Mechanic Apprenticeship Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $87,817.60 - $120,224.00 Annually
Location : 3512 Michelson, Irvine, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 01072
Department: Mechanical Services
Opening Date: 08/18/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for two (2) Maintenance Mechanicsin the Mechanical Services Department.
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled.The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Monday, September 7, 2026. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment.This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.
The District:
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.
IRWD Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.
IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.
The Position:
Under general supervision, install, maintain/service and assist in the overhauls of all District stationary rotating equipment related to domestic and reclaimed water distribution systems, sewage collections systems, wastewater/water treatment plants and dewatering/solids handling. Performs cross-functional electrical and mechanical planned maintenance. Perform predictive (condition based monitoring) and preventive maintenance routes in a computerized environment. Participates in the department after-hours standby program at the sole discretion of the District.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
For the full job description and responsibilities of the position, please click
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Installs, dismantles, overhauls, and repairs waterworks machinery and equipment, including pumps, motors, engines, compressors, gear drive units, piping, valves, and related equipment.
Performs repairs and modifications while providing training to apprentice level personnel.
Prepares reports, summarizing the District's mechanical maintenance/electrical functions including labor, work performed, and materials used. Provides feedback on work performed.
Performs Electrical and Mechanical Predictive Maintenance/ Machinery Condition Monitoring routes.
Utilizes computer-based machinery analyzers as directed by senior level personnel for efficiency testing, tribology, thermography, and tri-axial vibration analysis.
Possesses knowledge and experience to properly and safely maintain District chemical, chlorination, and disinfection systems.
Identifies source(s) of existing or potential mechanical/electrical problems with systems, techniques, parts and equipment and work efficiently to correct, troubleshoot and diagnose various equipment malfunctions.
Reads and interprets blueprints, schematics, installation manuals, and follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to make rough drawings.
Performs basic maintenance and repair operations using welding/machining skills required in Mechanical Services functions.
Responds to emergency situations during off-hours and required. Participates in the department after hours standby program at the sole discretion of the District.
Troubleshoots the cause of malfunctions using visual inspection, precision measuring and test instruments.
Performs beginning horizontal welding and machining. Adept in basic fabrication and silver soldering, and braising. Basic use of oxy-acetylene, and arc welders on ferrous and nonferrous metals; makes cuts using a band saw; and performs simple parts fabrication.
Performs routine electrical/mechanical maintenance functions such as pump/motor, air compressor, engine and gear drive services.
Assists in installing, dismantling, overhauling, and repair all waterworks machinery and equipment, including pumps, motors, engines, compressors, gear drive units, piping, valves, conveyors, and related equipment/appurtenances.
Uses shop cutting, grinding, bending, pressing, and drilling tools. Has basic knowledge of machine shop practices.
Performs daily/weekly shop, tool, and vehicle maintenance/clean up.
Submits purchase requests for materials and tools via an Oracle network system. Monitors spare parts and daily expendables inventory. Assists in ensuring inventory is maintained at an acceptable level via purchase orders. Checks shipments to ensure they are complete and correct, then administrates correct storage.
Suggests changes in work plans, and provides work-in-progress reports.
Uses Computerized Maintenance Management System, Oracle network, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Creates reports based on equipment condition and maintenance records.
Assists in presenting Department safety meetings.
Responds to emergency situations during off-hours as required. Participates in standby duties at the sole discretion of the District.
Participates on process teams and committees.
Complies with District safety work-related practices and attends relevant safety training.
Responsible for all other work-related duties.
Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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:

• High School graduation or equivalent required.
• Completion of a Formal Apprenticeship Program and/or Collections System Maintenance and Water Distribution Certifications highly desirable.
• Completion of 21 field- related college units or hold an accredited college Certificate in Mechanical/Electrical Maintenance highly desired.

Experience:

• Minimum of two years apprentice-level experience in a job requiring the application of mechanical/electrical skills in a water/wastewater treatment plant, water distribution system, or similar environment preferred.
• Ability to operate all hand and power tools.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Class 'C' California Driver's License required.
• Valid Class 'A' California Driver's License highly desired.
• HAZMAT 1st Responder Certification, and/or a California Crane Operators Certificate highly desired.
• CWEA Grade I Plant Maintenance Technologist Certificate desired.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Will lift 50 lbs. on a routine basis. Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly. Must be certified annually to wear respiratory equipment. Must be clean shaven such that facial hair does not interfere with the fit of self-contained breathing apparatus. Ability to exert moderately heavy physical effort in moderate to heavy work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Ability to operate heavy equipment and machinery with some requiring complex and rapid adjustments, such as power hand and shop tools, mechanic's hand tools, shovel, motor vehicles, compressors, hoists, ladders, drafting tools, etc.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Ability to work under sometimes uncomfortable conditions with exposure to environmental factors such as toxic agents, wildlife, disease, or equipment, traffic, or machinery. Work in indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to extreme weather, noise, fumes, dust, hazardous materials, and confined spaces. Wear respiratory protection and maintain facial hair standards in compliance with fit-testing.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.
New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time:
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Spark Hire Assessment: As part of our interview process, candidates will participate in a one-way video interview conductedthrough Spark Hire. This interview allows candidates to showcase their ability to communicate clearly and confidently in a recorded format. During the interview, candidates will respond to a series of pre-recorded questions, demonstrating their verbal communication skills, professionalism, and ability to articulate their qualifications efficiently.
Written Examination: which will evaluate candidates' proficiency in electrical safety, installation, and maintenance for those candidates qualifying forthe position.
Oral Interview Examination: will assess candidates' experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate's interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.
IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits 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. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive, and may not be applicable to all employees.
Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.
Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The Dist