Utility Maintenance Technician

Overview

This is an excellent opportunity to join the City of Tehachapi’s Public Works Department in a hands‑on role that directly supports the reliability and safety of the City’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Utility Maintenance Technicians play a critical role in maintaining essential infrastructure, responding to emergencies, and ensuring uninterrupted service to the community. This position offers long‑term career stability, opportunities for professional certification, and meaningful public service work in a team‑oriented environment.

Utility Maintenance Technicians perform skilled and semi‑skilled duties related to the maintenance, repair, and operation of the City’s wastewater collection and water distribution systems. Work includes sewer main cleaning and hydro jetting, manhole and lift station maintenance, customer sewer lateral inspections, water line flushing, valve exercising, hydrant maintenance, and utility locating and marking in response to Underground Service Alert (USA) requests.

Technicians respond to emergency situations such as sewer backups and water main breaks and may be required to work after hours, weekends, and holidays as part of an on‑call or standby rotation. The position also involves operating tools and equipment, performing traffic control, maintaining records, and coordinating with other Public Works divisions. Work is performed primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions and requires adherence to established safety and regulatory standards.

This position may be filled at an entry level, and no prior utility maintenance experience is required. Employees are expected to obtain required certifications within established time frames as a condition of continued employment.

Utility Maintenance Technician

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.
• Required within eighteen (18) months of appointment (as a condition of continued employment):
  • Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (Drinking Water Operator Certification Program).
  • Grade I "Entry Level" Collections System Maintenance Certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA).
• Failure to obtain the required certifications within the established timeframe may result in release from probation or termination.
• Possession of a valid Class A or Class B California Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is highly desirable.

Work is performed primarily in an outdoor environment on a year‑round basis, subject to exposure to varying weather conditions, street or field noise, and loud equipment or machinery. Duties may involve working with utility systems, including exposure to water, soil, and other materials relevant to the systems. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime, weekend work, and standby assignments.

Travel is rare.

As part of the selection process, applicants may be required to participate in a written examination designed to evaluate knowledge related to water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, safety practices, basic mechanical aptitude, and general utility maintenance concepts.

• Applicants must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on the written examination to be considered for interview.
• Applicants who currently possess valid (non‑expired) water or wastewater‑related licenses or certifications may be eligible to bypass the written examination and advance directly to interview consideration.
• Applicants with current, valid licenses or certifications may be given priority consideration for interviews.
• Achieving a passing score or meeting exemption criteria does not guarantee an interview. Final interview selections will be made at the discretion of City staff based on qualifications, certifications, and departmental needs.

Additional details regarding the examination date, time, and location will be provided to eligible applicants following application review.