Mechanic Training Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $90,116.52 - $124,226.18 Annually
Location : 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Represented
Job Number: 2026-25
Department: Operations
Division: Mechanical Maintenance
Opening Date: 05/19/2026
Closing Date: 6/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
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

Essential Functions
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

Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines
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.
Other Necessary Requirements/Additional Information
To view the full job description click here: Senior Utility Mechanic 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 currently possess an M3 certification?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have three years of journey-level experience?

• Yes
• No

Required Question