Utility Maintenance Technician (Multiple Vacancies)

Utility Maintenance Technician (Multiple Vacancies)

Salary

$71,580.00 - $100,728.00 Annually

Location

City of Santa Cruz, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

27-007

Department

Water

Opening Date

07/30/2026

Closing Date

8/20/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

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:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Typical Duties

(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)

• Performs regular preventive maintenance on plant equipment such as greasing valves, motors or other drive parts, changing oil and making minor engine adjustments.
• Helps install, test, calibrate, and maintain electrical systems and equipment.
• Continually inspects plant equipment and related facilities.
• 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.
• Performs minor electrical maintenance such as troubleshooting and disconnecting motors and replacing fuses; may assist other mechanics in more complex electrical repairs.
• Operates a variety of test equipment and use small hand tools in the maintenance and repair of electronic and related equipment and systems.
• Maintains work logs, inventory and equipment control records, and preventive maintenance records and activities, such as making sure oil and grease schedules are maintained.
• Inspects plant equipment and remote facility equipment.
• Performs services and repairs on tools and power equipment.
• May occasionally assist treatment plant operators including performing line and tank chlorination, assisting with water quality testing, and well maintenance and sampling.
• May perform general maintenance and basic landscaping work as required, including mowing, weed whipping and irrigation system installation.
• May use a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) or other computerized monitoring and operating systems.
• May be required to perform duties related to confined space entry and rescue.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or tested equivalent
• 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.
• Routine equipment maintenance tasks including greasing, changing oil, replacing parts.
• Basic safety procedures used in manual labor.
• Basic electrical knowledge with an emphasis on electrical safety.

Abilities:

• Identify and appropriately use common hand tools.
• Take and record readings accurately.
• Learn to perform technical procedures and skilled tasks.
• Make sound decisions within established guidelines.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Basic computer skills for data entry
• Complete and maintain accurate records.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Work effectively as a member of a crew.
• Act in a courteous and tactful manner with members of the public.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
• Safely handle hazardous materials
• Perform assigned duties while wearing respiratory protection equipment.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license.
• Must obtain and maintain within 24 months of date of appointment:
• 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.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including holidays, evenings, weekends, and overtime as assigned.
• 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.
• Willingness to wear a uniform.
• Successful completion of training as a forklift operator within one year of appointment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of CWEA Plant Maintenance Technologist Grade 1 certification.
• 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.
• Experience with basic landscaping such as irrigation system installation, vegetation management and industrial mower operation.

Career Ladder

• Water Facilities Field Supervisor
• Water Facilities Mechanical Supervisor OR Senior Electrician
• Water Facilities Mechanical Technician III OR Water Facilities Electrical/Instrumentation Technician III
• Water Facilities Mechanical Technician II OR Water Facilities Electrical/Instrumentation Technician II
• Utility Maintenance Technician

SALARY - This classification belongs to the Service bargaining unit. The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website. See the CITY OF SANTA CRUZ SERVICE EMPLOYEE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING on the City website for details on pay rates and practices.

UNION REPRESENTATION - This classification belongs to the Service Employees bargaining unit. All employees within this unit are represented by the Service Employees International Union.

APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted, to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period (unless specified as 12-month by Service Employees MOU) which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

LEAVE

Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.

Sick - 12 days/year

Holidays - up to 11 days/year

Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time

INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)

Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage (pro-rated for part-time).

Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.

Life - City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.

Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.

RETIREMENT

All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 9.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Accident Protection Insurance

Bilingual Pay if required by position

Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

Direct Deposit

Discount Bus Pass Program

Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care

Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)

In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month (if not participating in City offered Medical Plan)

Shift Differential

Supplemental Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

The information included in this listing is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Leaves and most Insurance contributions are pro-rated for part-time benefited employees.

01

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."

• I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California drivers license.

• Yes, I have a valid California drivers license.
• I do not have a valid California drivers license. I understand that I will be required to obtain one prior to appointment as a condition of employment if selected for this position.

04

Please select how many years of mechanical or electrical experience you have that includes the routine maintenance of standard drive equipment such as motors and pumps. The experience selected here must be reflected in the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.

• Less than 1 year.
• At least 1 year, but less than 2 years.
• At least 2 year, but less than 3 years.
• At least 3 year, but less than 4 years.
• At least 4 year, but less than 5 years.
• 5 or more years.

05

Based on your answer above, please describe your mechanical or electrical experience that includes the routine maintenance of standard drive equipment, such as greasing, changing oil, and replacing parts. Please be thorough with your response, indicating where you got this experience, duties performed, and how many years in each role. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have mechanical or electrical experience that includes the routine maintenance of standard drive equipment, please answer "N/A."

06

This position requires the possession and continued maintenance of either a State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) D1 or T1 certification within 24 months of date of appointment. Please select your current certification status:

• I possess a current State Water Resources Control Board D1 and/or T1 or higher certification and have attached proof to my application.
• I do not possess either a State Water Resources Control Board D1 or T1 or higher certification, though I accept the requirement to obtain one of the certifications within 24 months from date of appointment.
• I do not possess a State Water Resources Control Board D1 or T1 certification and do not agree to obtain one of the certifications within 24 months of assignment. I understand this will eliminate my application from consideration.

07

Based on your answer above, please list the highest Water Treatment Plant Operator and/or Distribution Operator certificate you have obtained including the grade and certificate #, and scan and attach proof of your certification. (Note: Failing to attach proof of certification may eliminate your application from consideration.) If you do not have one of these certifications, please write "N/A."

08

This position requires the following: 1) Must successfully complete the Citys respirator fit testing protocols; may be required to be clean shaven. 2) Successful completion of training as a forklift operator within one year of appointment. 3) Willingness to work flexible hours, including holidays, evenings, weekends, and overtime as assigned. 4) Willingness to perform on 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. 5) Willingness to wear a uniform. I understand and accept these requirements. (Note: A "no" response to this question will eliminate your application from consideration.)

• Yes
• No

09

Desirable Qualifications: Possession of a CWEA Plant Maintenance Technologist Grade 1 certification. Please list the highest CWEA Plant Maintenance Technologist certificate you have obtained including the grade and certificate #, and scan and attach proof of your certification. (Note: Failing to attach proof of certification may eliminate your application from consideration.) If you do not have this certification, please write "N/A."

10

Desirable Qualification: Experience with basic landscaping such as irrigation system installation, vegetation management, and industrial mower operation. Please indicate the employer name, job title, job duties, and duration of each experience. If you do not have this experience, please write "N/A."

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Cruz

Address 809 Center St.

Room 6

Santa Cruz, California, 95060

Phone 831-420-5040

Website http://www.cityofsantacruz.com