Water Maintenance Technician I/II

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently hiring a Water Maintenance Technician I/II in the Field Services Department. 

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Monday, January 5, 2026. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

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 general supervision, performs a wide variety of duties in the preventive maintenance and repair of District potable and recycled water distribution systems infrastructure and related facilities, and performs related duties as assigned. May be required to participate in the District’s standby program and scheduled or unscheduled overtime. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 

DISTINGUISHINGCHARACTERISTICS

Water Maintenance Technician I: This is the entry-level class in the Water Maintenance 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.

Water Maintenance Technician II: This is the journey-level classification in the Water Maintenance Technician series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Water Maintenance Technician III in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series and provides technical and functional direction to assigned staff. 

Positions in the Water Maintenance Technician class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level are normally filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) supervisor affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meets the minimum qualifications for the classification including any required licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

When on standby, receives and responds to calls for leaks; evaluates and makes determination of responsibility (District or customer); identifies and monitors points of water loss; locates and troubleshoots water leaks in mains and service lines; cleans out around damaged area; removes excess water; shuts down water service.

Coordinates water system maintenance projects with city, county, and state agencies and USA agency.

Monitors flow and adjusts hydraulic control valves for peak performance with support from Water Operations; isolates and disassembles hydraulic control valve and its pilots; inspects, acid washes and replaces parts as necessary. 

Locates, maintains, tests, gathers, and reviews data for specific cathodic protection systems. 

Isolates air vacuum valve, relieves pressure, and flushes to troubleshoot and repair if necessary. 

Flushes, services, repairs, and replaces fire hydrants according to District specifications. 

Flushes hydrants, bottom drains and blow-offs to maintain integrity of water quality. 

Routinely required to work in permit and non-permit required confined spaces.

Operates and maintains various vehicles and tools; inspects, services, and makes minor adjustments to vehicles and tools.

Controls traffic around work sites to ensure safe conditions for the general public, consultants/contractors, and District workers.

When on standby, receives, investigates, and resolves customer inquiries, complaints, and requests for service; advises customers of problems and suggests solutions; refers customers to other departments and agencies and/or creates work order, as appropriate.

Reads and interprets as-builts, maps, schematics, drawings, diagrams, and related technical documentation.

Inspects infrastructure and facilities for safety issues, system integrity, and possible future work projects; provides recommendations to the supervisor.

Provides information and demonstrations on how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.

Performs pre-trip safety inspection on vehicles and equipment to be used daily; ensures parts and materials are

available and stocked on the crew truck.

Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment, assigned vehicle, and tools at the close of the workday.

Maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used.

Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Attends relevant training.

Collaborate with team members to complete projects efficiently and safely.

Comply with district’s dechlorination procedures when responding to leaks.

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

Performs related duties as assigned. 

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Experience:

Water Maintenance Technician I: One (1) year of experience performing water infrastructure/facilities maintenance work.

Water Maintenance Technician II: Three (3) years of experience performing water infrastructure/facilities maintenance work.

Positions at the I-level may apply some of these knowledge and ability requirements while still in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, techniques, equipment, and tools required for, maintaining hydraulic controls and system valves, and related equipment found in a large metropolitan water infrastructure. 
• Operational characteristics, use of, and maintenance requirements of vehicles and related hand and power tools required for the work.
• Traffic control procedures. 
• Occupational hazards and safety standards related to the work, including driving rules and practices and working in confining spaces. 
• Principles of mathematics and the application to assigned work.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.  
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff. 
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of tasks in the preventive maintenance of District potable and recycled water distribution systems infrastructure.
• Make determination for leak repair responsibility.
• Set up and operate traffic control around construction areas.
• Read and interpret information from as-builts, maps, schematics, drawings, diagrams, and related technical documentation.
• Safely and effectively use, operate, and maintain hand and power tools, equipment, and vehicles required for the work.
• Maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems of work performed.
• Perform mathematical computations with accuracy. 
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 
• Effectively use computer systems and software applications relevant to work performed to perform work tasks.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License to be maintained throughout employment.

Water Maintenance Technician I:

• Possession of a valid Grade I (D1) Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to be maintained throughout employment.

• Certificate of Achievement in operation and maintenance of automatic control valves desired. Must obtain within 1 year of hire date. 

Water Maintenance Technician II:

• Possession of a valid Grade II (D2) Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to be maintained throughout employment.

• Certificate of Achievement in operation and maintenance of automatic control valves. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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. 

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating “See Resume” is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District’s online application. To apply, click on the “Apply” link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time:Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for January 26, 2026): will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

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.