Wastewater Maintenance Worker I/II

City of Los Altos • Los Altos, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Los Altos is seeking a Wastewater Maintenance Worker I/II to join its Sewer division within the Public Works department. This role is crucial for maintaining and improving the City's wastewater collection system and supporting the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). The position requires individuals who are eager to learn, respectful, team-oriented, and possess clear communication skills. The Sewer Division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s Sewer Collection System, ensuring compliance with state regulations and reporting requirements. Under direct supervision, the Wastewater Maintenance Worker I/II performs skilled and semi-skilled tasks related to the maintenance and repair of the wastewater collection system. Wastewater Maintenance Worker I is an entry-level position, while Wastewater Maintenance Worker II is a journey-level position requiring independent work and judgment. Progression to the II-level depends on performance, meeting qualifications, and management approval. The ideal candidate can effectively respond to emergencies, troubleshoot issues, and safely operate various tools and equipment.

Requirements

• Equivalent to graduation from the twelfth (12th) grade.
• Wastewater Maintenance Worker I: Two (2) years of experience performing manual labor in general construction or maintenance.
• Wastewater Maintenance Worker II: One (1) year of experience as a Wastewater Maintenance Worker I with the City of Los Altos or three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in construction or maintenance, including at least (1) year of specialized experience in collection system maintenance.
• Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work.
• Ability to frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement.
• Ability to climb and descend ladders.
• Ability to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.
• Finger dexterity to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate tools and equipment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Wastewater Maintenance Worker I: Obtain and maintain a valid California Class B Driver's License with tanker endorsement within six months of appointment.
• Wastewater Maintenance Worker I: Possess and maintain a California Water Environment Association Grade I Wastewater Collection System certificate within six months of appointment.
• Wastewater Maintenance Worker II: Possess and maintain a valid California Class B Driver's License with tanker endorsement.
• Wastewater Maintenance Worker II: Possess and maintain California Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicator Certificate with Sewer Line Root Treatment category.
• Wastewater Maintenance Worker II: Possess and maintain a California Water Environment Association Grade II Wastewater Collection System certificate.

Responsibilities

• Operates hydro-cleaning and rodding equipment to clean and flush sewer lines on a scheduled or emergency basis.
• Applies root control chemicals to sewer lines using hydro-cleaning equipment on a scheduled basis.
• Inspects underground wastewater collection pipes, lateral connections, and associated appurtenances using closed-circuit television equipment to locate leaks, breaks, infiltration, and buildup.
• Inspects, cleans, and performs minor repairs to pumps and related lift station equipment.
• Responds to customer complaints and emergency calls for service, identifying causes and assisting in mitigating overflow spills and damage.
• Marks the location of underground wastewater lines in response to Underground Service Alert (USA) requests.
• Participates in 24/7 on-call rotation to respond to and perform emergency collection system repairs and provide other emergency services.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation.
• Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application.
• Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED