Water Resource Recovery Facility Maintenance Technician (SBP)

Water Resource Recovery Facility Maintenance Technician (SBP)

Salary

$76,674.00 - $115,570.00 Annually

Location

City of San Luis Obispo, CA

Job Type

Regular Full Time

Department

Water Resource Recovery

Opening Date

10/22/2026

Closing Date

11/11/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB DESCRIPTION

The City of San Luis Obispo is looking for a Water Resource Recovery Facility Maintenance Technician (SBP) who is ready to support the operation and ongoing evolution of the region's most advanced Water Resource Recovery Facility.

About the Facility

San Luis Obispos Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) is the industrys most technically sophisticated operation on the Central Coast - and its still evolving. A recently completed upgrade brought state-of-the-art process controls, advanced instrumentation, and integrated data systems to a facility that directly protects the regions watershed.

About the Work

Keeping this facility running is the work of our maintenance team. You will troubleshoot, repair, and install equipment across mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems, coordinating closely with operations around a process that never stops. We are also building something. Our goal is to move from a maintenance program that reacts to failures toward one that anticipates them - expanding the data we collect on our equipment, putting it to work in how we plan and prioritize, and adding predictive testing that flags a machine before it fails. That shift is underway now, and the person in this role will help shape it.

The Successful Candidate

The strongest candidate is someone who works the problem. When a machine goes down, we are less interested in a thorough description of what is broken than in the next three things worth checking. That instinct matters more to us than a particular background. We are looking for real mechanical aptitude and a mind built for troubleshooting, and we are glad to train the right person on the rest. We want someone who wants to know why the equipment failed, not just how to replace it. Understanding how a single piece of equipment affects the overall treatment process is what separates a repair from an improvement. You should be comfortable working alongside the crew on larger jobs as well as independently. The ability to prioritize workloads will be important, with safety always coming first This is a skills-based-pay position with clear benchmarks for advancement - your compensation grows as your competency and certification do. Candidates should be willing to pursue their Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification, and the City is committed to supporting your professional development along the way.

If you are interested in learning more about the role and what day-to-day duties may include, please contact Patrick McGrath.

JOB SUMMARY:

To perform a variety of responsible and complex maintenance duties at the Citys Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). Employees in this job class perform a wide variety of maintenance and repair tasks from the semi-skilled and skilled level to professional journey level. Employees in this classification must be available to work on any assigned shift that may include working on holidays and weekends. This job class includes responsibility for the performance of the full range of the classifications tasks and duties, ultimately performing at a journey level of classification. Appointment to a level in this job class is based upon achieving and maintaining a specified level of competence, professionalism and performance as defined through a skills-based-pay rating.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification is a "Skills Based Pay" advancement series. Employees in this classification who are part of a series shall have the opportunity to advance within the series to the highest working class. Such advancement shall be based on their attainment and demonstrated performance of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, and/or required certification, and the recommendation of the department head.

SUPERVISION

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Employees in this classification receive supervision from the Water Resource Recovery Facility Chief Maintenance Technician and Water Resource Recovery Facility Supervisor within a framework of standard policies and procedures.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Performs skilled work in the areas of electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, hydraulic, pneumatic and related facilities maintenance at the Citys WRRF.
• Directs and participates in the maintenance of a variety of equipment used at the WRRF including pumps, motors, chemical feeders, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, chlorinators, sulfonators, residual analyzers, transducers, screens, filters, pressure vessels, grinders, IC engine generators, valves, turntables, compressors, blowers, etc.
• Inspects WRRF equipment and structures to determine maintenance needs, and confirm proper preventive, corrective and forced maintenance.
• Directs and maintains accurate computerized preventive, forced and corrective maintenance activities and parts inventory records.
• Responsible for ordering/purchasing parts, spare parts, materials and supplies required to perform required WRRF maintenance.
• Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of the class.
• May schedule, assign, direct, train and monitor the work of a maintenance crew in the safe and proper maintenance of the WRRF.
• Responsible for maintaining computerized maintenance and inventory records; may generate work orders, reports, etc. as necessary.
• Responsible for the maintenance of chemical feed facilities for sodium hypochlorite, sodium bisulfite, sodium hydroxide, ferrous chloride, anionic/cationic polymers, etc.
• Responsible for coordinating maintenance activities with WRRF operations staff.
• Operates a variety of equipment, hand and power tools, trucks, light crane, welders, loader, backhoe, presses, etc.
• Assist WRRF Supervisor and Deputy Director of Utilities/Wastewater in the development of capital projects, major equipment repairs and replacement and in coordinating capital projects with Utilities and Public Works engineering staff.
• Responsible for the performance of preventative maintenance on facility equipment; troubleshoots, repairs, rebuilds, cleans, lubricates, and adjusts equipment; operates welders, various electric and pneumatic tools, measuring devices and other plant equipment and machinery.
• Calibrates and maintains instruments associated with daily flow and treatment including chlorinators, sulfonators, residual analyzers, transducers, etc.
• Responsible for the performance of work in a safe and proper manner of an assigned shift; conducts safety training for employees; trains new employees in proper and safe work methods and WRRF maintenance.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Advanced maintenance and repair principles of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and instrumentation systems commonly used in wastewater treatment systems.
• State and Federal standards and requirements related to water and resource recovery facility operations and maintenance.
• Proper repair, maintenance and adjustment of water resource recovery facility equipment.
• The maintenance requirements of pumps, motors, valves, blowers, electrical motor control centers, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, and electronic instrumentation systems.
• Methods and procedures for the safe and proper handling of chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite, sodium bisulfite, sodium hydroxide, ferrous chloride and cationic/anionic polymers.
• Safe work practices such as confined entry procedures, personal safety equipment, etc.
• General record keeping procedures and systems including database and computer applications.
• Basic supervisory skills.

Ability to:

• Safely and effectively perform complex and skilled maintenance functions related to wastewater treatment plant operations, process and general equipment on assigned shifts.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose a variety of maintenance and equipment problems and make complex adjustments and repairs.
• Read blue prints and drawings.
• Perform manual labor in an unpleasant and potentially hazardous environment.
• Work any assigned shift.
• Obtain California Water Environment Association Grade II Plant Maintenance Mechanical Technologist certification within 5 years of appointment.
• Wear self contained breathing apparatus and other safety equipment as required, and conform to the Citys facial hair requirements for use of respiratory equipment.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties, including annual respiratory capacity physical examination.
• Use applicable computer software programs and equipment including a telemetry system to maintain and update logs, records, charts, and preventive maintenance.
• Express ideas clearly and concisely in written and oral form with good command and use of the English language.
• Provide excellent customer service and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, management, members of the public, the community and agency representatives.
• Recognize problems and make decisions, use tact, good judgment, resourcefulness and diplomacy in resolving conflict situations.
• Lift fifty pounds during the course of a normal workday.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school graduation or G.E.D. supplemented by specialized training related to maintenance technologies such as systems design and maintenance, electrical systems maintenance, maintenance of wastewater systems, maintenance of prime movers, instrumentation maintenance, chemical feed technology;

or

Two years of work experience in the actual maintenance and repair of pumps, motors, valves, chemical feeders, instrumentation systems, electrical systems and facilities associated with a water resource recovery facility or comparable industrial maintenance experience;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid class "C" drivers license.
• A minimum Grade II Mechanical Technologist and minimum Grade II Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist from California Water Environment Association is highly desirable.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO:CHECK IF APPLY

• Pre-employment Physical
• Livescan Fingerprinting (DOJ)

Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice

The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.

La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.

For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.

For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our Benefits Summary.

Retirement: California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.

Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.

Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.

Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.

Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.

Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.

Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.

Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.

Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.

Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.

Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.

Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.

Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.

Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• Masters degree or higher
• Bachelors degree
• Associates degree or vocational equivalent
• Some college
• High School
• None of the above

02

Does your education include supplemental specialized training related to maintenance technologies such as systems design and maintenance, electrical systems maintenance, maintenance of wastewater systems, maintenance of prime movers, instrumentation maintenance, or chemical feed technology?

• Yes
• No
• N/A - No Education

03

Please explain any applicable supplemental specialized training related to maintenance technologies. If you answered "No" or "N/A - No Education", please put N/A"

04

How many years of experience do you have in the maintenance and repair of pumps, motors, valves, chemical feeders, instrumentation systems, electrical systems and facilities associated with a water resource recovery facility or comparable industrial maintenance experience?

• 6 years or more
• 5 years to 5 years 11 months
• 4 years to 4 years 11 months
• 3 years to 3 years 11 months
• 2 years to 2 years 11 months
• 1 year to 1 year 11 months
• Less than 1 year
• No Experience

05

Please explain your experience in detail.

06

Do you possess any of the following certifications?

• Mechanical Technologist from CWEA (Grade II or higher)
• Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist from CWEA (Grade II or higher)
• Other applicable certifications (commercial and/or residential)
• None of the above

07

If you listed "other applicable certifications" above, please explain your certifications and how they would be applicable to this position. Otherwise, please put "N/A".

08

Do you currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license?

• Yes - I currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license
• No - I do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license

09

If you currently possess a valid California Class "C" Drivers License, do you possess a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No
• N/A - Do not possess a valid CA Class C Drivers License
• Other

Required Question

Employer City of San Luis Obispo

Address 990 Palm St

San Luis Obispo, California, 93401

Phone 805-781-7250

Website http://www.slocity.org