Industrial Engine and Equipment Technician (Wastewater Mechanic I/II) - Environment Services

The City of San José's 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.

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: $91,041.60- $110,656.00 annually
• Wastewater Mechanic II: $100,755.20 - $122,865.60 annually

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.

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. 

• If selected, the Conditional Offer of Employment may be contingent upon you providing proof of a valid State of California driver’s license, and an assessment of your California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) as per the DMV Release of Driver Record Information form. Failure to pass the DMV Pull Notice assessment will deem you ineligible for employment.

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.

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.

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/ 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 [email protected]