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The City of San Mateo Public Works Department is looking for a

Wastewater Treatment Plant Mechanic I/II

Why Join our Department?

The Public Works Department’s Environmental Services Division (ESD) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s 15.7 million gallon per day (MGD) conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).  The WWTP serves a population of more than 140,000 with an annual operating budget in excess of $15 million and has a staff of 33 professional and technical personnel.  Planned upgrades to the WWTP include new liquids treatment process facilities consisting of new headworks, primary treatment, and biological nutrient removal/membrane bioreactor (BNR/MBR) process.  When you join the Public Works Department, you will work among collaborative and energetic colleagues who share a passion for serving our San Mateo citizens and improving the community in which we live and work.  Our team is comprised of individuals with diverse talents and experience in various fields.  We will provide you with a wide range of opportunities in a team-based collaborative environment while helping you achieve your professional goals.

Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, Creativity, Transparency and Informed Risk-taking are attributes within the City’s mission, values and organizational principles that we are seeking in the candidates.

Look to some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GTIzeSpc_g

What You’ll Do

The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Mechanic I/II performs semi‑skilled and skilled work in the installation and repair of pumps, motors, chain drives, valves and related equipment and to do related work as required.  The WWTP Mechanic I is the entry level class in the Plant Mechanic series.  Positions in this class normally perform beginning level mechanical repair and maintenance work on a wide variety of wastewater quality control plant systems and equipment. Under this class series concept, positions assigned to the class of Plant Mechanic II may reasonably be filled at the Plant Mechanic I level.  The WWTP Mechanic II is the journey level class in the Plant Mechanic series. Positions assigned to this class are flexibly staffed and are expected to perform the most skilled repair and maintenance work and have a thorough knowledge of the operational characteristics, maintenance and repair methods and techniques and most typical system difficulties for the full range of equipment and operational systems in the plant. All positions assigned to this class require the ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative. Plant Mechanics II may also be expected to assist in the supervision of less experienced personnel.

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Operate machines and tools in repairing defective parts of pumps, compressors, generators, motors, lift stations, boilers and related mechanical equipment.
• Maintain accurate mechanical maintenance records.
• Install, repair, replace, and modify pumps, controllers, bearings, seals, hydraulic pipes, timing devices and assist in installing telemetering electrical equipment.
• Use a variety of power hand tools, cutting and welding equipment and electrical test equipment. Fully utilize the computerized work systems in accordance with work flow processes.
• Perform preventive maintenance on wastewater treatment plant mechanical and electrical equipment. Evaluate equipment performance and identify problem areas.
• Maintain stock inventory and adequate supply of replacement parts.
• Plant mechanics may be required to respond to emergency situations after normal working hours and be subject to serve on emergency stand-by alert and call out status on a rotational basis, including participation in rotating stand-by duties.
• Analyze or create documents, such as blueprints, markings, surveys, etc. to problem solve the most effective approach to a task.
• Verify the work of others for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance.
• Formulate solutions to problems with equipment or operations, including logistics, operations, and processes.
• Draft operating procedures.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Mechanic I/II receives supervision from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance Superintendent or Wastewater Treatment Plant Mechanic III as directed technical or functional supervision may be provided by higher level treatment plant maintenance personnel.  Assignments may require indirect supervision of less experienced plant maintenance personnel.

For a complete list of duties, reference our job specifications at https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/DocumentCenter/Home/Index/86

Per the City’s COVID19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the City requires all employees starting on or after February 11, 2022, to provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment absent a documented medical and/or religious exemption. Proof of vaccination means that employees are required to be “up-to-date” with regards to the COVID-19 vaccine. Consistent with the Santa Clara County Public Health Order issued on December 28, 2021, "up-to-date" means that an employee is not only "fully vaccinated," but has also obtained any booster doses of a COVID-19 vaccination for which they are eligible, within 15 days of first becoming eligible.
 
Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third-party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers.
 
The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is recruiting for the Environmental Services Specialist (ESS) series which includes three levels/classifications: Assistant ESS, Associate ESS, and ESS. ESD intends to use the candidate pool developed from this recruitment to fill current vacancies, as well as future ESS series vacancies. Depending on your qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications below), the application you submit may be considered for an Assistant ESS, Associate ESS, or ESS position.
 
General Overview of the Environmental Services Specialist (ESS) Series Job Classification:
 
ESS employees play a critical role in providing the many vital services that help protect our environment and improve the lives of San Jose residents!
 
Employees in the ESS series perform highly technical and specialized functions to preserve environmental resources and provide public protection in the area of environmental sciences. ESS employees develop, organize, and coordinate assigned plans, programs, and/or special projects for the City and its environmental services; and act as a primary resource to City officials, the community, and businesses.
 
Typical duties for ESS positions across the department include:
• Developing and evaluating assigned environmental program goals and policies
• Developing, monitoring, and overseeing contract terms and negotiations, grant proposals, and project budgets
• Analyzing and interpreting data to prepare presentations and written reports
• Assisting the public with environmental compliance issues and City provided environmental services through coordinating environmental outreach events and programs, as well as preparing public education material regarding environmental services information
• Providing project or program-level environmental compliance support, serving as a liaison to outside agencies and regulatory bodies
• Performing duties in the field, such as outreach, inspections, etc.

Current ESS Series Vacancies
Currently, there are a number of exciting ESS series opportunities in the department’s Integrated Waste Management, Watershed Protection, and Sustainability and Compliance divisions! To learn more about the great work we do in these divisions, please go to sjenvironment.org. Overviews of these teams and their ESS series positions are below:
 
Watershed Protection Division’s Stormwater Management Group – Trash Load Reduction Team
 
The Trash Load Reduction Team is responsible for coordinating, supporting, reporting, and implementing the Trash Load Reduction C.10 provision of the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Stormwater Permit (Permit). This position coordinates the implementation of projects in collaboration with other City departments and external partners. Key projects of the Trash Team include trash capture projects, the Direct Discharge Trash Control Program, creek assessments, cleanup coordination, grant and contract management, and reporting. 
 
Watershed Protection Division’s Stormwater Management Group – Monitoring and Pollutants of Concern Team
 
The Monitoring and Pollutants of Concern (MPC) Team focuses on reducing pollutants to storm drains from routine municipal operations; implementing control methods for pollutants of concern, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, trash, pesticides, etc.; and assessing exempted and conditionally exempted non-stormwater discharges. The MPC Team works collaboratively with internal and external partners to address these regulatory requirements, and team members frequently support one another in various stormwater management activities to ensure compliance with the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Stormwater Permit.
 
Integrated Waste Management Division’s Residential Services Team
 
Residential Services oversees San José’s Residential Garbage and Recycling Program, which provides curbside garbage and recycling, yard trimmings, garbage processing, household hazardous waste drop offs, and junk pick up to approximately 331,000 households and over 140 City facilities through four contracted service providers with an annual budget in excess of $150 million. This ESS helps co-manage contractor agreements, perform data management and analysis for reports and presentations, and implement Senate Bill 1383 requirements and other state and local solid waste regulations.
 
Responsibilities include:
• Monitoring and evaluating contractor operations and performance to continuously improve service delivery and provide excellent customer service
• Providing public education and environmental advocacy

Sustainability and Compliance Division’s Sustainability & Policy Team 
The Sustainability and Policy team implements initiatives that support vital utilities for the community. This position assists the Energy and Water Building Performance Ordinance (BPO), which requires owners of large buildings in San José to benchmark energy and water use and make improvements if standards are not met. BPO staff annually assists more than 2,000 local building’ owners with compliance. The ideal candidate possesses  database, analytical, and technical writing skills, and expertise in building benchmarking or utility efficiency. Learn more at sjenvironment.org/benchmarking.
 
Responsibilities include:
• Maintaining databases, noticing, and providing customer service for benchmarking and invoicing compliance
• Conducting data quality control, data analysis and visualization to prepare technical reports and presentations
• Coordinating program implementation with other ESD groups, City Departments, Local and State Agencies

Sustainability and Compliance Division’s Municipal Environmental Compliance Group
 
The Municipal Environmental Compliance group provides technical support in the assessment, investigation, and cleanup of environmentally impaired or potentially impaired City properties/projects. Projects include fuel leak investigations, closed landfill compliance, and property acquisition investigations.
 
Responsibilities include:
• Performing Phase I Environmental site assessments and technical report writing
• Soil and groundwater sampling and field inspections.

As vacant positions may change based on internal movement, we will provide updated and detailed position information prior to interviews.
 
Salary Information
The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate’s qualifications and experience. In addition to the starting salary, employees in the Environmental Services Specialist Series classification shall also receive an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay. 

The annual salary range for the positions are presently as follows:
Assistant Environmental Services Specialist: $75,260.64 – $91,465.92
Associate Environmental Services Specialist: $87,207.12 – $105,967.68
Environmental Services Specialist: $96,139.68 – $116,844.00

Please note that the above salary ranges are inclusive of the five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay.
 
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.

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.
 
You will be prompted to answer the following job-specific questions during the online application process. Please note that there is a 4,000-character limit, including spaces, for each text response.

1. Please describe your experience working on environmental services programs or projects in air quality, integrated waste management, biology, agriculture, energy, forestry or parks, habitat restoration, wastewater, water resources, archaeology, geology, resources conservation, land use planning, environmental regulatory permitting/compliance, or any program emphasizing environmental sustainability. In your response, please provide specific examples of how you promoted, developed, and implemented environmental services programs. Include your role(s), employer(s), and dates of employment.
2. Describe your experience with compiling, analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating information. Include your experience with report writing and presenting data to an audience. Specify the subject, audience, recommendations or findings, and the outcomes achieved.
3. Describe an experience working with a variety of stakeholders, such as members of the public, commercial businesses, engineering staff, contractors/consultants, regulators, advocacy groups, or similar. In your response, describe the project you were responsible for coordinating/managing and how you were able to work with these stakeholders to successfully accomplish a project or task.
 
You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration.
 
If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Phil Dunbar at Phillip.Dunbar@sanjoseca.gov.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.
 

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a highly motivated individual for the position of Senior Water Pollution Control Operator. The ideal candidates will have a journeyman level understanding of Wastewater Treatment and the associated equipment and controls required to operate those systems. The Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant is a Class V Wastewater Treatment Facility with Recycled Water production.
The Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant is undergoing an exciting transition, we are replacing original processes, structures and equipment with the latest treatment technologies and we would like you to be part of that upgrade.  The SWPCP is currently constructing new Screening, Pumping, Grit Removal, Sedimentation, Odor Control, Power Distribution and SCADA system as the first major replacement effort.  The Plant is also in design for a new Secondary Treatment process with Dewatering and Thickening to carry the city forward in our on-going effort to protect the bay and provide high quality Recycled Water.

The Senior Water Pollution Control (WPC) Operator provides support for their team members on an assigned shift. The Senior WPC Operator, as the shift supervisor oversees the operation, inspection and maintenance of the treatment process, plant equipment and facilities.  The Senior WPC Operator is a reliable communicator that prioritizes tasks and ensures that Operators, Maintenance, and other team members work in a safe and productive environment.

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

Graduation from high school or tested equivalent, and

Three years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant.

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record and possession of a valid Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certificate issued by the California State Water Quality Control Board is required for this position.

A complete application consists of a City application and supplemental questionnaire. The position is open continuous. For complete information regarding this current opportunity, please visit: www.sunnyvale.ca.gov

Salary: $47.78 - $60.99 Hourly
$99,401.00 - $126,864.00 Annually

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF BELOW.
 

To view the full announcement for this exciting opportunity with the City of San José, please visit the City of San José’s employment page by clicking on the link below.

Then click on the “Executive Opportunities” link.  Do NOT apply through CalOpps!

City of San José Employment Page

Wastewater System Supervisor

$33.03 - $42.29 Hourly

Open Until Filled

THE POSITION

The City of Chowchilla is seeking a full-time Wastewater System Supervisor who, under general direction, supervises, develops, and directs the work of staff performing difficult and complex technical and administrative support related to all programs and activities of the City’s Treatment Operations and Collection System Maintenance Operations; assists with long- and short-term project planning and overseeing the design, construction, maintenance, and operations of the wastewater collection system and wastewater treatment plant, facilities, and related appurtenances and other programs; works with technical and engineering staff to monitor and maintain water quality in accordance with State requirements; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies for services such as meter reading and repair; provides complex and responsible support to the Public Works Director and others in areas of expertise; and performs other duties as assigned.

Incumbent serves as the Division Manager of the City’s Treatment Operations and Collection System Maintenance Operations system. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of wastewater operations, maintenance, and operations staff either directly or through lead workers. Incumbents are expected to independently perform the full range of wastewater treatment and collection, maintenance, and operations duties. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the water worker series in that it has direct supervisory responsibilities. 

This job opportunity is continuous and application reviews are performed periodically.

San Mateo is a city of approximately 104,000 residents, strategically located midway between San Francisco and San Jose, and is within the Silicon Valley.  One of the City’s strengths is its diversity, both in the ethnic makeup and the physical development of the community.  San Mateo has a vibrant business and retail environment with national and international businesses, two major shopping centers and an active downtown.  The community values its historic and new residential neighborhoods and recently approved a major new Transit Oriented Development that will add 1,500 new homes, 300,000 square feet of new retail and as much as 1.5 million square feet of commercial office space.  

The City organization has a culture of innovation, collaboration and strong customer service.  The City’s annual budget is $191 million and is staffed by approximately 540 full time employees.  The City is continually evaluating new and innovative ways of providing high quality services to its residents while acknowledging the competing demands for the limited funds available. Find out more interesting facts at:  www.cityofsanmateo.org.

Look at some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work, https://youtu.be/_GTIzeSpc_g

The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is a 15.7 MDG sub-regional facility that serves an estimated 164,545 customers  administering the annual operation and maintenance budget over $12.8 million with a staff of 34 professional and technical personnel.  The City of San Mateo is building a team tasked with the safe and continuous operation of the current expansion of this conventional activated sludge plant by introducing new facilities including; preliminary treatment, primary treatment, enhanced biological nutrient removal/membrane bioreactors (BNR/MBR), biological and chemically enhanced treatment (BioACTIFLO), and additional upgrades to existing process equipment. A vital and instrumental member of this team is the WWTP Operator III.

The Position

This position will receive general direction from the Chief Plant Operator and instruction from their Shift Supervisor to provide daily guidance to lower level operators and trainees. The WWTP Operator III will be responsible for supporting these efforts to guide, develop and mentor staff on their assigned shift, act in a supervisory capacity in the absence of the Shift Supervisor, and is the assigned lead in getting both scheduled and unscheduled work completed. Those who have prepared themselves and are ready for the challenge to use their skills as a journey-level wastewater professional should seriously consider this opportunity.

This position is assigned rotating shifts working nights, weekends, and holidays with on-call emergency response 24 hours per day.  However, along with this challenge is the benefit of working  a 12-hour shift that results in a very favorable work/life balance and requires the minimum commuting days as compared to other standard 8-hour shifts.

The Duties

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to the following.

Operate wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge and effluent; monitor gauges, meters and control panels; observe variation in operating conditions, interpreting meter and gauge readings and test results to determine process requirements.

• Operate valves and gates; start and stop pumps, engines and electric motors to control and adjust flow and treatment processes; operate and maintain boilers; perform routine maintenance work on valves, tanks, related equipment and facilities to optimize performance.
• Maintain appropriate plant records to support water quality goals.
• Perform the duties of the Designated Operator-in-Charge when required in accordance with State regulations.
• Operate rolling vehicles and stationary machinery as required to perform essential job functions.
• Foster and maintain good working relationships and provide excellent customer service in the course of their work.
• Assist in the inventory, requisition, and purchase of supplies and materials.
• Supervise and train less experienced operators on assigned shift.