Senior Wastewater Mechanic-I/II – Environmental Services Department

About the Department

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility service provision, and climate action. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San Jose. 

Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents! 

To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and San Jose Environmental Services on LinkedIn. 

Facility Maintenance Division

The Facility Mechanical Maintenance Division is responsible for the maintenance of the facility's mechanical infrastructure, facilities maintenance, warehouse services, landscaping, painting, and land management. The Division is organized into three sections: Mechanical Process Maintenance, Special Projects Training Scheduling, and Facilities Maintenance. Staff is located throughout the facility and provides preventive and corrective maintenance, as well as emergency repair. The division provides support services for the implementation of capital improvement projects, process optimization, and operations. The division also implements public works contracts for repair, equipment replacement, and new construction.  

Position Duties

The Environmental Services Department is currently seeking to fill one (1) full-time Senior Wastewater Mechanic-I/II vacancy in the Facility Maintenance Division.

The annual salary ranges for this classification are:

Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

Key duties include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Lead and perform preventive maintenance work in diagnosis of malfunctions, tune up, repair, overhaul, etc. of industrial mechanical and electrical equipment; operate and lead others in the operation of cranes, winches, hoists, dollies, rollers, and forklifts to remove, install, relocate heavy, unwieldy, or other critical equipment.

• Train, lead, and provide directions for lower-level employees, including assigning, scheduling, and monitoring work; determine priorities; manage and train Wastewater Attendants and ensure skills, knowledge, and evaluation training requirements are met; maintain records and reports.

• Provides input to the supervisor regarding employee hiring and performance. Stay up to date with safety procedures & requirements; ensure a safe work environment and safe operation of equipment.

• Perform various duties related to the requisition of parts, supplies, and equipment. 

• Support an around-the-clock operation, the incumbent must be available to work nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays as needed; handle unusual situations and emergencies. Opportunities for overtime are available.

Completion of a technical trade school in the field of mechanics and possession of specialized certification, such as backflow preventer installation and maintenance, welding, confined space entry, power plant, hazardous material handling, etc., is desirable. 

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this division or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Minimum Qualifications

Senior Wastewater Mechanic-I

Education: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.

Experience: Three (3) years journey level experience as a mechanic in hydraulics, wastewater treatment or closely related industry OR in operation, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of mechanical and electrical equipment related to large stationary diesel and spark-ignited engines and/or power generators, including one (1) year at a level equivalent to Wastewater Mechanic I/II with the San José/Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility.

Required Licensing: Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver's license is required. Possession of a valid State of California Class A or B driver's license with applicable endorsements is desirable.

• If selected, the Conditional Offer of Employment may be contingent upon you providing proof of a valid State of California driver’s license, and an assessment of your California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) as per the DMV Release of Driver Record Information form. Failure to pass the DMV Pull Notice assessment will deem you ineligible for employment.

Physical Requirement: These positions require a heavy level of physical exertion, including daily exertion of 20 to 100 pounds of force to move objects (e.g., large hand tools, pipes, or other wastewater equipment). Incumbents may be required to utilize self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment, which requires the ability to pass an annual fit and spirometry test. Ability to perform the essential physical functions of this position will be determined by a post-offer medical examination conducted by City of San Jose Employee Health Services.

Senior Wastewater Mechanic-II

Education: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.

Experience: Three (3) years journey level experience as a mechanic in hydraulics, wastewater treatment or closely related industry OR in operation, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of mechanical and electrical equipment related to large stationary diesel and spark-ignited engines and/or power generators, including one (1) year at a level equivalent to Wastewater Mechanic I/II with the San José/Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility.

Certification: Possession of certification as a Plant Mechanical Technologist Grade III from the California Water Environment Association (CWEA).

Acceptable Substitutions: An additional three (3) years of journey-level experience as a Wastewater Mechanic I/II OR an additional two (2) years of experience and possession of a Plant Mechanical Technologist Grade II for one year, may be substituted for the certification as Plant Mechanical Technologist Grade III.

Required Licensing: Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver's license is required. Possession of a valid State of California Class A or B driver's license with applicable endorsements is desirable.

• If selected, the Conditional Offer of Employment may be contingent upon you providing proof of a valid State of California driver’s license, and an assessment of your California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) as per the DMV Release of Driver Record Information form. Failure to pass the DMV Pull Notice assessment will deem you ineligible for employment.

Physical Requirement: These positions require a heavy level of physical exertion, including daily exertion of 20 to 100 pounds of force to move objects (e.g., large hand tools, pipes, or other wastewater equipment). Incumbents may be required to utilize self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment, which requires the ability to pass an annual fit and spirometry test. Ability to perform the essential physical functions of this position will be determined by a post-offer medical examination conducted by City of San Jose Employee Health Services.

Other Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history:

Analytical Thinking: Approaching a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.

Communication Skills: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.

Computer Skills: Experienced with common business computer applications, including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.

Flexibility: Makes effective decisions and achieves desired results in the midst of major changes in responsibilities, work processes, timeframes, performance expectations, organizational culture, or work environment.

Initiative: Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance.

Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles, including knowledge of and experience with installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and overhauling wastewater industrial mechanical equipment; ability to perform duties as outlined under "Position and Duties" above. Knowledge of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).

Leadership: Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational support and direction.

Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.