| Location | San Jose, CA |
| Salary | $100,755.20–$122,865.60 Per Year |
Industrial Engine and Equipment Technician (Wastewater Mechanic I/II) - Environment Services
Salary
$100,755.20 - $122,865.60 Annually
Location
San Jose
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
202601838
DEPART
Environmental Services
Opening Date
10/30/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.
The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov.
About the Department
The City of San Josés Environmental Services Department (ESD) is an award-winning department with a mission to deliver world-class utility services and programs to improve our health, environment and economy. The Department is a national leader in managing garbage and recycling services; watershed protection and pollution prevention; municipal drinking water and recycled water; sustainability initiatives; and the operation and infrastructure improvements of the San José-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San José.
Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents!
To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on X, Facebook and Instagram and San José Environmental Services on LinkedIn.
About the Division
The Energy and Automation Division is responsible for energy production and distribution, and process automation and control. This division is responsible for overseeing the plant's energy usage and minimizing energy costs by optimizing the use of in-house digester gas and purchasing natural gas and electricity. Staff located at the plant provide preventive and corrective maintenance, emergency repair to support 24/7 operation of the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility, and participate in the design and implementation of capital improvement projects.
Position Duties
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:
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:
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.
Minimum Qualifications
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 drivers license.
Physical Requirement for Wastewater Mechanic I/II:
Possess the ability to:
Physical Requirement: This classification requires a pre-employment respiratory physical exam.
Other Qualifications
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:
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 peoples 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.
Selection Process:
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicants 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/ writing exercise. This position is open until filled, with the first application review date on November 13, 2026.
If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Ellesia Janto at ellesia.janto@sanjoseca.gov
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.
The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the Citys benefits page for detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.
For information on the City's Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.
In additional to the benefits above, there is an additional perks site to explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.
01
This position may require a State of California Drivers License. Please select the applicable option that best describes your drivers license, or your ability to possess a valid drivers license.
02
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
03
How many years of journey-level experience do you have 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?
04
How many years of experience do you have 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?
05
The Wastewater Mechanic II position requires valid certifications. Please specify the certifications that you possess (select all that apply):
06
Please describe your experience in any of the areas listed A-E. If you have experience in more than one area, include each one. For every area you list, provide a specific example that explains your experience and the work you performed: (A) I have experience in welding and metal fabrication. (B) I have experience using precision measuring tools. (C) I have experience with Distributive Control Systems, e.g., SCADA. (D) I have experience operating, dismantling, and/or assembling engines, gearboxes, pumps, air compressors, or other power generation equipment related to large stationary diesel and spark-ignited engines. (E) I have other relevant industrial mechanical experience.
07
Describe your experience using the following computer applications or their industry equivalents, including how you have used them: Microsoft Outlook/email, Microsoft Word/word processor, Microsoft Excel/spreadsheets, Microsoft PowerPoint/presentation software.
08
Are you willing and available to work rotating shifts? Rotating shift schedules include days, graveyard, weekends, holidays, and swing shifts. Rotating shifts typically change every three (3) months.
Required Question
Employer City of San Jose
Address 200 E Santa Clara St
San Jose, California, 95113
Phone (408) 535-1285
Website https://www.sanjoseca.gov/