Entry Level Water District Jobs in Riverside, CA

Salary : $74,505.60 - $90,542.40 Annually
Location : District Headquarters - 31111 Greenspot Rd., Highland, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-12-08
Department: FIELD
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DEFINITION
Under immediate supervision, performs a variety routine to complex duties in the construction, maintenance, and repair of the District's water distribution and wastewater collection systems, equipment and facilities; responds to emergency situations, evaluates issues, and restores services promptly; operates and maintains a variety of hand and power tools and heavy equipment; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives immediate supervision from the Utility Maintenance Superintendent. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level classification in the Utility Maintenance Technician series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine maintenance and repair duties on District water and wastewater infrastructure, while learning District policies and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work with more independence. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Utility Maintenance Technician II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Some duties and responsibilities may be performed in a learning capacity by positions at the entry (I) and first experienced (II) levels.

• Performs a variety routine to complex duties in the construction, maintenance, and repair of the District's water distribution and wastewater collection systems, equipment and facilities.
• Inspects, installs/constructs, maintains, and repairs water distribution pipelines, valves, hydrants, pumps, and related appurtenances; regularly exercises valves.
• Installs, tests, maintains, and replaces water meters; repairs leaks as necessary; maintains meter boxes and clears debris.
• Inspects and tests underground collection pipes, lateral connections, storm drain interceptors, and associated appurtenances using closed-circuit television devices and other specialized testing equipment to locate leaks, breaks, infiltration and the buildup of dirt, debris, roots, and other materials.
• Tests and monitors manholes for dangerous gases and uses proper safety precautions when entering underground areas; builds and cleans out manholes and other collection facilities.
• Responds to customer complaints and emergency calls for service; uses inspection equipment to identify causes; and assists in mitigating overflow spills and damage, as required.
• Assists in locating, identifying, and marking various District facilities as required to comply with Underground Service Alert requests, utilizing a computerized information system and various line location devices.
• Performs confined space and permit required confined space entry in accordance with local, State, and federal guidelines, regulations, and laws; completes pre-entry checklists, performs atmospheric testing and evaluation of various entry conditions and situations.
• Operates and maintains hand and power tools, vehicles, and a variety of heavy equipment including backhoes, skid steers, dump trucks, hydro excavation/jetting trucks, Closed Caption Television trucks, and other construction or maintenance vehicles.
• Participates in the removal and restoration of concrete and paved surfaces; removes trees, brush, and debris from right of ways to access manholes, sewer main lines, and laterals.
• Maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used.
• Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Some knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity by positions at
the entry (I) and first experienced (II) levels.
Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and light to heavy power equipment used in utility maintenance.
• Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including driving rules and practices, traffic control procedures and regulations, and confined space entry.
• Practices, procedures, methods, and materials involved in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and/or sewer collection systems, facilities, and equipment.
• Proper USA marking procedures, state color codes, and types of underground installations.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.

Ability to:

• Perform construction, maintenance, and repair work on water distribution and/or wastewater collection systems and facilities.
• Safely and effectively use, operate, and maintain hand and power tools, vehicles, and a variety of light, medium, and heavy equipment related to the construction, maintenance, and repair of District infrastructure.
• Read, interpret, and apply technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, blueprints, and schematics.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Experience:

• One year of general construction experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid Grade I Water Distribution Operator certification, issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), to be maintained throughout employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; possible entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools, to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to inspect and operate equipment. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 25 pounds or heavier weights of up to 50 pounds, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.
Represented/Hourly Employee Benefits Overview
CalPERS Retirement: The District contracts with CalPERS to provide the 2.7% @ 55 retirement formula with an employee contribution of 8% of annual salary for current members. Under the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), new members will be provided the 2% @ 62 retirement formula with an employee contribution of 8% of annual salary. The District does not participate in the Social Security program.
Health Benefits: • The District provides a Percentage Based Employer Contribution Plan (PBECP) which includes the following:

• 90% of health benefit premiums for employees and their qualified dependents up to the cost of the benchmark plan (Blue Shield for 2026) for the benefit year. The employee is responsible for covering the remaining 10% of the health benefit premium costs, and any additional costs incurred by selecting a health plan above the benchmark plan.
• The District will cover 100% of the employee's selected dental and vision plan premium for employees and their qualified dependents.

Life Insurance: A term life insurance policy in the amount of $100,000 is provided.
Vacation Leave: Annual vacation leave will be earned at 104 hours per year and will increase after 3 years.
Sick Leave: 117 hours per year.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A comprehensive EAP is provided to help employees and their family members find direction in solving problems.
Deferred Compensation Plan- 457(b): A 457(b) plan administered by CalPERS is available with a District match of $125/month.
Flexible Spending Account: Employees may contribute to a medical reimbursement account and/or dependent care reimbursement account to pay for unreimbursed medical and/or dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Education Assistance Program: Continued education is encouraged and reimbursed up to $5,000 per Fiscal Year.
Employee Wellness Program:The District offers an on-site Wellness Center/Gym and locker rooms for all employees.
In addition to the benefits listed above, EVWD offers a 9/80 flexible work schedule, an employee Wellness Center/Gym, professional development opportunities, and much, much more!
01
Do you have any construction experience?

• Yes
• No

02
Have you worked with heavy equipment?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have experience with any trades such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, welding, or related field?

• Yes
• No

Required Question