Search Jobs

The City of San Mateo Public Works Department is looking for a

Wastewater Treatment Plant Mechanic I/II

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 Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Mechanic I/II performs semi‑skilled and skilled work in the installation and repair of pumps, motors, chain drives, valves and related equipment and to do related work as required.  The WWTP Mechanic I is the entry level class in the Plant Mechanic series.  Positions in this class normally perform beginning level mechanical repair and maintenance work on a wide variety of wastewater quality control plant systems and equipment. Under this class series concept, positions assigned to the class of Plant Mechanic II may reasonably be filled at the Plant Mechanic I level.  The WWTP Mechanic II is the journey level class in the Plant Mechanic series. Positions assigned to this class are flexibly staffed and are expected to perform the most skilled repair and maintenance work and have a thorough knowledge of the operational characteristics, maintenance and repair methods and techniques and most typical system difficulties for the full range of equipment and operational systems in the plant. All positions assigned to this class require the ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative. Plant Mechanics II may also be expected to assist in the supervision of less experienced personnel.

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

• Operate machines and tools in repairing defective parts of pumps, compressors, generators, motors, lift stations, boilers and related mechanical equipment.

• Maintain accurate mechanical maintenance records.

• Install, repair, replace, and modify pumps, controllers, bearings, seals, hydraulic pipes, timing devices and assist in installing telemetering electrical equipment.

• Use a variety of power hand tools, cutting and welding equipment and electrical test equipment. Fully utilize the computerized work systems in accordance with work flow processes.

• Perform preventive maintenance on wastewater treatment plant mechanical and electrical equipment. Evaluate equipment performance and identify problem areas.

• Maintain stock inventory and adequate supply of replacement parts.

• Plant mechanics may be required to respond to emergency situations after normal working hours and be subject to serve on emergency stand-by alert and call out status on a rotational basis, including participation in rotating stand-by duties.

• Analyze or create documents, such as blueprints, markings, surveys, etc. to problem solve the most effective approach to a task.

• Verify the work of others for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance.

• Formulate solutions to problems with equipment or operations, including logistics, operations, and processes.

• Draft operating procedures.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Mechanic I/II receives supervision from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance Superintendent or Wastewater Treatment Plant Mechanic III as directed technical or functional supervision may be provided by higher level treatment plant maintenance personnel.  Assignments may require indirect supervision of less experienced plant maintenance personnel.

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

Applications will be accepted until Friday, October 31, 2025

Written Exam: Friday, November 21, 2025

Oral Exam: TBD

Resumes are not accepted in lieu of completing a City application.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

DEFINITION

Under supervision, performs electrical, preventive and corrective maintenance, modifications of existing equipment and the installation of new electrical equipment used within the wastewater treatment plant, the wastewater lift stations and the potable water pump stations and equipment; on 24-hour emergency call for electrical repairs; and performs other duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Installs, repairs, maintains or replaces electrical equipment including but not limited to, motor control centers, generators, switchgear panels, variable frequency drives, pump controllers, large distribution breakers, motors of various sizes and voltages, ground fault systems, magnetic and solid state starters, building lighting and power, HVAC equipment, reduced voltage transformers, SCADA control systems, fused disconnects, and various size and types of lighting. Shall review plans and specifications, may inspect electrical components to be installed during new construction, equipment replacement or modification. Shall maintain equipment records on the computerized maintenance system and update drawings as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: Electrical tools including but not limited to, basic hand and power tools, electric cable puller (mule), conduit benders (both hand and hydraulic), MEGGER, phase rotation meter, VOM meter, hydraulic knock-out tool, hand and power threading equipment, accepted safety practices and standards related to both personnel practices and proper handling and installation of equipment and systems. National Electrical Code; installation, operation and maintenance of motor control centers, power generation equipment, pumping control equipment with all types of motors.

Ability to: Read and interpret electrical diagrams, plans and electrical codes. Instruct others in preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance of electrical equipment and of safe work practices.  Work independently and with non-skilled electrical personnel.  Interact positively and cooperate with co-workers, respond politely to customers, work as a team member, function under demanding time pressure, respond in a positive manner to supervision, and attend work and perform duties on a regular and consistent basis.

Physical Requirements:  Moderate and sometimes strenuous exertion required including crawling, stair climbing, lifting, carrying and/or handling up to 50 pounds for 30 minutes.  Work in confined areas and wear protective garments.  May work in conditions which require exposure to noise, noxious odors, gases and contact with wastewater.

Experience: Four years of journey-level electrical trade experience involving work performed in conformance with standard codes and both single and three phase equipment.  Experience with water or wastewater utility systems desirable.

Education:  Graduation from high school, or equivalent.  Continuing education in related subjects is desirable.

License:  Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License.

Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM), located in Half Moon Bay, is seeking a candidate for the full-time position of Wastewater Operator. This is a flexibly staffed position and can be filled at the Wastewater Operator II or III level. First review of applications is August 7, 2024. Interviews scheduled for August 21, 2024.

Don’t miss this opportunity to work with a highly dedicated team and bring your knowledge and experience to assist in continuing to make Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside a great place.

SAM offers competitive benefits which include Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flex Spending and retirement through CalPERS.

FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION: https://samcleanswater.org/careers

TO APPLY: https://apptrkr.com/5418619
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wastewater Operator II

$ 47.36 – $56.56 Hourly

$3,789 – $4,525 Biweekly 

Wastewater Operator II - A journey level classification in the Wastewater Operator series. The ideal candidate must be skilled in basic principles of mechanical, maintenance, and electrical systems. Must be able to recognize and report unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating situations. Must have working knowledge of the functions and purpose of wastewater disposal systems; routine cleaning and basic operation of wastewater treatment equipment. Must have knowledge of algebra and geometry as required to perform the responsibilities of the position; basic knowledge of electronics and hydraulics. Must have excellent communication skills, work cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work, and have a dedication to safe working practices. Must be able to work on-call as assigned. Work independently, as needed. 

Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and two years of full-time experience in a wastewater treatment facility in a position equivalent to a Wastewater Operator I. Possession of a Grade II California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board. 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wastewater Operator III

$52.09 -$62.21 Hourly

$4,167 - $4,977 Biweekly

Wastewater Operator III-An advanced level classification in the Wastewater Operator series. The ideal candidate  must be skilled in inspecting, operating, and maintaining a wastewater treatment plant and related lift stations including primary, secondary, tertiary and solids treatment processes. Must be able to recognize inefficient, unusual, or dangerous operating conditions. Solid experience in basic principles of mechanical, maintenance, and electrical systems; algebra and geometry; basic knowledge of electronics and hydraulics.  Must have good trouble shooting skills, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, training and leadership abilities, and have a dedication to safe working practices. Must be able to independently perform plant operations work; work on-call as assigned.

Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and three years of full-time experience equivalent to a Wastewater Operator II in a  wastewater treatment facility.  Possession of a Grade III California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.   

Carmel Area Wastewater District is looking for an exceptionally talented and motivated Laboratory Manager who is technically experienced in a water quality laboratory operation, having in-depth knowledge of the principles, practices, and functions of laboratory operations in public utility water and wastewater quality control. They will have obtained and maintained laboratory accreditation under State Water Board Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) requirements meeting the 2024 TNI Standards.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join a team of dedicated professionals who work to protect the environment and human health while preserving water, one of our most valuable natural resources. Carmel Area Wastewater Agency has recently rehabilitated its secondary treatment plant and is embarking on the capital improvement for the advanced water treatment facility.

To view full recruitment flyer: https://www.cawd.org/employment

The City of Burlingame (pop. 30,000) is a thriving suburban city three miles south of the San Francisco Airport. It boasts a significant shoreline and has two main downtown areas. With a team of 69 staff and a $52 million budget, the Public Works Department is responsible for facilities, fleet, sewers, streets, water and wastewater, engineering, and the CIP. 

The salary range is $208,456 - $253,404, with a 4% increase in January 2026; salary is supplemented by a highly competitive benefits package. Closes at 11:59pm Sunday, October 12, 2025.  

Pro Tip:  Have your resume, cover letter and list of references prepared to upload when you are
ready to apply. That way, you'll be halfway to the winner's circle! 

Applications are being accepted for the position of Water Quality Control Plant Electrician I/II with the City of South San Francisco in the Public Works Department. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2025, OR UPON RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 100 ONLINE APPLICATIONS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.

THE CITY OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE, AS WELL AS CALPERS RETIREMENT PLAN AND SOCIAL SECURITY PARTICIPATION.

The Department

The South San Francisco Public Works Department is comprised of its three main divisions - Engineering, Maintenance & Operations, and the Water Quality Control Plant. Together, these divisions ensure that South San Francisco's infrastructure and public services are efficiently managed and maintained, contributing to the overall quality of life in the community.

Located adjacent to San Francisco Bay on Colma Creek, the Water Quality Control Plant (WQCP) provides secondary wastewater treatment for the cities of South San Francisco, San Bruno, and Colma. It also provides the dechlorination treatment of chlorinated effluent for the cities of Burlingame, Millbrae, and the San Francisco International Airport prior to discharging the treated wastewater into San Francisco Bay. The average dry weather flow through the facility is 9 million gallons per day (MGD). Peak wet weather flows can exceed 60 MGD.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Pacifica is recruiting for a Public Works Superintendent within the Department of Public Works. Under the direction of the Field Services Manager, the incumbents will be responsible for the field services of the Public Works Department. They will plan, organize, and direct the work of field personnel and perform related work as required. The incumbents will be assigned to oversee various subdivisions such as Streets, Streams, Storm Drains, Street Lighting, and Motor Pool programs.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining and repairing the City’s infrastructure and wastewater treatment operations in an efficient and cost-effective manner while providing a high level of customer service and a safe work environment for city employees. The Department maintains parks, playing fields and medians and keeps streets and trails clean and well-maintained. The Department also coordinates the tree program, cleans beaches and coordinates the City Beautification program.

The Public Works Department is organized into three divisions including Wastewater Treatment Operations, Field Services and Engineering. The Wastewater Treatment Operations includes the operation of the Calera Creek water treatment plant and management of the collection system. Field Services oversees the maintenance of city streets, parks, trees, vehicles and public facilities. The Engineering Division manages public infrastructure projects, transportation planning and maintenance and repair of the City’s infrastructure. The Public Works Department is supported by 56 full-time staff and an annual operating budget of $4.6 million, along with a FY2023-2028 CIP appropriation of $ 8.6 million. 

At the City of Pacifica, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. To us, equal opportunity employment is not just about compliance, it’s about who you are, how you can help our City and who you want to be. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and community members. 

If interested, we invite you to explore this opportunity with us.  Please note, this recruitment closes on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM PST so apply today!

PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT

(Streets and Streams, Parks, Building Facilities and Motor Pool)

DEFINITION

Under direction, manages the field services of the Public Works Department; to plan, organize, and direct the work of field personnel, including Parks, Trees, Streams Streets, Buildings, Rangers and/or Motor Pool Divisions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISITCS

This is a management class with major responsibilities for the City’s Parks, Trees, Streams Streets, Buildings, Rangers and/or Motor Pool maintenance programs, that requires significant independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. This position assists in the strategic planning, organization, and management across multiple operational units.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Field Services Manager or designee. Exercises general supervision over supervisory, professional, technical and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Plan, organize, direct, review and evaluate the work of staff involved in public works operations, including building maintenance, streams, streets, streets cleaning, storm drain maintenance, signs and signals, parking lots, and trails, janitorial service for City owned facilities, and vehicle maintenance and repair directly and through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Establish and carry out division goals, objectives, work plans, reports, policies and procedures.
• Prepare division budget and staffing requirements;
• Plan, organize and direct the work of contractors;
• Responsible for the procurement of goods and services.
• Monitor operations to ensure that operating procedures are followed.
• Control the requisition of supplies, materials and equipment.
• Assist in the recruitment and placement of new employees.
• Attend public meetings and functions.
• Establish division goals and maintain exceptional working relationships.
• Maintain exceptional working relationships
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required and other duties as assigned.

Applications are being accepted for the position of Plant Utility Worker with the City of South San Francisco in the Public Works Department. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025 AT 5:00 PM, OR UPON RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 100 ONLINE APPLICATIONS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.

THE CITY OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE, AS WELL AS CALPERS RETIREMENT PLAN AND SOCIAL SECURITY PARTICIPATION.

The Department

The South San Francisco Public Works Department is comprised of its three main divisions - Engineering, Maintenance & Operations, and the Water Quality Control Plant. Together, these divisions ensure that South San Francisco's infrastructure and public services are efficiently managed and maintained, contributing to the overall quality of life in the community.

Located adjacent to San Francisco Bay on Colma Creek, the Water Quality Control Plant (WQCP) provides secondary wastewater treatment for the cities of South San Francisco, San Bruno, and Colma. It also provides the dechlorination treatment of chlorinated effluent for the cities of Burlingame, Millbrae, and the San Francisco International Airport prior to discharging the treated wastewater into San Francisco Bay. The average dry weather flow through the facility is 9 million gallons per day (MGD). Peak wet weather flows can exceed 60 MGD.                                                                                

The City of Foster City is looking for a Public Works Maintenance Worker I who is able to demonstrate competency and increasing independence, knowledge and ability in performing routine and special assignments in a variety of maintenance program areas in the Public Works department. This position is expected to rotate through all the maintenance divisions of streets, lagoons, water, and wastewater. This is a full-time entry-level position. 

The ideal candidate will be an active listener with the ability to understand and follow verbal or written instruction. They will be able to safely operate equipment and tools and recognize the use of safe work practices. This individual will establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others and learn and retain information concerning equipment, functions, and projects. This position requires standby and emergency response coverage before or after regular work hours, weekends, and holidays.

Education and Training Guidelines
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities. A typical way would be:

Education: Completion of a job or technical training program in maintenance, or construction, completion of high school or the equivalent.

Experience: One year of full-time experience in general maintenance or construction.

Licenses, Certificates, Registration
Licenses:  Possession of a valid California Class "C" and Class "B" Driver's License. Must obtain valid California Class “B” Driver’s License within six months of appointment.

To review the full job announcement, click on the "Foster City Public Works Maintenance Worker I Flyer" below.

Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed for relevant education, experience, training and other job related qualifications. Based upon a review of employment applications received, a limited number of the qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the examination process.

The process will consist of an Oral Panel Interview (weighted 50%), Written Exercise (weighted 25%), and Practical Exercise (weighted 25%). An eligibility list will be established from those who pass the examination process with a score of 70% or higher. Current and future vacancies may be filled from this list. The list will remain in effect for at least one year unless exhausted sooner.

The department will invite the most qualified candidates from the eligibility list to a final department interview. The Public Works department will make the hiring decision.

Expected Dates for Examinations (subject to change):
Oral Panel Interview: November 2025 (exact date TBD)
Department Interview: November 2025 (exact date TBD)

Note: Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited to participate in the selection process. The City of Foster City reserves the right, at its discretion, to limit the number of qualified candidates invited to the selection process.

Please note that this is a flexibly staffed position intended to be filled at the entry level Public Works Maintenance Worker I position. The higher level Public Works Maintenance Worker II position may be offered at management's discretion. 

Application Filing Period: Closes at 5:00pm on the date stated in the job announcement; however, it may close prior to the filing end date if sufficient applications have been received. If sufficient applications have not been received, then the filing period end date may be extended. 

The City of Foster City is looking for an experienced Associate Engineer with a passion for public service. This position will provide exposure to large-scale projects and internal collaboration and performs engineering work on water and wastewater capital improvement projects. They will perform regulatory reporting for utilities as well as the Sanitary Sewer Master Plan. Utility experience is desirable. 

It is essential that the candidate should have project management experience from conception to completion and be able to manage a wide variety of projects simultaneously while developing and maintaining positive and effective working relations with others. The ideal candidate would be able to effectively communicate information to non-engineering staff or persons, both orally and in writing, which are necessary for interacting with contractors, vendors, manufacturers, and residents.

Education and Experience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a directly related field.

Experience: Three (3) years of professional experience in civil engineering work including project design, plan checking, and project management.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California, desirable.

Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed for relevant education, experience, training and other job related qualifications. Based upon a review of employment applications and supplemental questionnaires received, a limited number of the qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the examination process. 

The process will consist of an Oral Panel Interview. An eligibility list will be established from those who pass the examination process with a score of 70% or higher. Current and future vacancies may be filled from this list. The list will remain in effect for at least one year unless exhausted sooner. 

The department will invite the most qualified candidates from the eligibility list to a final department interview. The Public Works department will make the hiring decision. 

Expected Dates for Examinations (subject to change): 
Oral Panel Interview: Week of November 3 (exact date TBD) 
Department Interview: Week of November 10 (exact date TBD) 

Note: Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited to participate in the selection process. The City of Foster City reserves the right, at its discretion, to limit the number of qualified candidates invited to the selection process. 

Application Filing Period: Closes at 5:00pm on the date stated in the job announcement; however, it may close prior to the filing end date if sufficient applications have been received. If sufficient applications have not been received, then the filing period end date may be extended.