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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 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 Department of Public Works is seeking highly-qualified candidates for the position of Electronic Systems Specialist. 

Under general supervision, the Electronic Systems Specialist analyzes client needs and performs professional-level work installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing a wide variety of electronic safety, warning, and security equipment. This role supports county departments by ensuring the effective operation and integrity of access control systems, security alarms, video surveillance, and related electronic access control and protective devices.
 

The Electronic Systems Specialist is a journey-level classification. Incumbents are fully competent and possess considerable technical skills and knowledge to independently plan, install, maintain, and repair electronic safety and security systems, including security alarms, access control, and video systems at county facilities.

The Department 
The Department of Public Works is unique by being one of the few departments in San Mateo County to have its own internal, full-service IT unit, Business Systems Section. BSS is a small group of dedicated IT staff who are responsible for a wide range of roles in Information Technology: from handling core IT functions to providing GIS support to handling access control.

 

Working in BSS, staff have the opportunity to learn and work with many different aspects of technology including desktop support, enterprise application support, design/ implement/ maintain server, and network infrastructure, creating GIS maps and spatial applications, internet/ intranet web design and support, databases, and even some programming opportunities.

 

This is a limited term, at-will position. Limited Term Employees are assigned to assignments not to exceed three years. They receive medical and dental benefits, similar to regular employees, and a defined contribution retirement plan. The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

 

 

Examples Of Duties

 

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

• Assess client department needs and provide technical support in the design of electronic access control, security and protective systems.
• Install, maintain and repair electrified locking hardware, including electromagnetic locks (mag-locks), electric strikes, solenoid-driven locks, and delayed egress systems.
• Ability to wire, test, and troubleshoot low-voltage circuits (DC/AC), power supplies, and access control panels.
• Install, test, maintain, and repair electronic access control, security and protective systems and their components, including, but not limited to, access control, audio, and video surveillance systems.
• Installs, repairs and makes modifications on a variety of card readers, access control boards, scramble pads, card-swipe stations, panic alarm devices, door alarms, electric and mechanic locks and other supportive devices.
• Program, analyze, and resolve malfunctions in panic alarms and devices, keypads, and security alarm systems.
• Review and develop technical building drawings and schematics for installation, replacement, or expansion of access control, security and protective systems, including transmitters, receivers, antenna systems, Personal Computer (PC) based access control, cabling, and network equipment.
• Configure and support IP-based security systems, including network-connected cameras, access control controllers, and monitoring systems.
• Utilize test equipment such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, amp meters, telephone test sets, and various hand and power tools to troubleshoot, install, and monitor equipment.
• Meet with client staff to assess service needs, provide cost estimates, and train users on the operation of electronic access control, security and protective equipment.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to safety codes, system configurations, equipment locations, and cost analyses.
• Work safely in limited access and secure areas as required.
• Respond to emergency service calls and provide after-hours support as needed.
• Operate a vehicle to travel throughout San Mateo County to inspect, diagnose, and troubleshoot access control system issues, and maintain basic vehicle records such as mileage logs.

 

Qualifications

 

Knowledge of:

• Basic alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electrical fundamentals, equipment, systems, and practices used in installation, maintenance, and repair of electronic safety and security systems. 
• Basic tools and electronic test equipment utilized in troubleshooting and servicing a variety of electronic control systems and devices.
• Traditional door hardware, including mortise locks, cylindrical locks, rim cylinders, and panic bars.
• Computer software and management platforms used to configure and maintain security, alarm, video surveillance, and access control systems, including associated encrypted cardkey issuance and security protocols.
• Safe work practices to ensure personal and workplace safety when handling electronic equipment.
• Basic knowledge of local fire, life safety, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations regarding door hardware

 

Skill/Ability to:

• Follow all safety regulations and procedures precisely.
• Interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams needed for installation and maintenance of electronic access control, security and protective devices.
• Use electronic test instruments such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, ammeters, and telephone test sets effectively.
• Design and troubleshoot electronic circuits related to security and safety systems.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues with failed lock releases, malfunctioning readers, or communication errors between access control/security hardware and software.
• Research and apply relevant local and state building codes governing the installation of electronic access control, security and protective systems.
• Understand and carry out written and oral instructions accurately.
• Prepare detailed written reports documenting completed tasks and system status.
• Train end users and client personnel on the proper use and operation of security equipment.
• Work cooperatively and communicate effectively with all levels of staff and the public.
• Safely operate a vehicle for travel throughout San Mateo County and maintain accurate vehicle records, including mileage logs.

 

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Successful completion of at least one year of technical or trade school training in electronics, or completion of a low-voltage apprenticeship program; and two years of full-time work experience in the design, installation, testing, maintenance, and repair of electronic safety and security systems.

 

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a Class C California driver license or equivalent. 

 

Application/Examination

 

If you are interested in being considered for this limited term position the following items must be submitted via e-mail:

• Cover letter with responses to Supplemental Questions (maximum of 2 pages)
• Resume

Supplemental Questions:

1. Describe how your work experience has prepared you for this position, including any experience on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting electronic access control, safety and security systems. Include specific enterprise level access control software and systems you have worked on and/or utilized.
2. Describe a time you had diagnosed and fixed a complex issue with an electronic access control or security system. What was your approach?
3. Explain a time you had to explain a technical issue to someone without a technical background.
4.  

Please include the words "Electronic Systems Specialist – Limited Term Position" in the subject line of email submission. All submitted materials must be in a Word or PDF format.
  
 Please submit the above listed materials via email to:

Wilson Wong, Information Technology Manager

dpw_ESS_applications@smcgov.org

Application materials will be reviewed as they are received, and well-qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Recruitment Timeline:
Closes: Thursday, June 11, 2026

NOTE: Application materials are only accepted via e-mail. Materials sent via regular mail and/or fax will not be accepted. Submittals that do not include all required elements (resume and cover letter with complete responses to supplemental questions) will not be considered.
 

About the County 
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities. 
  
The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

 

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.

 

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