Wastewater Collection Worker I/II (Open and Promotional)

County of San Mateo•San Mateo, CA

About The Position

The Department of Public Works at the County of San Mateo is hiring Wastewater Collection Worker I/II employees to perform semi-skilled and manual work supporting the operation and maintenance of sanitary sewer and storm drain systems. The role uses light construction and specialized wastewater collection equipment to maintain infrastructure and protect community health and the environment. It offers structured on-the-job training and opportunities to progress toward more independent work. Wastewater Collection Worker I is the entry-level class. Under close supervision, employees initially perform routine, less complex duties while training and gaining experience. Wastewater Collection Worker II is the experienced journey-level class, performing the full range of duties independently under general supervision. Both levels involve established guidelines and supervisor availability for unusual circumstances. Employees are expected to understand operational procedures, complete routine work independently, and instruct others. The position requires participation in an on-call rotation after sufficient training and availability to assist with emergencies outside normal working hours.

Requirements

Wastewater Collection Worker I: Possess a Class C California driver license or equivalent, be able to obtain a Class B California driver license with air brake and tank endorsements, and obtain a CWEA Grade I Collection System Maintenance Certification within 18 months of hire.
Wastewater Collection Worker II: Possess a Class B California driver license with air brake and tank endorsements and a CWEA Grade II Collection System Maintenance Certification.
Any combination of education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.
Knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used to operate and maintain sanitary sewer and storm drain systems.
Knowledge of wastewater collection, road maintenance, and construction equipment operation, monitoring, and maintenance reporting.
Knowledge of proper use of hand tools, power tools, and light equipment used in sewer maintenance and construction.
Knowledge of sanitary sewer system maintenance and repair methods and materials, basic arithmetic, and volume, weights, and measures.
Knowledge of public works safety practices and County and Cal/OSHA safety rules, procedures, and equipment.
Ability to operate light construction and wastewater collection maintenance equipment, potentially including combination (Vactor), flusher, rodder, dump, and closed-circuit television trucks and pumps.
Ability to perform heavy manual labor requiring strength, agility, and endurance; operate hand and power tools; and learn new technologies, work methods, and equipment.
Ability to work courteously and effectively with the public and coworkers, remain calm and respond appropriately in emergencies, and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to bend, stand, and walk for extended periods, and lift and carry heavy equipment and supplies such as jackhammers, pumps, piping, and paving materials.
Ability to be certified for confined-space entry and follow safety procedures, including traffic regulations.
Ability to prepare clear and comprehensive reports and perform basic arithmetic computations.
Ability to take initiative to improve preventative maintenance methods and analyze sewer systems to identify problem lines and suggest improved maintenance.

Responsibilities

Inspect sanitary sewer lines in the field and read and interpret sewer and drainage system maps.
Calculate volumes, weights, and measures and perform basic arithmetic computations.
Read and interpret engineering and construction plans and specifications.
Perform closed-circuit television inspections of sanitary sewer lines.
Rod and flush sewer lines for preventative maintenance or to remove obstructions.
Maintain accurate records of work performed and system changes or modifications.
Operate pumps to remove sewage from damaged or clogged lines, respond to sewer overflows, and conduct bypass pumping.
Cut and refinish streets, sidewalks, and driveways; lay cement and asphalt; and repair or reconstruct damaged sewer lines.
Inspect, repair, raise, adjust, and construct manholes, including work requiring confined-space entry certification.
Make minor repairs to pumps and other equipment.
Drive, operate, and monitor wastewater collection and road maintenance equipment, and report equipment maintenance issues.
Respond effectively to sanitary sewer overflows and backups.
Monitor tools and equipment, keep them in good working order, and notify a supervisor when maintenance or replacement is needed.
Operate light equipment used for trenching and pipe repair or replacement, including tractors, trucks, pumps, generators, compressors, forks, and shoring equipment.
Read domestic, commercial, and industrial water meters and calculate water consumption since the previous reading.
Prepare reports about sewer main, lateral, and manhole leaks, and communicate courteously with customers about lateral problems requiring attention or repair.
Receive, record, and respond to complaints and answer questions about them.
Follow safety practices for public works projects, including applicable traffic and safety procedures.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Participate in an on-call rotation after sufficient training and assist with emergencies outside normal working hours.