Temporary Collection Systems Technician I

Irvine Ranch Water District Inc; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Irvine Ranch Water District is seeking two temporary Collection Systems Technician I to join the Collection Systems Department. The six-month to twelve-month assignment requires operating, maintaining, and repairing sewer collection and transmission systems under supervision.

A valid California Driver's License (Class C) is required, with Class A preferred within 11 months. Experience in sewer maintenance and knowledge of safety practices are valued.

Qualifications

• Education: high school graduation or equivalent; water utility courses preferred.
• Experience: 1 year in sewer maintenance or related field preferred.
• Licenses/Certifications: valid CA Driver's License (Class C) required at application; Class A desired within 11 months; CWEA Grade I desired within 9 months.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, clean and perform minor repairs of sewage collection and transmission systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs under supervision.
• Maintain records of work performed and ensure safety procedures are followed.
• Assist in minor repairs of lift stations, manholes, and related facilities.
• Monitor traffic controls and read sewer atlas and GIS drawings.

Skills

Oral and written communication

MS Office Suite

Basic math

Safety awareness

Technical reading of sewer atlas/GIS

Education

High school diploma

Water utility related college courses preferred

Equivalent education outside the US accepted

Tools

CWEA Grade I Collection System Maintenance certificate

Sewer atlas reading tools

Job description

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for Two (2) Temporary Collection Systems Technician I position in the Collection Systems Department. This position is limited to a duration of six (6) months, but of no more than (12) months.

Applications will be accepted through Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.

The District: Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

THE POSITION Under direct supervision, operate, maintain, clean and perform minor repairs of the sewage collection and transmission systems.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHINGCHARACTERISTICS This is the entry-level class in the Collection Systems Technician series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine preventive maintenance and repair work, while learning District policies and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Perform semi-skilled and skilled work in the maintenance and repair of the District's facilities and related equipment.

Operate and maintain, and clean lift stations, wet wells, siphons, vaults, manholes and various confined spaces.

Work in lines, vaults and other confined spaces, utilizing proper safety techniques and equipment in accordance with Cal-OSHA and District's safety policies and procedures.

Operate a variety of light, medium and heavy-duty motorized vehicles and equipment, such as dump trucks, pickup trucks, sewer line inspection and cleaning equipment and a variety of other hand, hydraulic and power tools, and motorized equipment; check condition of equipment; clean and maintain tools and equipment used in the field and shops; fuel vehicles; inspect and perform safety checks on vehicles and equipment; clean vehicles and equipment; report the need for vehicle and equipment repairs; trains and instructs others in safe and proper equipment operation.

Assist in the minor repair of lift stations, manholes, and other sewage facilities.

Maintain daily records of work completed.

Responsible for traffic control, job safety methods and the reading and interpretation of the sewer atlas, geographic information systems and record drawings.

Participate in a scheduled standby program and serve as emergency first responder for the District.

Respond to questions and complaints from the public regarding sewer odors, sanitary sewer overflows, and repair work.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Comply with District work-related safety practices and attend relevant safety training.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• A combination of education and experience equivalent to high school graduation is required. For degrees obtained outside the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.
• Completion of water utility related college courses is preferred.

Experience:

• One (1) year of experience in sewer maintenance or related field is preferred.

License/Certifications:

• Valid Class "C" California Driver's License is required at the time of application.
• Valid Class "A" California Driver's License is highly desired and must be obtained within 11 months of hire.
• CWEA Grade I Collection System Maintenance certificate is highly desired and must be obtained within 9 months of hire/promotion date.

Knowledge of:

• Traffic control practices and requirements.
• Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.
• Reading and interpretation of the sewer atlas/geographic information systems and record drawings.
• Methods, techniques, tools and equipment common to collection systems and maintenance.

Ability to:

• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and written.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees, management and vendors.
• Represent the District in a professional manner when dealing with customers, outside contractors and agency officials.
• Ability to advise and provide interpretation to others on how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide; basic mathematical calculations related to sewer collections operations.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel). Keyboarding abilities sufficient to perform the job.
• Ability to use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials and a computer. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas and to work in confined spaces. Finger dexterity is needed to operate tools and repair equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing 50 pounds, and up to 90 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.