Bargaining Unit: Miscellaneous Non-Supervisory
Salary Code: 16
FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt
Effective Date: May 1, 2026
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the close supervision of the Lead Electro-Mechanical Technician and/or Electro-Mechanical Technician, the Electro-Mechanical Trainee assists in the operation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of the Pleasant Valley Pumping Plant and related equipment, structures, and facilities.
This is a training-level classification designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for progression to the Electro-Mechanical Technician classification. Incumbents perform a variety of hands-on training assignments and support activities under close supervision and are not expected to independently perform the full range of skilled-level electro-mechanical duties. Independent high-voltage switching and the issuance or receipt of safety clearances are excluded from this classification.
Depending on the operational needs of the District, the work schedule for this position may mirror Pleasant Valley Pumping Plant operations, including rotating, extended, or on-call shifts.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:
The information below is meant to serve as examples of the job duties and responsibilities for this classification. This list is neither nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed:
- Assists with maintaining and repairing large and complex equipment such as piping systems, gear boxes, drive mechanisms, pumps, compressors, hydraulic power and pressure units, refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, valves, penstocks, gates, trash racks, turbines, and motors.
- Assists with installing, maintaining, repairing, troubleshooting, modifying, and testing electrical equipment and components, including motors, generators, motor control centers, transformers, starters, relays, control circuits, and storage battery banks, under close supervision.
- Assists with installing, troubleshooting, repairing, calibrating, and testing protective relaying, telemetry control equipment, canal elevation and flow-control equipment, SCADA systems, high-voltage circuit breakers and disconnects, and communications cables.
- Observes and assists with high-voltage substation switching procedures in accordance with Western Area Power Administration (WAPA/PSOM) and District regulations.
- Assists with maintaining replacement circuitry, revamping electrical facilities, and updating electrical drawings.
- Uses arc welding, brazing, and torch-cutting equipment in a training capacity.
- Operates tools, light equipment, and District vehicles; assists with operating equipment such as dump trucks, front-end tractor loaders, forklifts, mechanical trash rakes, and bridge cranes, as authorized and trained.
- Assists senior staff with repair backlog activities and provides support related to contract work.
- Assists with pump operations and radial gate check structure operations on the Coalinga Canal when necessary and under supervision.
- Participates in safety training and assists with promoting safe work practices.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform training-level electro-mechanical work.
A typical qualifying background includes:
- Completion of the twelfth (12th) grade or equivalent; and
- Two year of experience, education, or formal training related to electrical, mechanical, industrial maintenance, or electro-mechanical work;
or - Completion of coursework or a certificate program in electro-mechanical technology, industrial maintenance, electrical technology, or a closely related trade.
Certification of successful completion of an Electro-Mechanical or Maintenance Mechanical program at an accredited trade or technical institution may be required within two years of appointment.
Knowledge of:
- Basic principles of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and electro-mechanical systems.
- Fundamental electrical safety practices and applicable Electrical Safety Orders.
- Applicable safety and accident-prevention practices consistent with Cal/OSHA regulations.
- Basic operating criteria and standard operating procedures for the Pleasant Valley Pumping Plant, Coalinga Canal, and related facilities.
- Tools, materials, and equipment commonly used in industrial maintenance work.
Skills/Abilities to:
- Learn and apply department and District policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Learn and apply Pleasant Valley Pumping Plant, Coalinga Canal Standard Operating Procedures to daily work activities.
- Follow oral and written instructions.
- Safely operate and maintain assigned tools and equipment.
- Read and interpret basic electrical and mechanical drawings, diagrams, and specifications.
- Communicate effectively.
- Maintain basic records of work performed.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Exposure to dust, dirt, noise, electrical hazards, mechanical hazards, and chemicals.
- Heavy lifting up to approximately 100 pounds.
- Physical demands include stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, reaching, sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods.
- Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and around energized equipment under supervision.
- May be required to respond to emergency situations as operationally necessary during training.
STANDARD REQUIREMENTS
- Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License with a driving record acceptable to the District’s automobile insurance provider.
- Ability and willingness to participate in and successfully complete required training programs.