Locksmith (Open and Promotional) (20682570)

 

The Department of Public Works seeks well-qualified candidates for the position of Locksmith.

 

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 $300 million and is comprised of over 300 employees in five divisions: Administrative Services, Airports, Engineering and Resource Protection, Facility and Capital Projects, and Road Services. To learn more about the department visit: https://www.smcgov.org/publicworks.

 

The Position

Locksmiths work in the Facilities Maintenance and Operations Division of the Public Works Department and install, maintain, repair, and service all the locking devices in County Facilities/Buildings, San Mateo Medical Center, Maple Street Correctional Center, Hall of Justice, Maguire Correctional Facility, Youth Services Center, homeless shelters etc.

 

Duties of the Locksmith include but are not limited to: servicing, repairing, and maintaining locks, door closers, and related hardware; maintaining stock for replacement of lock units and parts; maintaining repair and maintenance records, key issues, and duplicate key schedules; picking jammed locks using special tools; devising and adjusting master key systems; and planning lock security systems for County facilities.

 

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience as a locksmith in a commercial, governmental, or industrial setting, with preferred experience in jail locks and electronic lock systems. Familiarity with ADA compliance related to door operators and sliding door mechanics is also preferred. We are seeking individuals from the local Bay Area who have an interest in working for local government and bring relevant government experience to the role. 

 

IMPORTANT: Candidates will be required to complete an extensive security clearance package and undergo a thorough background check conducted by the County of San Mateo Sheriff's Office prior to hire. The selected candidate MUST BE cleared to work around detainees in a locked facility.

 

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

 

Qualifications

Licensure/Certification/Clearance: 

• Must possess and maintain a valid class C California driver license or equivalent. 
• Must pass and maintain the Sheriff’s Jail background clearance during employment. Failure to do so will result in dismissal. 

• A typical way to qualify is journey level status as a locksmith and demonstrated proficiency in the repair of locks and the maintenance of master key systems. 

• Master key systems 
• Fabrication of master keys 
• Locking devices and hardware 
• Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in repairing locks and making keys 
• Basic hand tools, and their proper and safe use 
• Common safety practices in the workplace 
• Basic arithmetic for measuring, calibrating, and estimating 
• Asbestos awareness and recognition 
• Applicable NFPA (fire) codes 
• ADA standards and requirements 

• Decipher key code systems 
• Install, maintain, adjust, and repair all types of locking devices 
• Use locksmithing tools and equipment 
• Read drawings and work from plans and specifications 
• Carry out oral and written instructions 
• Maintain accurate records 
• Plan lock security systems 
• Work independently 
• Demonstrate basic mechanical aptitude 
• Maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others 
• Bend, stand, and walk for extended periods of time 
• Lift and carry equipment and materials

Application/Examination

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply.  Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
 
The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel 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 County of San Mateo, 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 questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire. 

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Recruitment Closes: Monday, December 1, 2025

Applicant Screening: Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Panel Interviews: Thursday, December 11, 2025