Job Description

Description

The Department of Public Works at the County of San Mateo is seeking qualified candidates to fill the role of Wastewater Collection Worker I/II. This crucial position involves a range of semi-skilled and manual tasks critical for the operation and maintenance of our sanitary sewer and storm drain systems. Incumbents will be responsible for the hands-on management of infrastructure that protects community health and the environment, employing various light construction and specialized wastewater collection equipment.

The department aims to reinforce its team with individuals who exemplify commitment to public service and possess a blend of technical skills and safety consciousness. The role is designed for those starting in the wastewater collection field, offering structured on-the-job training while encouraging progression towards more autonomous duties. The selected candidates will play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the county's wastewater infrastructure, ensuring safe and effective wastewater collection and contributing significantly to our community's well-being.

Wastewater Collection Worker I ( $83,158.40 - $103,896.00 Annually) 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.

Wastewater Collection Worker II ( $94,619.20 - $118,144.00 annually) 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 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.

This position requires participating in an "on-call" rotation once sufficiently trained and to be available to assist in emergencies outside of normal working hours.

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 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 bypass 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 confined 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 compressors, 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 and answer questions regarding complaints.
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 a 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.
Learn new technologies, work methods, equipment, etc.
Work courteously and effectively with the public and 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 arithmetic 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
APPLICATION / EXAMINATION
Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in classified regular, probationary, Confidential or Management extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.
The examination process will consist of a scored relevant Training and Experience (T&E) (weight: pass/fail) based solely on the candidates' responses to the supplemental questions. Applicants who receive a passing score in the T&E evaluation will be invited to a performance exam (weight: 100%). Because of this screening process, all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the next phase of the examination process. Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations. 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. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: Monday, November 23, 2026
Training and Evaluation: Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Performance Exams: Tuesday, December 8, 2026

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

HR Analyst: Sarah Huynh (11022026)(N064 - Wastewater Collection Worker II)

County of San Mateo, CA

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