Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician I/II (Multiple Vacancies)

Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician I/II (Multiple Vacancies)

Salary

$71,580.00 - $116,088.00 Annually

Location

City of Santa Cruz, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

27-006

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

07/30/2026

Closing Date

8/20/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

There are currently two vacancies for Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician I/II in the Public Works Department in the following assignments: 1) Wastewater Collection Systems, 2) Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The Public Works Department currently has two vacant Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician I/II positions: one assigned to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and one assigned to the Wastewater Collection Division. The Wastewater Treatment Plant position is responsible to maintain mechanical equipment and infrastructure assets that drive and support the wastewater treatment process. The Wastewater Collection Division position provides mechanical maintenance to the equipment of the sanitary sewer collection system. Candidates provide inspection, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance tasks on pumps, motors, compressors, boilers, valves, blowers, cogeneration engines, standby generators, manual and automatic control centers and other types of equipment related to wastewater treatment plants, pumping facilities and sanitary sewer collection systems. Candidates fabricate pumping and piping support structures and use computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) software to track maintenance tasks, work orders and condition assessment information. Both positions contribute to systems regulated by state and federal permits designed to protect public health and the environment. Candidates with experience in mechanical maintenance, construction, and use of hand and power tools are encouraged to apply.

To learn more about our multi-award-winning Wastewater Treatment Facility, please visit: https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Public-Works/Wastewater

This position requires a valid Class C drivers license at the time of application. The eligible list for this position will also be utilized to fill any assignments in the Wastewater Collection Division, which requires a California Class B driver's license with proper endorsements within one year of date of appointment. A DMV report is not required at the time of application but will be required if a candidate is selected for the Wastewater Collection assignment.

Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician I salary range is $34.41 - $48.43 hourly.

Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician II salary range is $39.66 - $55.81 hourly.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular and Temporary Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician I/II vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Recruitment #27-006

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 08/20/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:

• Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.

• Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Week of 08/24 and 08/31/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 09/11/26.

• Week of 09/14 and/or 09/21/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Basic Function

Under general supervision, performs a variety of mechanical maintenance work in the Public Works Wastewater Systems division on the Citys wastewater treatment plant, wastewater collections system, and remote facilities.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician I is the entry and training level classification of the Mechanical Technician series in which incumbents are expected to perform routine preventative and minor repair to mechanical systems. Incumbents assist journey-level mechanical technicians or other personnel in a variety of more complex work under direct supervision. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician II in that the latter is the journey level classification in the series and is expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties under general direction.

The Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician II is distinguished from the next higher classification of Wastewater Facilities Lead Mechanical Technician in that the latter is the lead, advanced journey-level classification in the series and performs the most complex duties assigned to the Mechanical Technician series.

The Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician I/II is alternately staffed. The Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician I is required to obtain a California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Plant Maintenance (PM) Technologist Grade 1 certification within 24 months of date of appointment. Upon obtaining this certification, an incumbent will be automatically promoted to the II classification. The Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician II is required to obtain the CWEA PM Mechanical Technologist Grade 2 certification within 24 months of date of appointment.

Typical Duties

(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)

• Develops and carries out an on-going inspection and preventive maintenance program to insure adequate mechanical operation of the treatment and pumping facilities.

• Troubleshoots equipment as referred by work orders or verbal directions; determines necessary repairs; makes recommendations to supervisor regarding actions needed; and performs such work as feasible and appropriate.

• Removes, repairs, and completely overhauls pumps, motors, sludge centrifuge gear drives, mechanical bar-screens, gas compressors, boilers, valves, blowers, and other types of equipment related to wastewater treatment plants and pumping facilities.

• Services and maintains motors and the plants internal combustion engines.

• Performs basic mechanical maintenance and troubleshooting on a variety of electrical equipment related to pumping systems, including motors, manual and automatic control centers, panel-boards and switch indicators and remote control equipment; troubleshoots and performs minor mechanical repairs on electric motors, coordinating work with electrical technicians as required.

• Utilizes a variety of mechanical, welding, plumbing, and machinists tools to fabricate, rebuild, strengthen, and maintain various parts and pieces of plant equipment.

• Fabricates, assembles, and installs special structures and equipment from blueprints, schematics, drawings, or construction diagrams, including rough and finished carpentry work as needed for repair or remodel.

• Performs maintenance on large pipes, valves, and related fittings with diameters up to 54 inches.

• Maintains work records and preventative maintenance records and computer directed preventative maintenance records as required.

• Uses a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) or other computerized monitoring and operating systems including SCADA system.

• Occasionally leads a small crew of workers on assigned projects.

• May order supplies and materials as required for completion of various work assignments; prepares and maintains related documents and records.

• May be required to perform duties related to confined space entry and rescue.

• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, heat and cold. May use chemicals and cleaning products which may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants. May be exposed to biohazards and/or hazardous chemicals. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to climb ladders, use power tools and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions and enter confined spaces. Some positions require the incumbent to work both in and around oceanic surf to perform assigned duties. Depending on assignment, the incumbent may be required to respond to after hours emergency call outs and to wear a uniform. An incumbent may perform assigned duties while wearing respiratory protection equipment. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:

Education and Experience:

Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician I

• High school diploma or tested equivalent; and
• One (1) year of mechanical experience that includes the routine maintenance of standard drive or manufacturing equipment such as motors and pumps.

Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician II

• High school diploma or tested equivalent; and
• Four (4) years of experience in mechanical maintenance work which includes the maintenance and repair of industrial machinery and equipment.

OR

• High school diploma or tested equivalent; and
• Two (2) years of experience in mechanical maintenance work which includes the maintenance and repair of industrial machinery and equipment, with one (1) of those years at the training level with a CWEA PM Mechanical Technologist Grade 1 certification.

Additional higher level education may be substituted for experience for applicants that do not have any CWEA certification.

Knowledge:

• Techniques, tools and materials used in the maintenance and repair of industrial machinery and equipment including large capacity pumps, motors, valves, gear boxes, centrifuges, compressors, boilers and generators.

• Standard safety procedures related to plant equipment maintenance.

• Electrical operation and troubleshooting of pumps, motors, and generators, to determine problems and service equipment.

Abilities:

• Maintain, adjust, and repair industrial machinery and equipment.
• Operate hand and power tools used in mechanical maintenance work.
• Recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions and make sound judgments within established guidelines.
• Read schematics, blueprints, drawings, and construction diagrams.
• Perform mathematical calculations.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Complete and maintain accurate records.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Work effectively as a member of a crew.
• Lead a small crew of employees.
• Act in a courteous and tactful manner with members of the public.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
• Safely handle hazardous materials.
• Perform assigned duties while wearing respiratory protection equipment.
• Operate a boom truck, dump truck and other similar equipment.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid Class C drivers license.
• Must obtain California Class B driver's license with proper endorsements within one year of date of appointment (for the Wastewater Collection assignment only).
• Possession and continued maintenance of First Aid and CPR certification within one year.

Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician I

• Must obtain and maintain within 24 months of date of appointment a CWEA Plant Maintenance Technologist Grade 1 certification.

Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician II

• Must obtain and maintain within 24 months of date of appointment a CWEA PM Mechanical Technologist Grade 2 certification.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must successfully complete the city's respirator fit testing protocols; may be required to be clean shaven.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including holidays, evenings, weekends, and overtime as assigned.
• Willingness to perform call back work and standby duty as required; must remain available to be contacted by phone or pager and be able to report to work within a thirty (30) minute period when standing duty.
• Willingness to wear a uniform and / or Arc Flash clothing
• Successful completion of training as a forklift operator within one year of appointment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience performing fabrication welding with arc and gas welding and cutting equipment.

Career Ladder

• Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Supervisor or Wastewater Collection Manager

• Wastewater Facilities Lead Mechanical Technician or Wastewater Collection Field Crew Leader

• Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician II

• Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician I

SALARY - This classification belongs to the Service bargaining unit. The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website. See the CITY OF SANTA CRUZ SERVICE EMPLOYEE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING on the City website for details on pay rates and practices.

UNION REPRESENTATION - This classification belongs to the Service Employees bargaining unit. All employees within this unit are represented by the Service Employees International Union.

APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted, to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period (unless specified as 12-month by Service Employees MOU) which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

LEAVE

Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.

Sick - 12 days/year

Holidays - up to 11 days/year

Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time

INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)

Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage (pro-rated for part-time).

Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.

Life - City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.

Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.

RETIREMENT

All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 9.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Accident Protection Insurance

Bilingual Pay if required by position

Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

Direct Deposit

Discount Bus Pass Program

Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care

Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)

In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month (if not participating in City offered Medical Plan)

Shift Differential

Supplemental Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

The information included in this listing is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Leaves and most Insurance contributions are pro-rated for part-time benefited employees.

01

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."

• I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California drivers license. Please select the drivers license you possess:

• California Class C drivers license
• California Class B drivers license
• California Class A drivers license
• I do not have a valid California drivers license. I understand that I will be required to obtain one prior to appointment as a condition of employment if selected for this position.

04

The Wastewater Collection assignment requires a California Class B drivers license with proper endorsements within one year of date of appointment. I am interested in the Wastewater Collection assignment and accept this requirement. (NOTE: A "no" response to this question will eliminate your application from consideration for the current Wastewater Collection vacancy and potential Wastewater Collection vacancies for the duration of the Eligible List.)

• Yes
• No

05

A DMV report is NOT REQUIRED TO APPLY for this position. However, if considered for the Wastewater Collections assignment, the selected candidate will be required to submit a recent (issued within 30 days), three-year driving record printout issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of job offer. We will accept either an official DMV printout obtained from a physical DMV office or an "unofficial" DMV drivers record obtained online from www.dmv.ca.gov. I understand that I may be required to submit a CA DMV printout if selected for the Wastewater Collections position. (NOTE: A "no" response to this question will eliminate your application from consideration for the current Wastewater Collection vacancy for potential Wastewater Collection vacancies for the duration of the Eligible List).

• Yes
• No

06

Please select the appropriate duration of mechanical experience that you have which includes routine maintenance and repair of standard drive or manufacturing equipment such as motors and pumps. This must be able to be verified by jobs in the employment history section of your application.

• Less than 1 year.
• At least 1 year, but less than 2 years.
• At least 2 years, but less than 3 years.
• At least 3 years, but less than 4 years.
• At least 4 years, but less than 5 years.
• 5 or more years.

07

Based on your answer above, please describe your mechanical work experience that includes the routine maintenance and repair of standard drive or manufacturing equipment. Please also include any other type of maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair experience of industrial machinery and equipment, such as large capacity pumps, motors, valves, gear boxes, centrifuges, compressors, boilers, and generators; and the tools used to maintain this equipment. Please be thorough with your response, indicating where you got this experience, duties performed, and how many years in each role. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

08

The Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician I position requires obtaining a CWEA Plant Maintenance Technologist Grade 1 certification within 24 months of date of appointment. The Wastewater Facilities Mechanical Technician II position requires obtaining a CWEA PM Mechanical Technologist Grade 2 certification within 24 months of date of appointment. Please select your current CWEA certification status:

• I currently possess a CWEA Plant Maintenance Technologist Grade 1 certification and have attached a copy to my application.
• I currently possess a CWEA Plant Maintenance Technologist Grade 2 certification and have attached a copy to my application.
• I do not possess a CWEA Plant Maintenance Technology certification, though I accept the requirement to obtain the appropriate level within 24 months of appointment.
• I do not possess a CWEA Plant Maintenance Technologist certification and do not agree to obtain the appropriate level within 24 months of assignment. I understand this will eliminate my application from consideration.

09

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of First Aid and CPR certification within one year. I accept this requirement. (NOTE: A "no" response to this question will eliminate your application from consideration).

• Yes
• No

10

This position requires the following: 1) Must successfully complete the Citys respirator fit testing protocols; may be required to be clean shaven. 2) Successful completion of training as a forklift operator within one year of appointment. 3) Willingness to work flexible hours, including holidays, evenings, weekends, and overtime as assigned. 4) Willingness to perform on call back work and standby duty as required; must remain available to be contacted by phone or pager and be able to report to work within a thirty (30) minute period when standing duty. 5) Willingness to wear a uniform and/or Arc Flash clothing. I understand and accept these requirements. (Note: A "no" response to this question will eliminate your application from consideration.)

• Yes
• No

11

Desirable Qualification: Please describe any experience you have performing fabrication welding with arc and gas welding and cutting equipment. Please indicate the employer name, job title, job duties, and duration of each experience. If you do not have this experience, please write "N/A."

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Cruz

Address 809 Center St.

Room 6

Santa Cruz, California, 95060

Phone 831-420-5040

Website http://www.cityofsantacruz.com