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The Environmental Services Department is currently seeking to fill multiple full-time Industrial Engine and Equipment Technician positions (Wastewater Mechanic I/II) in the Power and Air Team at the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility located at 700 Los Esteros Road, San Jose, CA, 95134.
These positions work rotating shifts, which include days, graveyard, weekend, holidays, and swing shifts. Rotating shifts typically change every three (3) months. The standard Monday through Friday day shift schedule is 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. The 4/10 schedule is 4 days a week, 10 hours a day. Work schedules are based on operational business needs.
These positions are responsible for operating, maintaining, and overhauling the Regional Wastewater Facility’s industrial mechanical and electrical equipment related to large stationary diesel-ignited/spark-ignited engines, power generators, gas compressors, and gas storage, such as those commonly found in municipal power plants, natural gas pipeline compressor stations, and large marine propulsion systems.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Operate and/or monitor engines, gas compressors, flares, and blowers.
- Perform preventative maintenance and inspections.
- Use precision measuring tools.
- Welding, cutting, and fabrication.
- Use cranes and rigging equipment.
- Operate precision machining equipment.
- Repair, install, and inspect piping systems.
- Operate mobile equipment such as forklifts and manlifts.
- Work with other trades and work groups.
- Use service manuals, parts manuals, and interpret drawings.
- Attend mandatory safety training.
The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical, problem-solving, teamwork, and customer service experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate basic computer skills and be familiar with modern control systems (i.e., Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Human Machine Interface (HMI), and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)).
Watch our ESD Rockstar videos to learn more about what we do as wastewater mechanics:
ESD Rockstar Adan M.
ESD Rockstar Russ B.
Review the job classification specification for more information on the job duties.
Salary ranges for this classification are:
- Wastewater Mechanic I: $42.29-$51.40 hourly; $87,963.20-$106,912.00 annually
- Wastewater Mechanic II: $46.80-$57.07 hourly; $97,344.00-$118,705.60 annually
Additional information about Wastewater Mechanic I/II salary increases:
- The salary ranges will receive an approximate 3.5% increase effective the first full pay period of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 (effective around July 1, 2026).
The Wastewater Mechanic I/II classification is covered by the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local No. 3 (OE#3). To learn more about the OE#3 union handbook and pay increases, click here.
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Minimum Qualifications
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Education for Wastewater Mechanic I/II: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.
Wastewater Mechanic-I Required Experience:
Two (2) years of journey-level experience as a mechanic in hydraulics, wastewater treatment or a closely related industry or in operation, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of mechanical and electrical equipment related to large stationary diesel and spark-ignited engines, and/or power generator; OR four (4) years’ of experience assisting Wastewater Mechanics in the maintenance and repair of wastewater equipment at a level equivalent to Wastewater Attendant or Assistant Heavy Diesel Equipment Operator/Mechanic with the City of San José.
Acceptable Substitution: Completion of the Attendant Skills Knowledge and Evaluation (SKE) program and completion of the certification as Plant Mechanical Technologist Grade I from California Water Environment Association (CWEA) may be substituted as one (1) year experience assisting Wastewater Mechanics in the maintenance and repair of wastewater equipment at a level equivalent to Wastewater Attendant or Assistant Heavy Diesel Equipment Operator/Mechanic with the City of San José.
Wastewater Mechanic-II Required Experience:
Two (2) years of journey level experience as a mechanic in hydraulics, wastewater treatment or a closely related industry or in operation, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of mechanical and electrical equipment related to large stationary diesel and spark-ignited engines and/or power generators OR four (4) years experience assisting Wastewater Mechanics in the maintenance and repair of wastewater equipment at a level equivalent to Wastewater Attendant with the City of San José; OR completion of the Attendant Skills Knowledge and Evaluation (SKE) program and certification as Plant Mechanical Technologist Grade I from California Water Environment Association (CWEA) with three (3) years’ experience assisting Wastewater Mechanics in the maintenance and repair of wastewater equipment at a level equivalent to Wastewater Attendant with the City of San José, AND certification as Plant Mechanical Technologist Grade II from California Water Environment Association (CWEA).
Acceptable Substitution: Two (2) years of experience as a Wastewater Mechanic I may be substituted for the certification as Plant Mechanical Technologist Grade II.
Required Licensing for Wastewater Mechanic I/II: Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver's license.
Physical Requirement for Wastewater Mechanic I/II:
Possess the ability to:
- Exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects (e.g., large hand tools, pipes, or other wastewater equipment).
- Move between/within work areas, including but not limited to sitting, walking, and standing on various surfaces, turning, bending, grasping, and making repetitive hand movements.
- Identify problems or hazards, work in confined spaces and around machines, and climb/descend ladders.
- Be exposed to unpredictable working conditions, including but not limited to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances, fumes, dust, and air contaminants.
Physical Requirement: This classification requires a pre-employment respiratory physical exam.
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Other Qualifications
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The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.
Job Expertise– Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies, and federal and state rules and regulations.
Additional competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities that are desirable qualifications:
- Maintenance procedures associated with large bore, medium speed engines, valves, gearboxes, pumps, and air compressors.
- Mechanical principles, pneumatics, hydraulics, and other equipment found in wastewater facilities or similar heavy industrial facilities.
- Diesel fuels and lubricants used in heavy-duty power plant operation.
- Completion of technical trade school in the mechanical field.
- Possession of specialized certifications such as backflow preventer installation and Maintenance, welding, confined space entry, power plant, hazardous material handling, etc.
- Knowledge of modern control systems.
Communication Skills – Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
Computer Skills – Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.
Customer Service – Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using a professional demeanor.
Flexibility – Makes effective decisions and achieves desired results in the midst of major changes in responsibilities, work processes, timeframes, performance expectations, organizational culture, or work environment.
Initiative – exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance.
Reliability – Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills – Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
Multi-Tasking – can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).
Selection Process:
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job-specific questions.Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which may include a practical exercise.
If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Ernesto Zamaguey at Ernesto.Zamaguey@sanjoseca.gov.
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Additional Information:
Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.
Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. 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.
Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.
AI and the Hiring Process
We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.
How to Apply
The requisition # for this job posting is 202601483. To view the full job announcement and apply for this position, please go to: www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers
PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST APPLY & SUBMIT YOUR JOB APPLICATION AT www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A CITY OF SAN JOSE JOB OPPORTUNITY.
If you have questions about the duties of this position, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Ernesto Zamaguey at Ernesto.Zamaguey@sanjoseca.gov.