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The recruitment opens on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, and the final filing date is Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 5:00 pm or after receiving 100 qualified and complete applications, whichever is first. 

Please note: Only the first 100 qualified and complete applications will be considered for this position. A complete application consists of a City application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.

The Environmental Services Department provides comprehensive and innovative utility services for Sunnyvale’s residents and businesses, including initiatives to achieve the City’s sustainability and zero waste objectives. The department brings together technical, operational, and administrative professional disciplines to form its dedicated and dynamic team.

We are seeking energetic, creative, organized program professionals to advance our environmental goals by engaging the community and designing responsive programs.

We are currently recruiting for the following Environmental Program Specialist positions:

Regulatory Programs Division: Implement Watershed stewardship programs focused on pollution prevention practices for stormwater and wastewater management.

*Regulatory Programs Division: Implement Sustainability programs (e.g. building or transportation electrification) including policy development, program design and implementation, and community engagement.

*Solid Waste Division: Implement Zero Waste programs including SB1383 compliance, waste management technical assistance, outreach and enforcement for multi-family dwelling and commercial businesses.

*Water and Sewer Division: Implement Water Conservation programs to support “Water Conservation as a Way of Life.”

*These are new positions included in the recommended budget for FY 2024-25, which will be considered by the Sunnyvale City Council on June 18, 2024.

The eligibility list from this recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies in the classification.

All positions are responsible for developing, planning, and implementing environmental programs, and are expected to become knowledgeable about all of the Department’s service areas, regardless of which division they are assigned to. The positions provide an opportunity for candidates to enhance their marketing, engagement, and collaboration skills as well as build a solid understanding of City policy and program development and implementation.

Salary: $43.23 - $55.17 Hourly

DESCRIPTION:

The Department:

The Parks and Recreation Department provides planning, development, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the City's neighborhood parks, open space, water sites, recreation buildings, and trails.

The Position:

Under supervision, to perform a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks in connection with the development and maintenance of City parks and recreational facilities.

As an As-needed Laborer, the successful incumbent will work in the department, performing routine maintenance on various parks and facilities including the city-owned cemetery. This position will assist in maintenance and repair using a variety of tools and specialized equipment. 

The Laborer position performs varied, unskilled and skilled manual tasks related to landscape maintenance and sanitization. Typical tasks include cleaning and sanitizing restrooms and buildings, loading trash and leaves in truck, litter abatement, mowing, edging, cleaning park sites, graffiti abatement, and operating a variety of hand/power tools and heavy equipment as needed. This position may require working weekends, holidays, and after hours. Must be able to read, speak, and write English at a basic level, follow written and oral instruction, and perform heavy lifting.  

As an as-needed employee, this is an "at-will" position and there is no guarantee of hours. Hours are limited to 999 in a fiscal year or 960 hours in a fiscal year for retired CalPERS annuitants.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  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. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.

The annual salary range for this position is $17.75 - $24.85.  This position will be filled at or near the bottom of the salary range.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

Under direct supervision, performs varied, unskilled manual tasks often requiring considerable physical strength and the use of hand tools and hand power tools; loads rubbish and leaves on trucks; excavates and fills trenches and ditches; assists in the removal, trimming and spraying of trees and shrubs; prepares surfaces for paving; mixes cement; breaks up paved surfaces; helps place forms and pour concrete; lays pipes; uses such tools as shovel, rake, and jackhammer; operates trucks and heavier equipment as needed. Performs construction, maintenance and sanitation duties as required; and does related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements:

Sufficient education to provide the ability to read, write and speak English at a basic level. 

Minimum Experience Requirements:

No experience is required.

Acceptable Substitution:

None.

License/Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license is required.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Landscape maintenance experience.
• Experience working with the public in a service environment.

Other Requirements:

Ability to work odd and irregular hours including weekends and holidays.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

Some knowledge of: the purposes, use, and maintenance of simple hand tools; construction and maintenance methods and materials. Good ability to: learn to use simple hand tools; follow oral and written instructions; and perform heavy physical labor.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the direct supervision of an assigned supervisor.

Additional Information:

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. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a Complete City Application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. This position is open until filled: Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis for consideration to the position.  If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.

The City of Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.

Please click on the Job PDF to view the announcement.

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.

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 employees are required to be vaccinated with the entire recommended initial series of a COVID-19 vaccine (two doses of the Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine).   

Salary Information

The annual salary range for Wastewater Mechanic I is $76,689.60 - $93,225.60, hourly range is now $36.87 - $44.82. The annual salary range for Wastewater Mechanic II is $84,905.60 - $103,500.80, hourly range is now $40.82 - $49.76. 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.

For more information about San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (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.

Physical Requirements

• Duties require a heavy level of physical exertion, including exerting 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.
• Incumbents may be required to utilize self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment, which requires the ability to pass an annual fit and spirometry test.
• Ability to perform the essential physical functions of this position will be determined by a post-offer medical examination conducted by City of San Jose Employee Health Services.

For the complete physical/environment elements, please go to the classification specifications here: Wastewater Mechanic I/II.

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.

Vaccination Policy: 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 employees are required to be vaccinated with the entire recommended initial series of a COVID-19 vaccine (two doses of the Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine).    

Salary Information 

The annual salary range for Wastewater Mechanic I is $76,689.60 - $93,225.60, hourly range is now $36.87 - $44.82. The annual salary range for Wastewater Mechanic II is $84,905.60 - $103,500.80, hourly range is now $40.82 - $49.76. 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 - Energy and Automation Division

Wastewater Mechanics (also known as Cogen Operator / Diesel Mechanic) in the Energy and Automation Division are responsible for operating, maintaining and overhauling the Facility's industrial mechanical and electrical equipment related to large stationary diesel-ignited/spark-ignited engine driven blowers and/or power generators, gas compressors and gas storage such as commonly found in municipal power plants, natural gas pipeline compressor stations and large marine propulsion systems. The Wastewater Mechanics (Cogen Operator / Diesel Mechanics) often work in teams of two while performing preventative maintenance, repairs, and overhauls on Facility equipment. This team provides 24/7 staffing and are typically assigned to rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays.

The Cogen Operator / Diesel Mechanics also perform tasks including, but not limited to, the following:

• Preventive maintenance and inspections of all equipment in the Power and Air (P&A) section.
• Use precision measuring tools, granite table, non destructive testing, Prussian blue, polishing stones, fitting bearings to shafts.
• Various welding disciplines (such as arc, tig, mig) as well as oxy-acetylene and plasma/carbon arc cutting.

• Fabricate specialty tools, obsolete engine parts, and fixtures.
• Operate bridge cranes, chain falls, lever hoists and all associated rigging.
• Interpret drawings, service manuals and parts manuals.
• Operate seat grinder, valve grinder, drill press, band saw, vertical mill, engine lathe, iron worker, sheet metal brake and surface grinder as well as forklift and man lift.
• Repair and inspect of low and high pressure-piping systems.
• Work with electricians, instrumentation technicians, painters, HVAC and other mechanics
• Attend all safety trainings.

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.

Physical Requirements

• Duties require a heavy level of physical exertion, including exerting 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.
• Incumbents may be required to utilize self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment, which requires the ability to pass an annual fit and spirometry test.
• Ability to perform the essential physical functions of this position will be determined by a post-offer medical examination conducted by City of San Jose Employee Health Services.

For the complete physical/environment elements, please go to the classification specifications here: Wastewater Mechanic I/II.

For more information about San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (RWF), click here.

Please click on the Job PDF to view the announcement.

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.