Senior Maintenance Specialist- Utilities

Job Description:

Senior Maintenance Specialist- Utilities

Description

DESCRIPTION

The full salary range for this position is as follows:$43.95-$55.05. Expected hiring range is as follows: $43.95 to $48.46.

DESCRIPTION:

To organize, assign, train, and review the work of a group of skilled and semi-skilled staff involved in maintenance and repair work in sewers and storm drains.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Positions at this level perform the most difficult duties; possess a specialized technical or functional expertise. Incumbents are assigned significant responsibilities above the advanced journey level, possess specialized knowledge, abilities, skills and experience, and exercise independent judgment and initiative in the performance of their duties.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide technical and/or functional supervision over assigned skilled and semi-skilled maintenance staff; plan, prioritize, lead, review and participate in the work of staff assigned to a variety of maintenance and repair tasks; provide input into performance evaluations and may assist in presentation of evaluations.
• Develop schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring all work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Review the work of assigned personnel; inspect work in-progress; train personnel in the safe and proper operation of a wide variety of tools and equipment used in the assigned tasks.
• Provide budget input for short and long-term projects and annual division budget; verify availability of funds and review expenditures to prevent cost overages.
• Research parts and materials; seek bid and estimates for proposed projects; may recommend selection of contractors; and coordinate with and work effectively with contractors on City-approved projects.

• Prepare purchase requisitions, manage acquisitions and expenditures, track inventory, and ensure timely payment of invoices for supplies and equipment in the area of assignment.

• Maintain accurate records related to work performed including labor, material and equipment costs.
• Operate equipment relative to area of assignment requiring a high degree of skill, and train subordinate employees as needed.
• Order supplies and equipment for work projects.
• Use a personal computer for the purposes of researching product information and entering and retrieving information related to work assignments and other record-keeping.
• Perform related work as required.

When Assigned to Sewers:

• Initiate and plan corrective, preventive, predictive, and other work orders to facilitate the safe, productive, and efficient utilization of maintenance personnel to support utility operations.
• Respond to wastewater related emergencies such as overflows, blockages, and lift station alarms; assess situation, determine proper action, and perform the necessary repairs to resolve the situation.
• Organize, plan, and assist in scheduling all necessary resources to accomplish maintenance activities in the sanitary sewer collection system operated by the City.
• Review project drawings.
• Investigate Dig Alert notifications as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of providing effective leadership and training for subordinate staff.
• Applicable computer hardware and software.
• Methods and techniques of record keeping.
• Advanced practices and techniques relate to skilled maintenance in area of assignment.
• Codes, regulations, and safety orders applicable to fleet, building, street or landscape maintenance and repair.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions of skilled fleet, building, street or landscape maintenance and repair work.
• Concepts, methods, and techniques when performing skilled maintenance work such as welding, fabricating, framing, plumbing, electrical and carpentry; concrete finishing and forming, asphalt maintenance including paving, concrete and masonry walls, street drainage, maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment, and equipment operation.
• Tools, equipment, and materials used in performing skilled maintenance and repair work, based on assignment.
• Concepts, terminology, principles, and practices pertaining to electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems.
• Water chemistry concepts as applied to pool/aquatic facilities.
• The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
• Methods and materials used in the electrical field or used to perform skilled electrical maintenance and repair work, including troubleshooting and diagnosing for repairs; sprinkler system installation and maintenance; and components and operational characteristics of computerized irrigation management systems.

Ability to:

• Lead, oversee, assist, train, and review the work completed by assigned staff that perform skilled maintenance and repair functions in sewers and storm drains.
• Maintain records and prepare work and time reports in an accurate, complete, and timely manner.
• Work and interact with contractors on City-approved projects.
• Operate assigned tools and equipment in an efficient and safe manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Read, understand, and interpret blueprints of structures and work plans, street, drainage, and traffic control plans.
• Oversee and perform water testing and add chemicals to adjust water quality.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

Equivalent to a high school diploma or G.E.D.

Experience:

Three years of responsible work experience performing technical maintenance and repair duties as a Maintenance Specialist with the City of Palmdale.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements

Possession of a valid California driver's license by time of appointment is required.

When assigned to Sewers :

In possession of a grade 2 issued by California Water Environment Association.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands:

Mobility : frequent performance of heavy manual labor; frequent standing for long period of time; frequent bending and squatting. The nature of work also requires sitting, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, stooping, crouching, grasping, climbing ladders, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties.

Lifting : frequent lifting up to 50 pounds. T he need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing 90 pounds or more is also required on an occasional basis, depending on assignment.

Vision : constant use of overall vision. The nature of work also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment.

Dexterity : frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.

Work Environment:

Incumbents in this class work within indoor and outdoor environments. When assigned to work outdoors, incumbents are exposed to all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold. Incumbents may be exposed to slippery surfaces. Incumbents may use chemicals, which may involve exposure to fumes. Incumbents are exposed to gas fumes, exhaust, dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Incumbents may be required to wear personal protective equipment during the course of performing work.

The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, and work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions.

Incumbents must be available for on-call and stand-by duty and respond to after-hours emergencies.

Revised: July, 2025

FLSA: Overtime Eligible

The City of Palmdale is noted for its highly skilled workforce, with a large concentration of aerospace firms located at Air Force Plant 42 and nearby Edwards Air Force Base. Its family-oriented and culturally enhancing venues, such as the Palmdale Playhouse, DryTown Water Park and Palmdale Amphitheater, make Palmdale "a place to call home."

Palmdale is located approximately one hour north of Los Angeles off the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR-14). It encompasses 106.6 square miles and has a population of approximately 165,450. The City is served by several school districts and has a growing retail and commercial base. For more information, visit www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov.

BUSINESS HOURS: Normal operating hours are from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday - Thursday. CLOSED on Friday.

UNION: The Teamsters Local 911 represents certain positions in the City's Public Works Maintenance division.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

APPLICATION MATERIALS must be submitted by the closing date listed in the job bulletin. Resumes cannot be accepted in lieu of a City online application.

RESIDENCE within the City is not required.

AN ELIGIBILITY LIST of the most qualified applicants will be compiled based on the results of the selection process. The list will remain in place for a period to be determined by Human Resources.

The benefits listed here apply to full-time and benefited part-time positions, not to unbenefited part-time employees unless described.

A PROBATION PERIOD of six months minimum applies to initial employment with the City.

VACATION, HOLIDAYS AND LEAVE: The City provides 15 paid holidays per year and 80 hours vacation (years one through four) with a maximum accrual of 240 hours (160 hours for benefited part-time employees). Administrative employees accrue 80 hours of administrative leave per year with a maximum accrual of 240 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Employees accrue 96 hours per year with a maximum accrual of 800 hours (400 hours for benefited part-time employees). Unbenefited part-time employees receive 28 hours of paid sick leave per fiscal year.

RETIREMENT: The City is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Full-time and benefited part-time employees will be enrolled in either the New Member or Classic plan, as defined by CalPERS. New Members are enrolled in the 2% @ 62 formula and pay the full 7.75% employee contribution. Classic Members are enrolled in the 2% @ 60 formula and pay the full 7% employee contribution.

All other part-time employees are covered under the Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS).

WELLNESS PROGRAM: The program includes gym membership discounts, healthy eating programs, exercise classes & other programs.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: Direct Deposit is mandatory for all new employees.

CREDIT UNION: F&A Federal Credit Union & Logix Federal Credit Union (formerly Lockheed) are available options.

INSURANCE: The City offers group health, dental/vision, long term and short term disability, and a $50,000 life insurance policy for full-time employees. The City contributes towards the employee's health insurance.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: The City participates in the ICMA-RC Deferred Compensation Plan, which enables benefited part-time and full-time employees to contribute on a tax deferred basis.

OVERTIME COMPENSATION: Overtime is accrued at time-and-a-half for eligible employees for time physically worked in excess of the regular 40-hour work week.

PART-TIME EMPLOYEES: Unbenefited part-time employees are reviewed for merit salary advancement but are not eligible for any other benefits listed. Benefited part-time employees are eligible for CalPERS retirement, sick leave, holidays, and vacation on a prorated basis.

MILEAGE PAY: Any employee may be reimbursed for work related mileage at 54 cents per mile when assigned to use their private vehicle on City business.

SOCIAL SECURITY: The City does not participate in Social Security and does not deduct Social Security payments from any employee's salary. The City deducts 1.45% of salary for Medicare and makes a 1.45% matching contribution.

*Benefits can change at any time.

Closing Date/Time: 7/14/2026 1:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$91,416.00 - $114,504.00 Annually