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The City of Berkeley invites dynamic, forward-thinking public works professionals to apply for the role of Director of Public Works and join a city known for innovation, civic engagement, and progressive leadership. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead essential citywide services, shape long-term infrastructure investments, and help advance Berkeley’s commitment to sustainability, mobility, and community well-being. We are looking for a collaborative, people-centered leader committed to strengthening public infrastructure, supporting equity, and delivering high-quality services for all residents.

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DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

Annual Salary 

$201,678.46 - $294,945.87 (Current)

$206,720.28 - $302,319.42 (July 2026)

$210,854.80 - $308,465.73 (January 2027)

Famous worldwide as a center of academic achievement, scientific innovation, free speech, and the arts, the City of Berkeley is bordered by San Francisco Bay to the west and rolling hills to the east. The City is known for its abundant green space, mild weather, and rich cultural life. Berkeley’s international shopping districts, outstanding restaurants, cutting-edge environmental organizations, art galleries, theaters, museums, Berkeley City College, and the University of California, Berkeley all contribute to its uniquely diverse and vibrant atmosphere. With more than 50 public parks, miles of bike lanes and walking trails, and a public marina, Berkeley offers exceptional opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation.

The City is governed by a Mayor elected at-large and eight Councilmembers elected by district. The City Council appoints the City Manager, who oversees City operations. Under the Berkeley Charter, the Director of Public Works is appointed by the City Manager with the affirmative vote of five Councilmembers and reports to the Deputy City Manager.

Berkeley is also advised by 40 boards and commissions made up of community members and stakeholders who help guide policy and protect the quality of life for all Berkeley residents. Public Works staff provide direct support to the Transportation Infrastructure, Disability Advisory, Zero Waste, and Safe Streets Oversight Commissions.

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Public Works is the largest department in the City and provides essential services to the community every day. Its mission is to deliver high-quality services with pride, courtesy, and excellence. By developing and offering efficient, cost-effective services in partnership with residents, the Department strives to help Berkeley remain a leading city known for outstanding Public Works services.

Key Strategic Initiatives 

Key Strategic Initiatives: During the next 24 to 36 months, Public Works has several large initiatives underway to improve organizational performance and further advance community goals. The Zero Waste Strategic Plan and accompanying Five Year rate implementation will be key to funding new programs and infrastructure needed to achieve Berkeley’s waste diversion goals. The Bike Plan, Pedestrian Plan, and Vision Zero Plans are scheduled for large scale updates and public processes to define the traffic safety and infrastructure priorities of the future. Finally, an update of the goBerkeley Parking Program is underway to re-evaluate parking demand and transit uses to continue to drive effective curb management of metered parking and reduce emissions through improved programs.

Division Overviews

Refuse & Recycling – Berkeley has a long-standing commitment to reducing and ultimately eliminating landfill waste. The City established one of the nation’s first municipal recycling programs and, in 2019, adopted one of California’s most comprehensive ordinances regulating single-use foodware and litter. Berkeley operates its own transfer station and waste-collection franchise—an uncommon model in the region. Given its commitment to waste diversion, Berkeley is one of the few municipalities in the region that has its own City-owned transfer station and waste collection franchise operations. 

Streets & Utilities – Includes street maintenance, sewer maintenance, the Clean City Program which is responsible for illegal dumping collection, litter collection, encampment support, street sweeping).

Facilities Management – Responsibilities include electrical maintenance and Radio Shop; building maintenance and janitorial services; and property management support. This Division maintains public service facilities, traffic signals and pedestrian control devices, and streetlights. 

Public Works Administration – Leading, integrating and supporting departmental services, the administrative division provides strategic planning and policy formulation, budget administration, human resources management, payroll processing, coordination of legislative issues, and management of information systems.

Engineering & Capital Infrastructure – Under the leadership and technical guidance by the Engineering Manager/City Engineer Sidewalk Program, Sanitary Sewer Program, Pavement Rehabilitation Program, Storm Water, Utilities, Land Use Permitting, and Facilities Capital Renovations. In 2016 Berkeley voters passed the $100 million T1 infrastructure bond. There are more than $40 million in capital projects currently underway. In addition, in 2024, Berkeley voters approved Measure FF, which is a parcel that tax that is estimated to generate $15 million per year for the City to make repairs to streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian paths.

Transportation Division – The Transportation Division oversees citywide transportation planning, traffic engineering, parking, bicycle and pedestrian planning, and alternative transportation programs. In partnership with neighborhood organizations, community groups, and local business associations, the Transportation Division develops short- and long-range policy recommendations and directs program implementation to support a safe, efficient transportation environment in Berkeley.

THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

The Director of Public Works is responsible for leading the operations, planning, administration, financial management, and intergovernmental relations associated with all Public Works activities, including:

-Directing the operations of the Department which include streets and sanitation, engineering, traffic engineering, facilities maintenance, equipment maintenance, and solid waste management, collection and disposal; performs related work as required.

-Planning and administering all aspects of the following: streets and sanitation, including construction and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, storm drains, and lateral sewer lines; facilities maintenance for City buildings and grounds, and installation and repair of electrical facilities such as street lighting, police and fire alarm, and communications systems; equipment maintenance for police and fire vehicles, solid waste trucks, construction equipment, fleet vehicles and other motorized equipment.

-Overseeing operations management including solid waste collection and the long-range planning of environmentally sound solid waste collection, recycling, and disposal which meets with community standards; the planning, design, installation and maintenance of traffic signs, signals and markings; and engineering design and inspection.

-Assuming direct responsibility for dealing with complex matters involving policy, administration and operations. This position requires considerable public partnership with citizen groups, boards, commissions, other governmental agencies, and other City departments and officials.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a strong leader and an effective communicator with broad public works experience. Because this role interacts with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders - including commissions and community interest groups - exceptional interpersonal skills are essential. The successful candidate will bring strong management, financial, and political acumen to lead a large, complex department with extensive capital projects and contracts. They will have a passion for public service in an engaged and progressive community; a vision for expanded, energy-efficient capital investments; and a commitment to safe, low-stress, multimodal streets. They will also understand the culture of a large municipal public works agency and demonstrate the ability to lead and communicate with diverse professional and skilled-labor teams. 

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college with a degree in civil engineering, architecture, planning, public administration, or a closely related field. Six years of professional experience in the field of public works, planning, or high-level project management. A minimum of four years of this experience must have involved high-level management of a variety of programs and demonstrated success in supervising a sizable professional and administrative staff involving policy information, program planning, development and implementation. An advanced degree may be substituted for the non-supervisory experience on a year-for-year basis, for up to two years of the required experience.

Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your application, résumé, and cover letter by clicking the "Apply" button. For further information about this opportunity, please contact Human Resources Manager, Monica Walker, at 510-981-6818.

The Department of Public Works is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Stationary Engineer II.

About the Department
The Department of Public Works plans, designs, constructs, operates, and maintains facilities and equipment that are safe and accessible to the clients of County agencies, the general public, and County employees. The Department advises the Board of Supervisors on all public works issues, including rates and charges for services that are fair to both the users and service providers.

Public Works has a budget of approximately $200 million and is comprised of over 300 employees in four divisions: Administrative Services and Airports, Engineering and Resource Protection, Facility and Capital Projects, and Road Services.

Facilities Maintenance & Operations
FM&O, short for Facilities Maintenance & Operations, ensures County facilities are safe, comfortable, and clean. From historic landmarks to modern offices, we keep things running smoothly.

The FM&O Stationary Engineers perform maintenance and repairs to the various plumbing, mechanical, and lighting systems throughout County facilities. These include boilers, chillers, pumps, motors, lamps, ballasts, drivers, toilets, sinks, and faucets as well as utilizing the lighting and building control systems to schedule and adjust run times of the various pieces of equipment. There are multiple Stationary Engineer I/II vacancies in FM&O.

Our team turns the screws, tightens the bolts, hammers the nails, paints the walls, and types in the codes to keep all the buildings and their systems working. If it's loose, stuck, hot, cold, light, or dark FM&O gets the call. Whatever it takes, our team does it with professionalism, care, and heart!

The Position
Under the direction of a Supervising Stationary Engineer, Stationary Engineers are responsible for a wide variety of repair and maintenance work in the areas of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, emergency power systems, water treatment systems, boiler equipment, and piping repair, building automation systems, and miscellaneous equipment repair. Stationary Engineer II is a journey-level classification, and incumbents are expected to have proficiency, perform independently, and solve complex problems in all of the areas listed above.

There are multiple vacancies to be filled throughout the Department. Work locations will include Redwood City Government Center, San Mateo Medical Center, Youth Services Center, and Maple Street Correctional Facility.
Candidates hired as Stationary Engineers must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and alternate shifts. They must also successfully obtain and maintain a Sheriff's Office security clearance as a condition of employment. 

The ideal candidates for these positions will have:

• At least three years of journey-level experience as a Stationary Engineer.
• A minimum of three years of journey-level experience in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Extensive knowledge and experience working with boiler and HVAC systems.
• Proficiency in a wide variety of installations and repairs on plumbing, gas system piping, chiller/boiler piping, and wastewater systems, including the ability to operate a large sewer snake.
• Certification as a Backflow Prevention Tester.
• Experience in energy management and computer-controlled systems.
• The ability to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain a variety of equipment, including air conditioning, electric motors, heating units, heat pumps, light commercial furnaces, burners, fresh air and exhaust fans, economizers, and humidifiers.
• Experience with Fire Alarm testing, troubleshooting, and NFPA codes.
• Experience in a hospital or healthcare setting.

Examples Of Duties:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operate, maintain, install, and repair electrical, refrigeration, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and ventilating systems.
• Operate, maintain, and repair boiler equipment.
• Repair and replace pipes, fittings, and other equipment used in plumbing, gas, and steam systems.
• Repair electrical equipment, including lamps, fixtures, and switches; adjust electrical controls, motors, and auxiliary equipment up to 480 volts.
• Test, operate, maintain, and repair emergency power systems, including UPS, emergency generators, and associated equipment.
• Use hand and power tools, including cutting and threading tools, grinders, reamers, wrenches, welders, saws, and other special tools.
• Make minor carpentry repairs to doors, windows, floors, and other parts of buildings.
• Do touch-up painting on repaired equipment.
• Remove or arrange for the removal of trash, pests, and other hazardous materials or debris in the course of performing work. 
• Properly place, set, and inspect traps, and collect and remove insects and pests.
• Reclaim or recycle refrigerant using Freon recovery systems.
• Operate water treatment facility, including wastewater and potable water.
• Adjust and calibrate boiler burners and controls.
• Adjust and calibrate chiller controls.
• Test, calibrate, and repair backflow devices.
• Calibrate HVAC controls and associated equipment.
• Monitor building management systems.
• Replace pumps and pump seals, and repair and replace motor valves.
• Repair and replace air conditioning units.
• Troubleshoot HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and energy power systems.
• Conduct preventative maintenance.
• Understand fire alarm systems.
• Repair and install chemical monitoring stations.
• Repair, test, and record data on generators.

If designated as the certified water treatment operator:

• Operate water treatment facility, including wastewater and potable water, consistent with performance standards, federal and state regulations, and variable operating conditions and emergencies.
• Make periodic inspections and reports of facility conditions to ensure adherence to maintenance procedures.
• Perform water sampling in coordination with the health laboratory.
• Maintain logs of facility operations, test results, scheduled maintenance, and other operating conditions.
• Control filter operations.
• Coordinate special projects related to water treatment and distribution, in close coordination with supervisor/manager.
• Troubleshoot complex technical problems related to water treatment and develop recommendations to improve water quality standards, facility effectiveness, and efficiency.
• Perform quality analysis of raw and treated water.
• Compile data concerning flows, chemical dosages, levels, pressure, volume, water quality, and other operational information.
• Prepare reports.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.  
 

• Completion of courses related to maintenance, installation, and repair of electrical, HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, and power equipment.
• Two years of journey-level experience as a stationary engineer or equivalent, AND demonstrated experience in maintaining, installing, and repairing electrical, HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, and power equipment in a large building, plant, or vessel.
• Two years of experience can be substituted with the completion of an apprenticeship program.

Licensure/Certification:

• Must obtain and maintain Sheriff's Office security clearance.
• Universal Certification in Freon recovery upon hire.
• Obtain Backflow Certification within six months of hire and maintain certification.
• If designated as the water treatment operator, possession of or ability to obtain a valid Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certification issued by the State of California within six months of employment is required.

Knowledge of:

• Common safety practices in the workplace.
• Heating and electrical equipment.
• Principles and techniques used in stationary engineering.
• Proper and safe use of basic hand tools.
• Basic arithmetic for measuring, calibrating, and estimating.
• Steam and gas fired heating systems; refrigeration equipment; ventilating and air-conditioning equipment.
• Electrical, plumbing and refrigeration systems.
• Controls and control systems.
• Emergency power systems, generators, and associated equipment.
• Freon recovery procedures and equipment, if at Level II.
• Water treatment systems and operations, principles and practices, and regulatory mandates, if designated as certified water treatment operator.
• Safety rules, regulations, and work practices, including reference to hazardous chemicals.
• Basic record-keeping principles and practices.

Skill/Ability to:

• Follow safety practices.
• Troubleshoot and/or repair, replace, regulate and control electrical, refrigeration, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and ventilating systems.
• Determine and estimate materials required for a job and prepare requisitions.
• Use hand and power tools.
• Make metal parts and equipment.
• Perform minor carpentry and painting tasks.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively, courteously, and professionally with customers and others.
• Read and interpret plans.
• Prepare and maintain accurate maintenance records.
• Operate standard office equipment, computers, and timekeeping systems.
• Lift and carry materials, supplies, and equipment; climb ladders; and crawl in tight spaces.
• Perform water treatment plan and distribution system operations and maintenance activities if at Level II and designated as water treatment operator. 

Application/Examination:

Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination. 
 
The examination process will consist of an Application Screening (weight: pass/fail), and an Interview (weight: 100%), which may include a performance exam. Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense. 

IMPORTANT:  Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

This is a continuous recruitment which may close at any time. The final filing date will be posted five days in advance on this job announcement.

Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis, and selections may be made at any time within the process.

Tentative Recruitment Schedule: 
Round 1 of Screening: Week of January 5, 2026
Round 1 of Panel Interviews: Week of January 19, 2026 
Round 2 of Screening: Week of February 2, 2026
Round 2 of Panel Interviews: Week of February 16, 2026
Round 3 of Screening: Week of March 2, 2026
Round 3 of Panel Interviews: Week of March 16, 2026

The City of San Mateo Public Works Department is looking for a Senior Instrument Control Technician

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 Senior Instrument Control Technician installs, maintains, calibrates, tests and repairs a variety of data acquisition, radio communications, and instrumentation and control equipment for wastewater collection and treatment plant systems; principal oversight of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer systems and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC); assists in the oversight of the Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS); performs highly skilled electrical, electronic and mechanical work related to in-plant metering equipment and remote controlled devices; operates, monitors, and controls an advanced wastewater treatment (tertiary) system; and performs other related work as required.

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

• Assist in the installation, calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of electronic and electromechanical equipment to ensure proper operation; assist in the troubleshooting and repairing of control system and electrical power failures in the WWTP, pump and lift station.
• Install, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair electronic and electromechanical equipment to ensure proper operation; maintain and troubleshoot computerized process control equipment such as PLCs, RTUs, and SCADA system devices; troubleshoot control system and electrical power system failures in plants, lifts and pump stations; and maintain awareness of new related technology.
• Develops and implements improvement projects for the instrumentation and controls systems and equipment by contractors or in-house staff. Clean, oil and paint equipment.
• Maintain documentation and records for the department’s SCADA system and instrumentation/control systems at the wastewater treatment plant (schematics, licenses, etc.).  Perform regular technical programming of the SCADA system to provide programming and troubleshooting assistance as needed during special testing and operations. Confer with operators, mechanics, project engineers and supervisors regarding SCADA issues.
• Respond to and resolve internal customer complaints and issues; provide documentation as required. Communicate in advance with affected staff on programming and related SCADA work.
• Provide oversight, technical support, inspection and coordination over control system modification made by contractors. Maintain documentation and plans of modifications.
• Prepare reports on technical issues as required.
• Develop, implement, and maintain procedures for documenting activities in instrumentation and control areas related to programming of RTUs and HMI software, field implementation of programming change, and process control improvements.
• Provides safety and skills training to apprentice instrumentation technicians, electrician and other plant staff.
• Write basic PLC programming for the implementation of system modifications and process enhancements. Interpret, prepare, and verify control schematics, diagrams and prints.  Provide technical assistance and guidance to staff. Program control systems, instruments and computer operated devices.
• Read, understand and perform minor modifications to existing PLC code. Download PLC programs to PLCs and RTUs.
• Perform as lead person on Instrumentation/Controls projects; effectively provide training and direction to the Instrument Control Technician, calibration Technician and other plant staff.
• Install, troubleshoot, modify, and implement computer hardware and software applications and components. Analyze and correct data communication and acquisition system problems.
• Design, install, test, repair, calibrate and maintain complex electrical, electronic and mechanical equipment such as meters, telemeters, integrators, tone control equipment, temperature control devices, fire alarm equipment, water quality analyzers, life safety equipment, and remote controlling devices, including relays, rectifiers, and manometers.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

The Senior Instrument Control Technician receives supervision from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance Superintendent.  This position performs lead duties over the Instrumentation Control Technician and Calibration Technician and may provide technical or functional supervision related to the impacted systems to Plant operations or maintenance personnel, contractors or other designed personnel as required.

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