NICHOLAS KNUTZEN
San Juan Capistrano,CA
Summary
Experienced water and wastewater operations professional with over 4 years in public utility operations and a solid foundation in pump industry practices. Skilled in managing potable and recycled water systems, performing mechanical troubleshooting, executing preventive maintenance, and monitoring SCADA systems.
Overview
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Station Maintenance Operator
SOUTH COAST WATER DISTRICT
Dana Point, CA
02.2024 - Current
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on potable/recycled water pump stations, wastewater lift stations, pumps, motors, valves, check valves, piping, and associated mechanical systems.
- Remove, install, repair, rebuild, align, test, and return pumps and motors to service; including full pump/motor replacements, motor replacements, pump rebuilds, check-valve work, piping modifications, wet-well cleaning, and pump de-ragging.
- Troubleshoot alarms, pump performance, and abnormal operating conditions using pressure, flow, temperature, mechanical inspection, and SCADA/DCS data; coordinate control-system work with instrumentation staff.
- Perform equipment inspections and condition-based maintenance, including vibration-analysis activities; operate emergency generators and respond to station failures, power interruptions, standby calls, and after-hours emergencies.
- Use CMMS for work orders and maintenance records; perform confined-space entry and lockout/tagout; provide technical assistance and training to coworkers on station equipment and maintenance practices.
- Operated and maintained potable water/ recycled water distribution systems and wastewater system to ensure optimal functionality and compliance with safety standards.
- Analyzed system performance data to identify trends and recommend improvements, driving enhancements in overall service reliability.
- Collaborated with other departments to facilitate smooth operations, addressing maintenance concerns promptly.
- Demonstrated flexibility in handling emergency situations that required immediate attention outside standard working hours.
Distribution System Operator
SOUTH COAST WATER DISTRICT
Dana Point, CA
08.2022 - 02.2024
- Maintained and repaired potable/recycled water mains, services, valves, hydrants, blow-offs, and air/vacuum valves; responded to main breaks and executed system isolation, repair, flushing, leak detection, and service restoration.
- Operated backhoes, hydro-excavation equipment, crane trucks, dump trucks, and related equipment; read system maps/drawings, established traffic-control zones, and participated in emergency response standby.
- Performed pump, pipe, and mechanical repairs; completed field and shop pump repairs and maintenance tasks.
- Operated and monitored distribution system to ensure consistent water supply and quality standards.
Pump Installer
TRI COUNTY PUMP
San Bernardino, CA
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Installed, removed, repaired, rebuilt, and maintained vertical turbine, submersible, vertical centrifugal, and horizontal centrifugal pumps; managed motors, shafts, bearings, piping, alignment, rigging, and crane-supported equipment operations.
- Fabricated wellheads and piping through welding, cutting, grinding, and fitting; diagnosed mechanical issues and executed field/shop pump repairs to ensure operational reliability.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Public Service & Public Policy, Emergency Management
Arizona State University
06.2028
Associate of Science - Wastewater & Environmental Science
Santiago Canyon College
06.2026
Associate of Science - Water Distribution
Santiago Canyon College
12.2025
Associate of Science - Water Treatment
Santiago Canyon College
12.2025
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South Coast Water District Professional Development Series
Skills
- Equipment Repair
- Industrial equipment operation
- Lockout and tagout procedures
- Mechanical troubleshooting
- Pump maintenance
- Preventive Maintenance
- Troubleshooting skills
- Multitasking
- Teamwork
- System monitoring
- Asset management
- SCADA systems
- Alarm management
- Pump operations
- Time management
Certification
SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade 3, SWRCB Water Treatment Operator Grade 2, CWEA Mechanical Technologist Grade 2, CWEA Collection Systems Maintenance Grade 2, California Class B CDL, Air Brake & Tank Endorsements
Timeline
Station Maintenance Operator
SOUTH COAST WATER DISTRICT
02.2024 - Current
Distribution System Operator
SOUTH COAST WATER DISTRICT
08.2022 - 02.2024
Pump Installer
TRI COUNTY PUMP
01.2020 - 01.2022
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South Coast Water District Professional Development Series
Bachelor of Science - Public Service & Public Policy, Emergency Management
Arizona State University
Associate of Science - Wastewater & Environmental Science
Santiago Canyon College
Associate of Science - Water Distribution
Santiago Canyon College
Associate of Science - Water Treatment
Santiago Canyon College
ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP
Prior Area Lead Manager, Staffmark/Walmart LAX1 — Led inbound, shipping, pick-module, and consolidation operations for teams of up to 300; coached and trained employees and reported operational performance to management.
Eagle Scout (2008).