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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! We offer an array of meaningful career paths and value flexibility - offering hybrid work and alternative work schedules in select roles. Additionally, the City offers excellent health and pension benefits, as well as 15 paid holidays! To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and San Jose Environmental Services on LinkedIn.
Salary Information
The annual salary range for Wastewater Mechanic I is $78,998.40- $96,012.80. The annual salary range for Wastewater Mechanic II is $87,443.20 - $106,600.00. The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate's qualifications and experience. (Note: Candidates are typically hired at the level of Wastewater Mechanic I. Candidates may be considered for level II if they possess two years of experience at the level of Wastewater Mechanic I or possess a CWEA Plant Mechanical Technologist Grade II certificate.)
Wastewater Mechanic - Maintenance Division
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:
- Troubleshoots and repairs wastewater buildings and equipment such as pumps, valves, gearboxes, compressors, blowers, grit removal equipment, conveyors, mixers, clarifiers, chemical feed systems, and other equipment.
- Fabricates and modifies parts as needed for system operations associated with shop equipment drill presses, ironworker, band saws, pedestal grinders, hydraulic shear, and knowledge of welding.
- Operates bridge cranes, chain falls, lever hoists and all associated rigging.
- Interprets drawings, service manuals and parts manuals.
- Performs equipment inspections at scheduled intervals to detect the possibility of malfunctions.
- Determines spare parts inventory levels and initiates parts replacement; stocks replacement parts.
- Maintains maintenance and repair records on equipment, systems, and components; assists in maintaining and updating the maintenance manuals.
- Communicates to supervisor concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such issues.
- Can, or can learn to, work with computer-based work order and inventory management software to create, complete and track maintenance work and parts used.
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.
DUTY NO. TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These duties and estimated
frequency are a representative sample; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department.) Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
FRE QUENCY* 1
Installs, aligns, removes, and repairs various types of industrial equipment.
Daily
2
Performs preventive maintenance tasks and inspections of industrial equipment to prevent breakdowns.
Daily
3
Operates and maintains large bore medium speed engines operating on diesel and variable BTU methane, gas compressors and related auxiliary equipment
Daily
4
Dismantles, overhauls, and reassembles engines, centrifugal air compressors, methane gas compressors and auxiliary equipment
Daily
5
Makes continuous inspections of assigned equipment and adjusts and repairs parts needing specific attention.
Daily
6
Makes equipment setting adjustments to provide efficient engine and auxiliary equipment operation.
Daily
7
Interprets Distributive Control System (DCS) graphics and trends to monitor and adjust operating systems.
Daily
8
Reads, gathers data, and records data from meters, gauges, thermometers, and other recording and measuring devices which show operating conditions.
Daily
9
Operates three phase alternating current 5KV generator switchgear, using standard operating procedures.
Daily
10
Stays current with safety topics and issue to provide for safety in work areas,
and for safe operation of the equipment.
Daily
11
Removes, installs, and relocates various pieces of heavy, unwieldy, or otherwise critical equipment and machinery using cranes, winches, hoists, dollies, rollers, and forklift trucks.
Weekly
12
Provides trainings and directs the activities of assigned Wastewater Attendants, Apprentice Wastewater Mechanics and other staff.
Weekly
13
Performs rigging, shoring and confined-space entry.
Weekly
14
Operates various equipment such as drill presses, bridgeport, lathe, and surface grinders as well as forklifts, backhoes, man lifts, front loaders, and all terrain forklifts.
Weekly
15
Operates and maintains low-pressure boilers.
Weekly
16
Installs, repairs and checks high pressure piping systems.
Intermittent
17
Modifies existing piping and tests systems and equipment for proper operation and conformance to standards.
Intermittent
18
Performs all-position welding for different types of metals and alloys of various sizes, thickness, and shapes; such as arc, tig, mig, as well as oxy- acetylene and plasma cutting.
Intermittent
19
Cuts plates, structural steel and alloys within close tolerances with flame- cutting torch equipment.
Intermittent
20
Prepares sketches, job orders and specifications.
Intermittent
21
Reads and interprets blueprints and drawings.
Intermittent
22
Lays out, cuts, bends and assembles pipes and other component parts for the
fabrication of new systems.
Intermitte
nt
23
Maintains records and prepares reporton Computerized Maintenance Managed System
Intermittent
24
Modifies equipment for more efficient operation or reduced maintenance.
As Required
25
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
As Required
*Frequency defined as Daily/Several Times, Daily, Weekly, Intermittent, or As Required
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.
Acceptable Substitution Completion of the Attendant Skills Knowledge and Evaluation (SKE) program and completion of the certification as Plant Mechanical Technologist Grade I from California Water Environment Association (CWEA) may be substituted as one (1) year 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.
Required Licensing Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver's license. As a condition of employment in some designated positions, possession of a valid State of California Class A or B driver's license with applicable endorsements may be required in the performance of job duties.
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. As a condition of employment in some designated positions, possession of a valid State of California Class A or B driver's license with applicable endorsements may be required in the performance of job duties.
(Incumbents may be required to have different combinations of the listed qualifications, or more specific job-related qualifications depending on the position.)Basic Competencies
(Needed at entry into the job in order to perform the essential duties.) - 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.
- Maintenance procedures associated with large bore, medium speed engines, valves, gearboxes, pumps and air compressors.
- Mechanical principles, pneumatics, hydraulics and other equipment found in wastewater facility or similar heavy industrial facilities.
- Diesel fuels and lubricants used in heavy-duty power plant operation.
- 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.
- Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.
- Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
- 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.
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 in the field of mechanics.
- Possession of specialized certification such as Backflow preventer installation and maintenance, Welding, Confined Space Entry, Power Plant, Hazardous Material Handling, etc.
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 Chris Caruthers at Chris.caruthers @sanjoseca.gov
For Benefits information, click here Additional Information: The International Union of Operating Engineers (OE#3) represents this position. click here to view.
For more information about San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facilit
y (RWF), please visit the City of San Jose website.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in these, or other divisions. 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.
This position will have a close date of Wednesday April 24, 2024. 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 CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application. Please contact Human Resources at (408) 535-1285, or Human.Resources@sanjoseca.gov if you have any questions.
