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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 May 12, 2025
Round 1 of Panel Interviews: Week of May 16, 2025
Round 2 of Screening: Week of June 16, 2025
Round 2 of Panel Interviews: Week of July 7, 2025
Round 3 of Screening: Week of July 28, 2025
Round 3 of Panel Interviews: Week of August 11, 2025

This recruitment is open until filled.

The City
The City of Santa Clara is a "full service" city – one of only a few communities in the Bay Area that has its own police, fire, library, recreation, and electric, water, and sewer utilities, as well as all of the other departments and civic amenities expected in a thriving community. Santa Clara is a family-oriented and business-friendly city, led by a city government that has developed an award-winning ethics program and a commitment to fostering public trust. Located in Santa Clara County at the southern tip of San Francisco Bay, about 45 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Clara is a strategic regional hub, with convenient access to freeways, airports, railroads, expressways, light rail, and other public transportation.  

The Position
This announcement is for two (2) positions as described below:
 
Department of Public Works
The City of Santa Clara's Department of Public Works seeks a results-oriented and innovative engineer to serve out the Department's mission to provide the highest quality public works services to the residents of Santa Clara, the development community, and our customers in a responsible and efficient manner. The Department has focus areas that include Engineering Services and Operations and Maintenance. Engineering Services is comprised of five divisions: Administration, Traffic, Design, Land and Property Development, and Field Services. Operations and Maintenance include public roadways, parkways and boulevards, City trees, street sweeping, environmental programs, storm drain systems, fleet, solid and mixed waste/recyclables, and City facilities. For more information about the Department of Public Works please visit the department website.

The Traffic Engineering Division provides traffic engineering (technical support for the design and construction of both City and private development projects), traffic impact analysis reviews for private development projects and transportation projects, bicycle and pedestrian improvement planning, grant administration, and traffic signal maintenance and operation services for the City. The division receives and investigates resident/business inquiries related to street parking, traffic calming, intersection control (i.e signals, beacons, and crosswalks), and bicycling and pedestrian travel on public streets. The investigations may involve interaction with the residents, field review, traffic data collection, and evaluation of collected information with established city policies to prepare engineering recommendations for possible improvements. The division also focuses on multi-modal planning and implementation specifically related to the goals and projects included with the City’s Bicycle Plan,  Pedestrian Masterplan, and the City’s Complete Streets policy. Finally, this division coordinates with other agencies such as the Valley Transportation Authority, County of Santa Clara Roads and Airports, Caltrans,
 and the cities of San Jose, Cupertino, and Sunnyvale related to projects, programs, and grant opportunities. Experience in customer service, traffic design and construction, transportation planning, and project management and delivery is essential to success in this position.

Under direct supervision, the Associate Engineer (Civil) performs field and office work, reviews and approves designs for traffic control, traffic improvement, and private development related public improvements, administers grants, provides technical assistance in the implementation of transportation plans and programs (i.e. Bicycle Master Plan, Pedestrian Master Plan, Complete Streets Policy), supports the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and will work with the public and consultants on various projects and transportation related inquiries.[CM1] 

 

Water & Sewer Utilities Department
Santa Clara Water & Sewer Utilities' mission is to provide customers a dependable supply of safe, potable water, environmentally-sound wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal. Furthermore, recycled water is offered for approved uses including irrigation and industrial processes, where available. Programs and services are designed and implemented with economic and environmental benefits in mind. The City of Santa Clara's Water & Sewer Utilities Department seeks an engineer with excellent project management skills; strong oral and written communication skills; a proven record of preparing and administering consultant contracts and agreements; experience preparing construction documents; experience designing, managing, maintaining and/or operating water, recycled water and sanitary sewer utilities; experience reviewing land development projects; experience working in a team environment on major construction projects, including working collaboratively with contractors, technicians, field staff, outside agency staff, and the general public. For more information about the Water & Sewer Utilities Department, please visit the department website.

Under direct supervision, the Associate Engineer (Civil) performs high-level, fast paced engineering work relating to the permitting, design and construction of water, recycled water,  and sewer projects within the City. In addition, the Associate Engineer prepares construction documents such as improvement plans, specifications, estimates and schedules for water and sewer projects. As well as procures consultant and construction contracts for the design and construction of water and sewer projects including the preparation of requests for proposals (RFP), administration of the bidding and awarding process, preparation of Council agenda items, and administration of the consultant and construction contracts. This incumbent will review new developments and proposed public and/or commercial utilities improvement projects for compliance with City, County, State and Federal government regulations and standards. The Associate Engineer is expected to plan, organize, and prioritize a diverse workload of projects and tasks including technical and administrative tasks, and exercise independent judgment and decision making in resolving problems.

 

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. 

 

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from a college or university that is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
• Two (2) years of experience in civil engineering office and field work.

Possible Substitutions:
• A Master's Degree in any branch of Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited college or University may be substituted for one (1) year of experience

LICENSES & CERTIFICATION
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at time of appointment and for duration of employment
• Possession of a State of California Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) Certificate or Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California is required at time of appointment and for duration of employment
• Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California is desirable
• Other licenses and certificates directly related to the Civil Engineering field (e.g. Geotechnical Engineer, Traffic Engineer, Structural Engineer, Land Surveyor, Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Developer (QSD), Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Practitioner (QSP))is desirable
• Current city employees appointed to Associate Engineer (Civil) prior to September 1, 2015 are waived of the required State of California Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) Certificate or Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.
• May be required to work shifts, weekends, and odd and unusual hours in the performance of duties and emergency situations.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Incumbents assigned to the Field Services position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually, and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.

 

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview will be required prior to appointment.

 

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.  

  

PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS: Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to their final score.

 

 

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 1) Cover Letter and, 2) Resume. 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 recruitment is open until filled.

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.

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