Water Agency Mechanic

  • Sonoma County, CA
  • Santa Rosa, California
  • Jun 04, 2024
Full Time Construction and Skilled Trades Water and Wastewater Treatment
  • Salary: $106,401.38 - $129,338.83 Annually USD

Job Description

Position Information

Bring your water and wastewater mechanic experience the County of Sonoma Water Agency!

Water Agency (Sonoma Water) Mechanics perform a full range of inspections, repairs, replacements, and maintenance on water transmission and wastewater treatment systems to ensure continuous operation of the treatment plant, related pipelines, and related facilities. As a Water Agency Mechanic, you will focus on three priorities at Sonoma Water: 1) cathodic protection to address corrosion; 2) replacement of valves and meters to address leaks; 3) pumping plant maintenance and pump replacement. You will also inspect and repair infrastructure, and upgrade and replace lift stations.

The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic with a focus on ensuring safety for all, effective communication skills, a strong interest in collaborating and working on diverse teams, and possess:

  • Experience maintaining and repairing water and wastewater pumps
  • The ability to interpret and work from sketches, blueprints, and specifications
  • Experience operating heavy equipment and performing underground construction
  • Familiarity with and knowledge of hand and power tools used in construction, pipe and plumbing joining, welding, and fabrication
  • Knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems and control panels
  • Some experience using maintenance management software systems
  • Training in pump repair and installation, welding, pipe fitting, and/or construction
  • One or more of the following licenses/certifications:
  • California Commercial Driver's License (Class A)
  • California Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 or higher
  • California Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T1 or higher
  • CWEA Mechanical Technologist
  • Certificate to work in confined spaces
  • Certificate to perform backflow testing
Please note: This position requires possession of a valid Class C driver's license.

About Sonoma Water
Sonoma Water is a special district formed by the California State Legislature in 1949 and is responsible for providing a safe and reliable water supply to its customers in Sonoma and Marin counties. Sonoma Water also maintains 75 miles of flood control channels and provides sanitation services. Employing approximately 250 employees, Sonoma Water consists of four divisions including Engineering & Resource Planning, Environmental Resources, Business Services & External Affairs, and Water/Wastewater Operations & Maintenance. Sonoma Water supports the concept of environmental sustainability, focusing on renewable power sources, and strives to be a leader in its water use efficiency and fishery restoration programs.

Employees of Sonoma Water are employees of a special district and are not subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Ordinance of the County of Sonoma.

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

  • Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
  • Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
  • County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
  • Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $565 and ongoing education/training opportunities
  • Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
  • Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
  • Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
  • Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the International Union of Operating Engineers, Stationary Engineers Local 39 Memorandum of Understanding and our Employee Benefits Directory .

Sonoma Water is currently recruiting to fill a Water Agency Mechanic position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment .

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Any combination of experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed to perform a wide variety of skilled and specialized tasks in the installation, repair, and maintenance of water and wastewater system mechanical equipment. Normally the equivalent to the attainment of recognized journey level status (usually at least four years) as a mechanic performing a full range of installation and repair work of which one year must have involved maintaining equipment typically used in water or wastewater treatment and distribution system or two years of experience under the direction of a Water Agency Mechanic would provide such opportunity. Completion of high school or its equivalent is also required and completion of an appropriate trade or technical school training is desirable.

License: Possession of a valid California Class C motor vehicle operator's license. A California Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade T1 certificate is required within 2 years from date of employment; a California Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 or above is highly desired. In addition, a Wastewater Mechanic Certificate and certificates to work in confined spaces and perform backflow testing are highly desired.

Some assignments may require the possession of a Class B motor vehicle operations license and be subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing under Federal Department of Transportation regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: principles, practices, methods, and materials used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical equipment common to water treatment, storage, distribution, flood control facilities; use and care of hand and power tools, including machine tools common to the trade; preventative maintenance techniques and schedules; shop mathematics.

Skill in: performing varied and complex mechanical maintenance and repair work; diagnosing problems and determining appropriate action; interpreting and working from sketches, blueprints, and specifications; estimating labor and materials; keeping accurate records and making reports; directing the work of and instructing one or more semiskilled assistants.

Ability to: use initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.

Working knowledge of: acetylene and electric arc welding and machining technique.

Working conditions: Duties require sitting, standing, walking on uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, crawling, squatting, crouching, and grasping in the performance of daily duties. The use of an acute sense of smell and hearing is needed in detecting digester and bearing problems. The duties also require both near and far vision while making visual checks of the treatment process and working on equipment. The need to lift, carry, and push motors, pipes, valves, fittings, pumps, and other equipment and supplies weighing 40 pounds or more is also required. Additionally, the incumbent works in all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold. The use of lubricating ingredients and working around hazardous sewer gases exposes the employee to fumes, dust, and air contaminants which may cause eye and skin irritation. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to be exposed to raw and treated sewage; to climb ladders and walk on scaffolds, and ride personnel lifts at height; to work in confined spaces; to wear self-contained breathing equipment; to handle noise producing tools and equipment; and to drive a motorized vehicle.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

  • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
  • You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
  • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
  • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.



Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: JT
HR Technician: KK

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

Paid Time Off :Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan :Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generousCounty contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

Retirement :Fully integrated with Social Security.For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .

IRS 457 Plan :Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical : County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Student Loan Debt Relief :County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331.Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 6/24/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Base Pay

106,401

Job Address

Santa Rosa, California United States View Map