The City of Santa Cruz is recruiting for two current vacancies for Utility Maintenance Technician in the Water Department. This entry and training level position is assigned to the Water Production section of the Santa Cruz Water Department and assists with electrical, mechanical, and general maintenance of Water Department facilities used to collect and convey source waters, treat source water to drinking water standards, distribute and store drinking water for the community. Selected candidates will work closely with mechanical and electrical/instrumentation maintenance staff to maintain 24/7 operability of the water system. This is a great opportunity to start a career in the water industry!
To learn more about the Water Department, please visit https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Water-Department
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular and Temporary Utility Maintenance Technician vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.
Recruitment #27-007
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
On
Thursday, 08/20/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
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Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
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Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.
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Week of 08/24 and 08/31/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 09/11/26.
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Week of 09/14 and/or 09/21/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.
Basic Function
Under direct supervision, assists in performing a variety of electrical, mechanical maintenance, and general maintenance and basic landscaping work in the Water Department on the City’s water treatment plant and remote facilities.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Utility Maintenance Technician is the entry and training level of the Mechanical and Electrical/Instrumentation Maintenance series. Incumbents assist in performing routine preventive and minor repair maintenance under general supervision and assist journey-level Mechanical Technicians and Electrical/Instrumentation Technicians or other plant personnel in a variety of more complex maintenance work in Water. The position is required to obtain a State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) D1 or T1 certification within 24 months of date of appointment.
The Utility Maintenance Technician classification is distinguished from the next higher levels of Water Facilities Mechanical Technician II or Water Facilities Electrical/Instrumentation Technician II, in that the latter positions are the journey-level classifications responsible for performing the more complex, specialized assignments requiring a higher degree of experience, knowledge, and certification.
(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)
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Performs regular preventive maintenance on plant equipment such as greasing valves, motors or other drive parts, changing oil and making minor engine adjustments.
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Helps install, test, calibrate, and maintain electrical systems and equipment.
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Continually inspects plant equipment and related facilities.
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Assists in installing, servicing, and maintaining a variety of water treatment and distribution or wastewater treatment and collection equipment such as internal combustion engines, motors, pumps, pipelines, valves, etc.
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Performs minor electrical maintenance such as troubleshooting and disconnecting motors and replacing fuses; may assist other mechanics in more complex electrical repairs.
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Operates a variety of test equipment and use small hand tools in the maintenance and repair of electronic and related equipment and systems.
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Maintains work logs, inventory and equipment control records, and preventive maintenance records and activities, such as making sure oil and grease schedules are maintained.
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Inspects plant equipment and remote facility equipment.
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Performs services and repairs on tools and power equipment.
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May occasionally assist treatment plant operators including performing line and tank chlorination, assisting with water quality testing, and well maintenance and sampling.
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May perform general maintenance and basic landscaping work as required, including mowing, weed whipping and irrigation system installation.
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May use a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) or other computerized monitoring and operating systems.
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May be required to perform duties related to confined space entry and rescue.
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Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, heat and cold. May use chemicals and cleaning products, including hazardous chemicals such as bleach and/or acid, which may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to climb ladders, use power tools and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions and enter confined spaces. Some positions require the incumbent to work both in and around oceanic surf to perform assigned duties. Depending on assignment, the incumbent may be required to respond to after hours emergency call outs and to wear a uniform. An incumbent may perform assigned duties while wearing respiratory protection equipment and/or Arc Flash safety equipment. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:
Education and Experience:
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High school diploma or tested equivalent
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One year of mechanical or electrical experience that includes the routine maintenance of standard drive equipment such as motors and pumps.
Knowledge:-
Major parts of standard drive equipment such as motors and pumps.
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Routine equipment maintenance tasks including greasing, changing oil, replacing parts.
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Basic safety procedures used in manual labor.
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Basic electrical knowledge with an emphasis on electrical safety.
Abilities:-
Identify and appropriately use common hand tools.
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Take and record readings accurately.
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Learn to perform technical procedures and skilled tasks.
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Make sound decisions within established guidelines.
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Follow oral and written instructions.
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Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
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Basic computer skills for data entry
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Complete and maintain accurate records.
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Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
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Work effectively as a member of a crew.
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Act in a courteous and tactful manner with members of the public.
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Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
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Safely handle hazardous materials
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Perform assigned duties while wearing respiratory protection equipment.
Licenses and Certificates-
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license.
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Must obtain and maintain within 24 months of date of appointment:
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Either a State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) D1 or T1 certification.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS-
Must successfully complete the city’s respirator fit testing protocols; may be required to be clean shaven.
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Willingness to work flexible hours, including holidays, evenings, weekends, and overtime as assigned.
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Willingness to perform call back work and standby duty as required; must remain available to be contacted by phone or pager and be able to report to work within a forty-five (45) minute period when standing duty.
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Willingness to wear a uniform.
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Successful completion of training as a forklift operator within one year of appointment.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS-
Possession of CWEA Plant Maintenance Technologist Grade 1 certification.
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Possession of a Grade T1 Water Treatment Plant Operator certificate or a Grade D1 Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State of California Department of Health Services.
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Experience with basic landscaping such as irrigation system installation, vegetation management and industrial mower operation.
