Systems Operator (Stations)

Santa Margarita Water District; Rancho Santa Margarita (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Margarita Water District is seeking Systems Operators to maintain water and recycled water infrastructure for 200,000+ customers in Southern Orange County. You will work on pumps, valves, motors, and hydraulic systems, performing preventive and predictive maintenance as part of a skilled crew.

The role supports operation of pump stations, reservoirs, and distribution facilities, with after-hours standby and emergency response to ensure continuous system reliability.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year journey-level experience in pumping equipment maintenance.
• Experience with pumps, valves, motors, and related mechanical systems.
• Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Install, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair pumps, valves, motors, and hydraulic systems.
• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on water stations, reservoirs, pumping facilities, and related infrastructure.
• Diagnose equipment failures and rebuild pumps, valves, motors, and components.
• Monitor equipment performance through inspections and condition monitoring techniques.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and work documentation.
• Assist with standby assignments and after-hours emergency responses to maintain system reliability.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Preventive maintenance

Predictive maintenance

Troubleshooting

Reading engineering drawings

Safety compliance

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

1 year journey-level pumping equipment experience

Job description

Systems Operator (Water Stations & Systems)

Santa Margarita Water Districtis hiring multiple 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.