Crew Chief (Collections) at Santa Margarita Water District – Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Join our team as a Crew Chief (Collections)!

Santa Margarita Water District is seeking an experienced and safety-focused Crew Chief (Collections) to lead and perform advanced journey-level work in the installation, maintenance, repair, operation, and testing of the District’s wastewater collection system. This full-time, represented, working lead position plays a critical role in ensuring reliable system performance, regulatory compliance, and high-quality service to the community.

This position serves as the on-site lead for assigned field crews, coordinating daily work activities, providing technical guidance, and ensuring all work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with District standards and regulatory requirements.

About the Role

Under general supervision, the Crew Chief (Collections) functions as the advanced journey-level and working lead classification within the Operations Department. In addition to performing complex and skilled maintenance and repair work, the Crew Chief provides day-to-day leadership to assigned crews, assigns and monitors work, trains staff, and serves as a technical resource in the field.

This role requires in-depth knowledge of wastewater collection systems, including pipelines, mains, lift stations, valves, meters, telemetry, and related infrastructure. The Crew Chief works closely with supervisors, inspectors, contractors, and other departments to plan work, respond to service requests and emergencies, and ensure uninterrupted, safe, and compliant operation of the District’s collection system.

What You Will Do

• Lead, assign, and participate in the work of crews engaged in the construction, maintenance, and repair of wastewater collection and related infrastructure

• Perform advanced troubleshooting, installation, preventive maintenance, and repair of pipelines, mains, valves, hydrants, meters, lift stations, pumps, electrical and telemetry systems

• Review and prioritize work orders; plan and lay out jobs; estimate labor, equipment, and material needs; and ensure required permits and traffic control are in place

• Provide on-the-job training and guidance to crew members on work methods, equipment operation, and safe work practices

• Monitor and inspect work in progress and completed work to ensure compliance with District standards, safety requirements, and regulatory codes

• Maintain detailed work records, asset information, as-built sketches, and documentation in maintenance and work order systems

• Operate and oversee the use of light to heavy-duty vehicles and construction equipment, including backhoes, loaders, forklifts, and sewer cleaning equipment

• Respond to customer service requests and complaints related to collection system issues, and coordinate with other agencies and departments as needed

• Participate in emergency response and standby assignments, including after-hours and on-call duties

• Act in the absence of a Foreman or Superintendent as assigned and assist other crews and divisions as needed

What You Bring

• Extensive journey-level experience in wastewater collection system construction, maintenance, and repair

• Strong working knowledge of pipe systems, trenching and shoring, pump stations, valves, and related equipment

• Proven ability to lead and train field crews and coordinate work in a safety-sensitive environment

• Thorough understanding of OSHA safety requirements, confined space procedures, traffic control, and lockout/tagout practices

• Ability to interpret plans, specifications, and work orders and to prepare accurate records and reports

• Effective communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with staff, contractors, and the public

• Sound judgment, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to respond effectively to emergency situations

Education, Experience, and Certifications
Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and five years of progressively responsible experi­ence in journey level skilled maintenance of a facilities typically associated with District infrastructure; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.

• D1, C3 required

To view full job description click here: Crew Chief (Collections) Job Description