Senior Utility Systems Technician

Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Wells Water District; Kennebunk (ME); On-site; USD 72,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Wells Water District in Maine is seeking a senior field technician to lead complex maintenance of critical utility infrastructure. You will coordinate work, provide technical direction, and ensure safety and quality on every project.

This role mentors technicians, guides preventive maintenance, supports SCADA-connected systems, and responds to emergencies. A strong background in electrical, mechanical, and water treatment systems is required, with state licenses

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree/technical training preferred.
• Minimum five years in industrial maintenance, water/wastewater utilities, or related fields.
• State of Maine licenses or equivalent experience preferred; valid Maine driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead field technician on complex utility maintenance projects with safe, efficient execution.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to technicians; plan maintenance activities.
• Coordinate contractors, evaluate equipment performance, and drive continuous improvement.
• Support SCADA-connected equipment and emergency standby operations.

Skills

Maintenance leadership

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical systems

SCADA knowledge

Problem solving

Safety culture

Mentoring staff

Project coordination

Education

High school diploma

Technical training/ASSOCIATE degree

State licenses (ME) optional

Tools

SCADA systems

Maintenance software

Electrical test equipment

Job description

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Serves as the lead field technician on complex utility infrastructure maintenance, repair, and construction projects by coordinating work assignments, providing technical direction, and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with District standards.
• Provides technical guidance, mentoring, and on-the-job training to Utility Systems Technicians and Facilities Maintenance Technicians in the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of utility infrastructure, mechanical systems, electrical equipment, instrumentation, and safe work practices.
• Assists the Facilities Manager with planning maintenance activities, coordinating contractors, prioritizing work assignments, and evaluating equipment and system performance.
• Promotes a culture of safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement while serving as the department's senior technical resource in the field.

Essential Functions:

• Utility Infrastructure: Serves as the District's lead field technician responsible for the installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of critical utility infrastructure, including pumps, motors, valves, booster stations, storage facilities, generators, and treatment process equipment.
• Utility Systems Reliability: Develops and implements preventive and predictive maintenance programs; performs root cause analysis of equipment failures; evaluates asset condition; and recommends improvements that enhance system reliability, operational efficiency, and long-term asset performance.
• Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls: Performs advanced troubleshooting and maintenance of electrical distribution systems, motor control centers (MCCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), generators, instrumentation, control panels, and field devices supporting treatment and distribution operations.
• Treatment Process & Water Quality Systems: Performs maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair of chemical feed systems, online water quality analyzers, and treatment process equipment. Supports reliable treatment operations through an understanding of water treatment processes, instrumentation, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Mechanical & Building Systems: Maintains and repairs commercial plumbing, HVAC systems, boilers, compressed air systems, and other mechanical infrastructure supporting District facilities and operations. Coordinates specialized repairs with qualified contractors as appropriate.
• Project & Technical Coordination: Leads complex maintenance and construction projects; provides technical guidance and mentoring to maintenance staff; assists with contractor coordination, equipment commissioning, and startup of new infrastructure.
• IT/OT Collaboration: Works closely with the IT/OT Systems Administrator to support SCADA-connected field equipment, automated controls, communications systems, and operational technology infrastructure.
• Safety & Hazard Control: Demonstrates leadership in safe work practices by following and supporting District safety programs, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, hazard assessments, and the proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Emergency Power Systems: Supports the inspection, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of standby generators, automatic transfer switches, emergency power distribution systems, and related electrical controls to ensure reliable operation during utility power interruptions.
• Emergency Response: Participates in the District's standby rotation and serves as a primary technical responder for utility system failures and other emergency operational events.
• Asset Management & Continuous Improvement: Assists with evaluating equipment condition, identifying lifecycle replacement needs, improving preventive maintenance programs, and recommending operational or maintenance improvements that enhance system reliability and resiliency.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and equipment used in the maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and installation of utility infrastructure, including pumps, motors, generators, electrical systems, instrumentation, chemical feed systems, and associated mechanical equipment.
• Knowledge of water treatment and distribution system operations and the relationship between utility infrastructure and reliable water service.
• Ability to safely troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems, including reading and interpreting electrical schematics, control drawings, piping diagrams, equipment manuals, and technical documentation.
• Skill in the operation, maintenance, and safe use of diagnostic equipment, hand tools, power tools, testing instruments, and light construction equipment.
• Ability to diagnose equipment failures, evaluate system performance, and develop practical solutions to complex maintenance problems.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple maintenance activities while responding effectively to changing operational priorities and emergency situations.
• Ability to provide technical leadership, mentor staff, and communicate effectively with coworkers, contractors, consultants, and the public.
• Proficiency with computers and the ability to utilize maintenance management software, SCADA-related applications, Microsoft Office products, and other business software.
• Knowledge of applicable safety regulations, safe work practices, lockout/tagout procedures, confined space entry, and other occupational hazards associated with utility maintenance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships while promoting a positive image of the District through professional and courteous interactions.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position using proper body mechanics and safe lifting techniques.
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment in evaluating equipment failures, determining appropriate corrective actions, and making technical decisions consistent with District policies, operating procedures, and industry best practices.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. An Associate's degree or technical training in industrial maintenance, electromechanical technology, electrical systems, instrumentation, mechanical systems, water technology, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, certifications, and progressively responsible experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in industrial maintenance, water or wastewater utilities, municipal utilities, manufacturing, commercial electrical systems, industrial mechanical systems, or a closely related technical field. Experience troubleshooting and maintaining pumps, motors, generators, electrical distribution equipment, instrumentation, process equipment, and automated mechanical systems is highly desirable. Demonstrated experience leading maintenance projects, coordinating work activities, mentoring employees, or serving as a technical resource is preferred.
• One or more State of Maine trade licenses (e.g., Electrician, Plumber, or Oil Burner Technician), technical certifications, or equivalent experience in industrial maintenance, utility systems, instrumentation and controls, or water/wastewater operations.

Required at Hire:

• Valid State of Maine Driver's License.

Possess or Obtain:

• State of Maine Class IV Water Treatment Operator License within four (4) years of hire.
• State of Maine Class IV Water Distribution Operator License within four (4) years of hire.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Ability to perform physically demanding work in both indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, reach, and work in confined spaces, trenches, elevated platforms, and on ladders.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and pull materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 80 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles, heavy equipment, hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and testing instruments.
• Ability to distinguish colors, read gauges and instrumentation, and hear audible alarms and equipment operating conditions.
• Ability to wear and properly utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection, as required.
• Work may involve exposure to energized electrical equipment, moving machinery, hazardous chemicals, water treatment chemicals, high noise levels, vibration, and other hazards associated with utility maintenance. Employees are expected to follow all applicable safety policies and procedures.
• Must be available to respond to emergency callouts and participate in the District's standby rotation, including work outside of normal business hours, weekends, and holidays.

Salary Range: $71,770.49 – $104,067.21, depending on qualifications and experience.