Temporary Collection Systems Technician I

Job Description

GENERAL 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.

Apply now! 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.

I RWD'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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

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:

• 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.

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 INSTRUCTION

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 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 an:

Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for November 17, 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.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive, and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWD does not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Eligible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in a deferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 10 scheduled paid holidays plus two (2) personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: 11/5/2026 8:00 AM Pacific