The Department:
The Water and Sewer Utilities Department (Department) is a utility enterprise responsible for the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the City's water distribution, sewer collection, and recycled water systems. The Department ensures the reliable delivery of safe drinking water, the efficient collection and conveyance of wastewater, and the sustainable use of recycled water resources to support the community and protect public health and the environment. For more information about the Water and Sewer Utilities Department, please visit the department website.
The Position:
This is an entry-level maintenance position within the Department. Incumbents are typically assigned to a crew and perform semi-skilled work related to the maintenance, repair, and operation of water, sewer, or recycled water infrastructure. This position may require working irregular hours and extended shifts when job assignments run longer than expected or during emergency response activities. Employees may be exposed to raw sewage, muddy conditions, trenches, and work environments located on busy city streets.
Under direction, this position performs work related to the operation, maintenance, inspection, repair, rehabilitation, and replacement of the City of Santa Clara’s water distribution system, sanitary sewer collection system, and recycled water system. Work includes performing heavy physical labor associated with routine maintenance, system repairs, and emergency response activities related to the City's utility infrastructure and associated appurtenances.
This position requires one (1) year of related experience. Related experience may include work involving pipefitting, plumbing, commercial or residential construction, underground utility construction, landscaping, paving, warehouse operations, facility maintenance, steelwork, HVAC work, or heavy equipment operations.
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.
Additional Information:
Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit an Application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of March 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM.
THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED ABOVE. 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. APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR POSITIONS ADHERING TO ALL APPLICABLE CITY POLICIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CMD 033- EMPLOYMENT OF RELATIVES.
The hourly rate for this position is $36.27.
Typical Duties
Specific job duties of this position may not be included in the list below, nor do the examples cover all duties, which may be performed.
Under immediate supervision:
• Performs heavy manual labor
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment used in public works, water, recycled water and sewer utility maintenance and construction work
• Cuts out sections of asphalt, and removes debris with hand shovel
• Assists in laying water lines and installing valves, hydrants, meters and services
• Digs for leaks
• Repairs leaks in service lines
• Caulks joints and taps mains
• Repairs, paints and sets out barricades
• Cleans and repairs sewer lines
• Installs new pipe and clean outs
• Flushes sewer system
• Paints City property and buildings
• Assists with repair and maintenance of City buildings
• Constructs forms for concrete work
• Mixes, pours and finishes cement work, and lays bricks
• May assist in the installation, repair and maintenance of solar heating systems owned by the City Utility
• May service and drive trucks
• May paint and number fire hydrants
• May operate trucks and other equipment as assigned
• Replaces or locates water meters
• Performs other related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Education Requirements:
Graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D.
Minimum Experience Requirements:
One (1) year of related experience
Acceptable Substitution:
None
License/Certifications:
Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license is required at time of appointment
Other Requirements:
Incumbents of this classification may be required to work shift work, weekends, and unusual hours in emergency situations and to be available on an "on-call" basis
Incumbents of this classification may be subject to drug and/or alcohol testing as mandated by federal regulations
Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job classification
Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
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.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working knowledge of:
•Tools, methods, materials, and equipment used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of street, water, recycled water, and sewer facilities
• Environmental and safety practices, procedures, and standards related to utility construction and maintenance work
Good ability to and skill in:
• Learning increasingly technical and complex maintenance and operational tasks
• Demonstrating mechanical aptitude in the use of tools, equipment, and machinery
• Performing heavy physical labor, including lifting up to 90 pounds of static weight
Ability to:
• Manage multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet established deadlines
• Establish and maintain tactful, courteous, and effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and members of the public
• Work effectively in a team-based environment to achieve common operational goals
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
• Perform assigned job duties in a safe and responsible manner in accordance with established safety practices and procedures