The County of San Mateo’s Department of Public Works is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Wastewater Collection Worker I/II. Under general supervision, Wastewater Collection Workers perform a variety of semi-skilled and manual tasks in the operation and maintenance of sanitary sewer and storm drain systems and operate a variety of light construction equipment and wastewater collection system equipment.

There is currently one Wastewater Collection Worker vacancy in the Department of Public Works.

The ideal candidate for this physically demanding position will be:

• 
  Certified for confined space entry
• Able to prepare clear and comprehensive reports
• Able to perform basic arithmetic computations
• Able to work independently but also contribute to a team environment
• Able to provide excellent customer service
• Knowledgeable of and able to utilize appropriate safety practices

Wastewater Collection Worker I (Salary Range: $36.23 - $45.27 Hourly) is the entry-level class in this series. Initially, under close supervision, incumbents perform the more routine and less complex duties while receiving on-the-job training and gaining practical experience. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This class is flexibly staffed with Wastewater Collection Worker II, and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher-level class.

Wastewater Collection Worker II (Salary Range: $41.23 - $51.49 Hourly) is the experienced journey level class in this series. Under general supervision, incumbents independently perform the full range of duties. All the positions are characterized by the presence of fairly clear guidelines from which to make decisions and the availability of supervision in non-routine circumstances. Incumbents should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of operations and procedures and the ability to independently accomplish day-to-day tasks under normal conditions and to instruct others.

The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform field inspections of sanitary sewer lines.
• Read and interpret sanitary sewer system and drainage system maps.
• Calculate volume, weights, and measures.
• Work with basic arithmetic computations.
• Read and interpret engineering and construction plans and specifications.
• Perform closed-circuit television inspections of sanitary sewer lines.
• Rod (using truck-mounted and hand-rodding equipment) and flush sanitary sewer lines as part of the preventative maintenance activities or to remove obstructions.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of work performed and system changes or modifications as determined.
• Operate pumps to remove sewage from damaged or clogged lines, in response to sanitary sewer overflows, or when by-pass pumping is required.
• Cut and refinish streets, sidewalks, and driveways; lay cement and asphalt.
• Repair and reconstruct damaged sections of sanitary sewer lines.
• Be certified for confine space entry to inspect, repair, raise, adjust, and construct manholes.
• Make minor repairs to pumps and other equipment.
• Drive, operate, and monitor wastewater collection system and road maintenance equipment, including but not limited to ½ and 1-ton trucks, haul behind compressor, and walk-behind rollers.
• Report maintenance issues of wastewater collection system and road maintenance and construction equipment.
• Respond effectively and appropriately to sanitary sewer overflows and backups.
• Monitor tools and equipment to ensure they are maintained in good working order and inform supervisor when maintenance or replacement is required.
• Operate light equipment used in trenching and pipe repair and replacement work including small tractors, light trucks, pumps, generators, compressors, forks, shoring equipment, and other tools.
• Read domestic, commercial, and industrial water meters; compute water consumption since the previous reading.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive reports such as, leaks in sewer mains, laterals, and manholes; courteously and effectively communicate to customers of lateral problems that require attention or repair.
• Receive, record, and respond to complaints; answer questions regarding complaints.
• Required to participate in an "on-call" rotation once sufficiently trained and to be available to assist in emergencies outside of normal working hours.
• Practice safety relating to public works projects.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Licensure/Certification:
Wastewater Collection Worker I:

• Possession of a Class C California driver license or equivalent AND
• The ability to obtain:
  • a Class B California driver license with both air brake and tank endorsements AND
  • a Grade I Collection System Maintenance Certification through California Water Environment Association's (CWEA) Technical Certification Program, within 18 months from the date of hire.
    

Wastewater Collection Worker II:

• Possession of a Class B California driver license with BOTH air brake and tank endorsements AND
• Possession of a Grade II Collection System Maintenance Certification through the California Water Environment Association's (CWEA) Technical Certification Program.
  

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of sanitary sewer and storm drain systems.
• Operating, monitoring, and reporting maintenance issues of wastewater collection system, road maintenance and construction equipment.
• The proper use of hand tools including shovels, rakes, hoes, sewer maintenance tools, etc.
• The proper use of power tools and light equipment including power saws, drills, air powered tools, portable and stationary pumps, generators, compressors, vibratory rollers, motorized tampers, etc.
• Methods and materials used in sanitary sewer systems maintenance and repair.
• Basic arithmetic.
• Volume, weights and measures.
• Safety practices relating to public works projects.
• County and CAL OSHA safety rules, procedures and equipment.

Skill/Ability to:

• Operate a variety of light construction equipment and wastewater collection system maintenance equipment, which may include combination truck (Vactor), flusher truck, rodder truck, dump truck, closed circuit television vehicle and equipment, and pumps.
• Perform heavy manual labor, which requires strength, agility and endurance.
• Operate a wide variety of hand and power tools and equipment.
• Ability and willingness to learn new technologies, work methods, equipment, etc.
• Work courteously and effectively with the public and with co-workers.
• Remain calm and react effectively and appropriately in an emergency.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Bend, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Be certified for confined space entry, lift and carry heavy equipment and supplies used in the course of the work, such as jackhammers, pumps, piping and paving materials.
• Follow safety procedures, including traffic regulations to minimize injuries and accidents.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive reports.
• Work with basic arithemetic computations.
• Take initiative to improve methods for performing preventative maintenance activities.
• Analyze existing sewer systems to identify problem lines and offer suggestions for improved maintenance activities and efforts.

Application/Examination

Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, Confidential and Management extra-help/limited term, and SEIU or AFSCME represented extra help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

The examination process will consist of an auto-scored Training and Experience Evaluation ("T&E") (weight: pass/fail) based solely on the candidates' responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who achieve a passing score on the T&E will be invited to a Performance Exam (weight: 100%).

Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button above or below. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply.

~ RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE ~
Application Deadline: Monday, May 1, 2023, 11:59 p.m. PST
Training and Experience Evaluation (tentative): Week of May 1, 2023
Performance Exam (tentative): Week of May 29, 2023

Analyst: Dorothy Halley (04132023) (Wastewater Collection Worker I/II - N063/N064)