Maintenance Mechanic - I, II
City of San Clemente San Clemente, California, United States
- Location: San Clemente, California, United States
- Categories: Building Maintenance, Construction and Skilled Trades
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Apr 23, 2026
Job Description:
Maintenance Mechanic - I, II
Description
DescriptionTHE CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
invites the applications for:
Maintenance Mechanic I/II
Utilities Division
Maintenance Mechanic I: $38.51-$46.80
Maintenance Mechanic II: $41.42-$50.34
Looking for a career where your work matters - and where you enjoy where you work? We have an exciting opportunity for you!
The City of San Clemente is hiring Maintenance Mechanics to help maintain the critical systems that support the City's water and wastewater operations. This is a hands-on role working with pumps, motors, valves and other stationary mechanical equipment essential to daily operations.
This position offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in wastewater and utility systems that keep the City running everyday. In addition to performing essential maintenance work, this role offers valuable experience in wastewater operations and mechanical systems not typically found in all municipal environments.
San Clemente offers a collaborative, team-oriented work environment where employees take pride in their work and the impact it has on the community. With a mix of field and plant work in a coastal setting, this position provide the opportunity to build technical skills while working outdoors in one of Southern California's most desirable locations.
DEFINITION
To perform a full range of routine and/or skilled mechanical work in the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of water and wastewater utility operating equipment and, to perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Maintenance Mechanic I --This is the entry-level classification in the Maintenance Mechanic series. This classification is distinguished from the Maintenance Mechanic II by the performance of the more routine tasks and preventative maintenance duties assigned to entry-level positions within the series. Although candidates must have basic mechanical experience, these employees typically receive a greater level of supervisory guidance and perform less complex mechanical repairs.
Maintenance Mechanic II --This is the full journey-level classification within the Maintenance Mechanic series. Employees within this classification are distinguished from the Maintenance Mechanic I by the independent performance of the full range of semi-skilled and skilled duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Essential Functions
Maintenance Mechanic - I, II
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS-- Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Perform a variety of functions in the construction, installation, repair, and maintenance of water and wastewater mechanical machinery and related equipment.
- Perform preventative and corrective maintenance functions on pumps, motors, valves and other mechanical systems in water and wastewater facilities.
- Troubleshoots the cause of malfunctions using visual inspection, precision measuring and test instruments.
- Remove and install all types of mechanical pumps, motors, valves and other mechanical systems in water and wastewater facilities.
- Coordinate maintenance activities with operations and assist with alternate mode operation setup and bypass systems to facilitate equipment maintenance and preserve overall systems performance.
- Use proper mechanical maintenance procedures, and specialized equipment tool care in order to comply with systems safety procedures.
- Read and interpret related symbols and markings; locate, identify and mark underground utilities.
- Operate a variety of trucks, generators, pneumatic tools, trenchers, diggers, compressors, small power tools, and equipment associated with mechanical maintenance.
- Complete daily maintenance activity work orders and logs.
- Lubricate, calibrate and maintain shop, field and plant mobile and stationary equipment.
- Estimate time, materials and equipment required to complete assigned jobs; requisition materials as required.
- Operate and maintain various sewer lift stations.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Maintenance Mechanic I
Knowledge of :
- Principles and practices of mechanical operating equipment.
- Techniques and procedures of skilled mechanical maintenance.
- Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of work assigned.
- Basic principles of mathematics.
Ability to :
- Learn methods, materials and techniques used in the construction and maintenance of water and wastewater utility systems.
- Learn operational characteristics of mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment and tools used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of pumps, motors, blowers, reduction gearboxes, conveyors, grinders, presses, heat exchangers, and scrubbers.
- Learn mechanical systems repair and preventative maintenance techniques and procedures.
- Operate a variety of vehicular and stationary mechanical equipment (e.g., sewer lift stations) in a safe and effective manner.
- Use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
- Read and interpret mechanical schematics, diagrams, drawings, and plans.
- Understand and follow oral and written instructions and sketches.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Maintenance Mechanic II
In addition to the qualifications for Maintenance Mechanic I:
Knowledge of:
- Considerable knowledge of equipment and procedures involved in the installation, maintenance, operation, and repair of water and wastewater utility systems.
- Standard principles of mathematics, hydraulics, and metallurgy.
- Principles and practices of wastewater treatment, water treatment, and reclamation facility operations.
- Operating principles of plant equipment including valves, pumps, and motors.
- Safe work practices.
- Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
- Mechanical principles, methods, tools, equipment, and safety procedures, including departmental safety standards.
- Metal fabrication and welding.
Ability to:
- Operate and maintain wastewater, water treatment, and pump station equipment.
- Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices related to mechanical equipment operation.
- Diagnose operating problems and take effective courses of action.
- Make independent technical decisions to maintain equipment operation.
- Train assigned staff
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Maintenance Mechanic I
Experience :
Two (2) years of experience performing mechanical maintenance work equivalent to that of a Maintenance Mechanic Trainee with the City of San Clemente, or One (1) year of experience in a position performing similar mechanical maintenance work in a water/wastewater treatment plant, water distribution system, or similar environment.
Training :
High School Diploma or equivalent; supplemented by specialized training in the maintenance and mechanical fields. Completion of a Mechanical Maintenance Certification (or other relevant program) may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.
License or Certificate:
Possession of a valid, Class C California Driver’s License.
Possession of a CWEA Mechanical Technician I certification within twelve (12) months of appointment.
Maintenance Mechanic II
Experience:
Four (4) years of related experience applying preventative and corrective mechanical maintenance skills in a water/wastewater treatment plant, water distribution system or similar environment, as well as on field equipment and analyzing mechanical systems and processes.
Training:
High School Diploma, or equivalent supplemented by specialized training in mechanical equipment maintenance. College level coursework is highly desirable. Completion of a Mechanical Maintenance Certification (or other relevant program) may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.
License of Certificate:
- Possession of a valid, Class C California Driver’s License.
- Possession of a Mechanical Technician II certification within twelve (12) months of appointment.
- Possession of a CWEA Grade I-II Collection Systems Maintenance Technician and CA State DOHS Water Distribution Grade DI-II is desirable.
- Respond to emergencies as required
- Maintenance Mechanics will be required to participate in after hours, weekend, and holiday On-Call duty
- Be able to respond within 45 minutes of an emergency call-out
Supplemental Information
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
Field environment, travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, confined spaces, and traffic; work in inclement weather conditions; and operating motorized equipment and vehicles.
Physical Conditions:
Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for the use of a SCBA as well as walking, standing, bending, kneeling or crouching for prolonged periods of time; performing heavy manual labor and operating motorized equipment and vehicles.
The City of San Clemente provides excellent benefits which include:
FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE - Most positions work a 9/80 work schedule.
HOLIDAYS - The City presently recognizes 12 regular holidays, plus two floating holidays.
VACATION - Employees accumulate vacation at the rate of 104 hours per year increasing to a maximum of 176 hours based on years of service.
SICK LEAVE - Accrual of 8 hours per month.
INSURANCE - The City provides a comprehensive benefit package including employee medical, dental, vision.
LIFE INSURANCE - Value equal to two times annual earnings up to a maximum of $100,000.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION - Employees may elect to enroll in a voluntary plan and defer up to the IRS permitted annual maximum. Employees may defer up to a maximum of $24,500 annually in 2026. Individuals aged 50 and older can contribute up to $8,000 in catch-up contributions to these plans.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT - Employees may participate in either or both of the Health Care or Dependent Care programs.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - The City offers full-time employees and their dependents an EAP program which provides a variety of professional services.
ON-SITE FITNESS CENTER - The City provides a no fee on-site fitness center with state of the art equipment located in City Hall.
RETIREMENT - The City of San Clemente is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and is subject to the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). The retirement formula for new employees is based on the category below that the new employee falls under. Employee contribution rates will be determined by the employee's classification and requirements under PEPRA.
NOTE: The City is also a member of the Social Security system. As such, Full Time employees make contributions to Social Security in addition to their CalPERS contributions.
Classic Member:
Retirement Formula: 2% @ 55
Definition:
CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the PEPRA definition of a "new member" as "classic members" who are subject to the Public Employees' Retirement Law (PERL). PEPRA allows a member after January 1, 2013, to retain his/her classic member retirement benefit status if the member continues his/her membership in all previous California Public Retirement System(s) by leaving his/her service credit and contributions (if any) on deposit, and the member enters into employment that results in CalPERS membership within six months of separating from the most recent California Public Retirement System. Classic member status also requires the membership date to be on or before December 31, 2012, in a California Public Retirement System in which reciprocity is established.
New Member:
Retirement Formula: 2% @ 62
Definition: A new member is defined in PEPRA as any of the following:
- A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
- A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, who has a break in service of greater than six months with another California Public Retirement System that is subject to Reciprocity.
- A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, who is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six months.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous