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SYSTEMS OPERATOR (WATER STATIONS & SYSTEMS)

Santa Margarita Water District is hiring two Systems Operators. We're seeking mechanically skilled professionals to maintain water and recycled water infrastructure for over 200,000 customers in Southern Orange County. This role involves preventive and corrective maintenance on mechanical equipment and pumping facilities to ensure reliable water services. If you like troubleshooting and working with complex systems as part of a team, this is a great chance to grow your career in utility operations. This crew manages the distribution system, movement of water through our automated system (SCADA), operation and maintenance of pressure valves, reservoir management operations, water quality, and daily system tasks.

About the Role

Under general supervision, the Systems Operator on the Water Stations & Systems Crew performs technical and skilled work involving the installation, maintenance, repair, modification, and servicing of sophisticated mechanical systems and equipment used throughout the District's water and recycled water infrastructure. This journey-level position supports the operation of pump stations, reservoirs, pressure reducing stations, and related facilities through preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities.

Working closely with Crew Chiefs, Senior Systems Operators, and Operations Foremen, the Systems Operator troubleshoots mechanical equipment, participates in planned shutdowns and emergency repairs, and helps ensure the reliability, efficiency, and longevity of the District's critical infrastructure.

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

What You Will Do

• Install, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair pumps, valves, motors, compressors, hydraulic systems, chemical feed equipment, and other mechanical infrastructure.
• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on water stations, reservoirs, pumping facilities, and related District infrastructure.
• Diagnose mechanical equipment failures and rebuild pumps, valves, motors, and associated components.
• Monitor equipment performance through inspections, lubricant analysis, and condition monitoring techniques.
• Install and maintain chlorine storage, chemical feed, and distribution system components.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, piping diagrams, and technical manuals to plan and complete work assignments.
• Operate District vehicles, light- and medium-duty equipment, hand tools, power tools, and, when certified, heavy equipment.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, inspection reports, and work documentation.
• Assist with construction, repair, and maintenance of water distribution facilities as needed.
• Participate in standby assignments and respond to after-hours emergencies to maintain continuous system reliability.

What You Bring

• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience maintaining pumps, motors, valves, compressors, and industrial equipment.
• Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance practices and mechanical troubleshooting techniques.
• Ability to diagnose equipment failures and perform complex mechanical repairs.
• Experience reading engineering drawings, piping layouts, and technical documentation.
• Commitment to safe work practices and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently while supporting a collaborative operations and maintenance team.

Education & Experience

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and one year of journey-level experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of pumping equipment, including pumps, valves, and motors, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements

A valid California Class C driver's license is required, along with a California State Water Resources Control Board Distribution Operator Grade II (D2) and Treatment Operator Grade I (T1) certification. Annual CPR, First Aid, Confined Space Entry, and SCBA certifications are also required.

To view the full job description click here: Systems Operator (Stations) 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