Wastewater Mechanic I-II (Industrial Maintenance) - Regional Wastewater Facility

Job Description:

Wastewater Mechanic I-II (Industrial Maintenance) - Regional Wastewater Facility

Description

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY) , or via email at [email protected] .

About the Department

The City of San José's Environmental Services Department (ESD) is an award-winning department with a mission to deliver world-class utility services and programs to improve our health, environment and economy. The Department is a national leader in managing garbage and recycling services; watershed protection and pollution prevention; municipal drinking water and recycled water; sustainability initiatives; and the operation and infrastructure improvements of the San José-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San José.

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, Facebook and Instagram and San José Environmental Services on LinkedIn.

Position Duties

Salary Information

The annual salary range for the classification for Wastewater Mechanic I/II is:

Review the job classification specification for more information on the job duties.

Salary ranges for this classification are:

• Wastewater Mechanic I: $91,041.60- $110,656.00 annually
• Wastewater Mechanic II: $100,755.20 - $122,865.60 annually

The Wastewater Mechanic I/II classification is covered by the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local No. 3 (OE#3). To learn more about the OE#3 union handbook and pay increases, click here.

Wastewater Mechanic - Maintenance Division

The Environmental Services Department is currently seeking to fill one full-time Wastewater Mechanic I/II position (also known as Industrial Maintenance Technician) in the Wastewater Facility Maintenance Division. These positions will work at the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility located at 700 Los Esteros Road, San Jose, CA, 95134.

Wastewater Mechanics for the Maintenance Division are responsible for performing the full range of technical and mechanical tasks associated with the preventive and corrective maintenance of wastewater plant machinery and equipment. In this job, you may assist Sr. Wastewater Mechanics in the more difficult and complex duties. You will have the opportunity to attend training to understand the equipment better and keep current on trends. Mechanics are expected to work well independently and on teams.

The following is a partial list of Wastewater Mechanics typical responsibilities in the Maintenance section:

• Troubleshoot and repair wastewater buildings and equipment such as pumps, valves, gearboxes, compressors, blowers, grit removal systems, conveyors, mixers, clarifiers, chemical feed systems, and other related components.
• Fabricate and modify parts as needed using shop equipment including drill presses, ironworkers, band saws, pedestal grinders, and hydraulic shears. Welding knowledge is desirable.
• Operate bridge cranes, chain falls, lever hoists, and all associated rigging equipment.
• Perform scheduled equipment inspections to identify potential malfunctions and ensure continued operation.
• Determine spare parts inventory levels, initiate part replacements, and stock replacement parts accordingly.
• Use computer-based work order and inventory management systems to create, complete, and track maintenance tasks and parts usage.
• Maintain accurate maintenance and repair records for equipment, systems, and components; assist with maintaining and updating maintenance manuals.
• Interpret service manuals, parts manuals, and technical drawings to support maintenance and repair activities.
• Communicate with the supervisor regarding work progress, existing or potential issues, and suggestions for process improvements.
• Collaborate with other trades and on-site work groups to complete tasks efficiently.
• Attend required safety and technical training to stay current on equipment, procedures, and industry trends.

The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical, problem-solving, teamwork, and customer service experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The ideal candidate will be able to conduct basic computer skills and be familiar with modern control systems (i.e. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Human Machine Interface (HMI), and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

The Regional Wastewater Facility is a 24/7 operation serving the South Bay. Typical schedules for Maintenance Division Wastewater Mechanics are 4x10s. Wastewater Mechanics may be called upon to work overtime, holidays, or alternative shifts in support of the facility.

Minimum Qualifications

Wastewater Mechanic I

Education and Experience

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

Two (2) years journey-level experience as a mechanic in hydraulics, wastewater treatment or a 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;

OR four (4) years’ experience assisting Wastewater Mechanics in the maintenance and repair of wastewater equipment at a level equivalent to Wastewater Attendant or Assistant Heavy Diesel Equipment Operator/Mechanic with the City of San José.

Wastewater Mechanic II

Education and Experience

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

Two (2) years journey level experience as a mechanic in hydraulics, wastewater treatment or a 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

OR four (4) years’ experience assisting Wastewater Mechanics in the maintenance and repair of wastewater equipment at a level equivalent to Wastewater Attendant with the City of San José,

OR completion of the Attendant Skills Knowledge and Evaluation (SKE) program and certification as Plant Mechanical Technologist Grade I from California Water Environment Association (CWEA) with three(3) years’ experience assisting Wastewater Mechanics in the maintenance and repair of wastewater equipment at a level equivalent to Wastewater Attendant with the City of San José; AND certification as Plant Mechanical Technologist Grade II from California Water Environment Association (CWEA).

Acceptable Substitution

Two (2) years of experience as a Wastewater Mechanic I may be substituted for the certification as Plant Mechanical Technologist Grade II.

Required Licensing

Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver's license.

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 for Wastewater Mechanic I/II:

Possess ability to:

• Exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects (e.g., large hand tools, pipes, or other wastewater equipment).
• Move between/within work areas, including but not limited to sitting, walking, and standing on various surfaces, turning, bending, grasping, and making repetitive hand movements.
• Identify problems or hazards, work in confined spaces and around machines, and climb/descend ladders.
• Be exposed to unpredictable working conditions including but not limited to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances, fumes, dust, and air contaminants.

Physical Requirement: This classification requires a pre-employment respiratory physical exam.

Other Qualifications

Other Qualifications

Job Competencies

• Job Expertise- Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations related to the wastewater facility.
  • Mechanical principles and practices, including hydraulics, pneumatics, power transmission, and mechanical systems commonly found in wastewater treatment facilities and similar heavy industrial environments.
    
  • Maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and overhaul of industrial equipment, including pumps, valves, gearboxes, compressors, mixers, conveyors, and other mechanical equipment associated with wastewater treatment processes.
    
  • Preventive and corrective maintenance practices, including equipment lubrication, bearing and seal replacement, shaft alignment, rigging, mechanical assembly, and the use of precision measuring instruments and diagnostic tools.
    

• Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, 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.

• Multi-Tasking - can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).

• Reliability - completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.

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

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

Additional Competencies and/or Desirable Qualifications

(Competencies, knowledge, skills and abilities that are more position specific and/or likely to contribute to more successful job performance.)

Knowledge of :

- Completion of technical trade school, vocational training, or an apprenticeship program in industrial mechanics, mechanical maintenance, or a closely related field.

- Possession of specialized certifications or training in areas such as welding and fabrication, backflow prevention assembly testing and maintenance, rigging and signaling, confined space entry, hazardous materials handling, and industrial equipment maintenance.

- Experience with the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of industrial mechanical equipment, including pumps, valves, gearboxes, piping systems, conveyors, and other equipment commonly found in wastewater treatment facilities or similar industrial environments.

Selection Process:
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Job Specific Questions. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which may include a practical exercise.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy, or your application will be deemed incomplete and may be withheld from further consideration. If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Jennifer Macias at [email protected].

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, 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.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email [email protected] and we will research the status of your application.

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.

The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's benefits pagefor detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.

For information on the City’s Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.

In additional to the benefits above, there is an additional perks siteto explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.

Closing Date/Time: 11/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$91,041.60 - $122,865.60 Annually