Wastewater Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: See Position Description
Location : 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Represented
Job Number: 2026-32
Department: Operations
Division: Street Maintenance
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Join our team as a Utility Operator/Technician (Streets)!
Help Build and Protect SMWD's Critical Infrastructure!
Santa Margarita Water District is seeking motivated, safety-focused individuals to join our Utility Technician/Operator (Streets) team. This recruitment is an opportunity to become part of a dedicated crew responsible for maintaining and improving the District's critical water and wastewater infrastructure.
SMWD's Utility Operator/Technician (Streets) team performs the essential construction and maintenance work that keeps our water and wastewater systems reliable. Crew members take on skilled field tasks including excavation, trenching, backfilling, asphalt and concrete restoration, pipeline and valve repairs, hydrant maintenance, and safe operation of heavy equipment, trucks, compactors, and power tools. Every job is performed with safety at the forefront-from trench shoring and confined space protocols to strict traffic control procedures, PPE use, and equipment operation standards. Whether you're an experienced operator or launching a career in the utility trades, you'll work outdoors, learn hands-on skills, respond to emergency repairs, and contribute to a team dedicated to quality workmanship, reliability, and public service.
About the Roles
Utility Operator (Streets)
Under general supervision, the Utility Operator (Streets) performs skilled work involving the construction, maintenance, and repair of streets and related District infrastructure. Responsibilities include excavation, trenching, asphalt and concrete restoration, operation of heavy equipment, and supporting emergency repairs to maintain reliable water and wastewater service.
This journey-level position requires independent judgment, strong mechanical aptitude, and the ability to safely operate a variety of vehicles, tools, and construction equipment while responding to both planned and emergency maintenance activities.
Utility Technician (Streets)
Under direct supervision, the Utility Technician (Streets) performs routine and semi-skilled construction, maintenance, and repair work while learning the operation of District infrastructure and equipment. This trainee-level position provides progressive hands-on experience in utility operations, with opportunities to develop technical skills and advance into higher-level classifications as certifications and experience are obtained.
The role includes physically demanding fieldwork, operation of hand and power tools, and participation in emergency and standby assignments while working alongside experienced utility professionals.
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
Utility Operator (Streets)

• Perform excavation, trenching, backfilling, asphalt and concrete restoration following utility work
• Operate and maintain heavy equipment, trucks, loaders, compactors, and construction equipment
• Install, maintain, and repair District infrastructure and related facilities
• Read maps, plans, and work orders to complete assignments accurately
• Maintain work records and documentation
• Follow traffic control, trench safety, and District safety procedures
• Respond to emergency repairs and participate in standby assignments as required

Utility Technician (Streets)

• Assist with construction, maintenance, and repair of pipelines, valves, hydrants, and related infrastructure
• Learn to operate and maintain District equipment, facilities, and utility systems
• Perform excavation, trenching, street restoration, and site cleanup
• Operate hand and power tools while learning safe utility maintenance practices
• Read maps, plans, and blueprints to support field operations
• Assist with preventative maintenance and repairs on District infrastructure
• Respond to emergency situations and participate in standby assignments as required

What You Bring
Utility Operator (Streets)

• Experience in construction, street maintenance, or utility field operations
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and perform physically demanding work
• Knowledge of asphalt, concrete, excavation, and trench safety practices
• Strong mechanical aptitude and commitment to quality workmanship
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative field crew
• Dedication to safety and reliable public service

Utility Technician (Streets)

• Willingness to learn construction, mechanical, and utility maintenance skills
• Strong work ethic and ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Basic mechanical aptitude and interest in building a career in utility operations
• Commitment to teamwork, safety, and continuous learning

Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines
Education & Experience
Utility Operator (Streets)
High school diploma or GED and journey-level experience in construction, street maintenance, utility operations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A valid California Class A Commercial Driver's License and SWRCB Distribution Operator Grade D2 Certificate are required.
Utility Technician (Streets)
High school diploma or GED and some experience performing labor-intensive construction, maintenance, or mechanical work is desirable. A California Class A Commercial Driver's License must be obtained within 12 months of hire or promotion, and a SWRCB Distribution Operator Grade D1 Certificate must be obtained within 24 months of hire or promotion.
Other Necessary Requirements/Additional Information
To view the full job description click here:
Utility Operator (Streets)
Utility Technician (Streets)
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 a Class A Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you currently possess a D2 certification?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have 0-1 year of work experience as a laborer in construction, mechanical, and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection systems?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have 2-3 years of work experience as a laborer in construction, mechanical, and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection systems?

• Yes
• No

Required Question