Utility Technician (Valve & Hydrants) performs routine and semi-skilled field work involving the construction, maintenance, inspection, and repair of the District's water distribution system. This position supports the operation of valves, fire hydrants, pipelines, and related water system infrastructure while learning the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to advance within the Utility Operator series.
As a Utility Technician (Valve & Hydrants), you'll play a vital role in the daily preventative maintenance that keeps water flowing safely for over 200,000 customers. Your work includes exercising valves to ensure they operate smoothly, flushing fire hydrants to maintain water quality and readiness, identifying and reporting inoperable valves, and performing routine checks on blowoffs, air and vacuum valves. You'll also conduct fire flow tests to verify system performance and support emergency response. Every day, you'll help improve system reliability, prevent outages, and protect public safety-while learning hands-on skills and advancing your career in a collaborative, safety-focused team.
Working alongside experienced field staff, the Utility Technician gains hands-on experience operating equipment, performing preventive maintenance, responding to emergency repairs, and ensuring the reliability of the District's water distribution system. This role combines physical field work with technical training and provides a clear pathway for career growth within District 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 more than 200,000 customers throughout Southern Orange County.
Our people drive our innovation and success. We foster a collaborative, human-first culture where employees work together to solve challenges, support one another, and make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.
Our values include:

• Exemplary Service Excellence
• Intelligent Innovation
• Ethical Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency
• Environmental & Resource Stewardship
• Employee Development & Leadership Training
• Building Relationships that Strengthen Communities

Essential Functions
What You Will Do

• Assist with the inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement of valves, fire hydrants, pipelines, and related water distribution facilities
• Perform excavation, trenching, backfilling, and site restoration activities
• Operate hand tools, power tools, light equipment, and District vehicles safely and effectively
• Assist with valve exercising, hydrant maintenance, flushing programs, and emergency water main repairs
• Learn to locate underground utilities and interpret maps, work orders, and system drawings
• Perform preventive maintenance activities to improve system reliability and operational efficiency
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and work orders
• Follow all District safety procedures, including traffic control, trench safety, confined space, and equipment operation requirements
• Participate in standby assignments and emergency response activities as required

What You Bring

• A strong work ethic and willingness to learn utility operations and water distribution maintenance
• Mechanical aptitude and an interest in working with tools and equipment
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in a variety of outdoor conditions
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to safety, reliability, and exceptional public service
• Ability to learn technical procedures and progressively perform more complex maintenance activities

Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines
Education & Experience
Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. Experience performing construction, maintenance, mechanical, or utility-related work is desirable. A valid California Class C driver's license is required upon hire, with the ability to obtain a California Class A Commercial Driver's License within one year. Employees must also obtain the required California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator certification within the timeframes established by the District.
Other Necessary Requirements/Additional Information
To view the full job description click here: Utility Technician (Valve & Hydrants) 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 District's 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 employee's annual salary to a maximum of $200,000. Adjustments are made based on the employee's 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.

• First year through five-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 11.67 hours per calendar month (140 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 304 hours.
• Sixth through ten-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 16 hours per calendar month (192 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours.
• Eleventh through fifteen-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 19.33 hours per calendar month (232 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours.
• Sixteenth year and beyond of continuous employment: 22.67 hours per calendar month (272 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 380 hours.

While accrual begins from the date of hire, for the most part, general leave may not be taken until completion of the employee's six-month probationary period.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Regular full and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the District's 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 District's 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 District's 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 have experience as a laborer in construction, mechanical or maintenance work?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have experience in the water industry? If so, please explain.
Required Question