Building Maintenance Mechanic

Job Opportunity

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Building Maintenance Mechanic! The current vacancy is within the Public Works Department. In this role, you will perform plumbing, carpentry, remodeling, painting, and a variety of other craft or building trades through the maintenance and repair of City buildings and facilities.

Typical duties include installing and repairing piping, lavatory fixtures and HVAC units; preparing sketches for construction and modifications; and operating a variety of hand, power and shop tools.

The eligible list resulting from this recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies in the Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Department or Berkeley Public Library.

Minimum Qualifications

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is equivalent to graduation from high school and four (4) years experience in commercial building maintenance work, which includes substantial carpentry and plumbing duties; or completion of a state approved construction or building trade apprenticeship program. Possession of HVAC or Playground Safety Inspector certificate is highly desirable.

Other requirements include possession of a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Candidates must also possess sufficient strength and stamina to lift and carry objects weighing up to 80 pounds; willingness to work evening and weekend shifts; willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions; and willingness to work with exposure to unpleasant and potentially hazardous substances.

Application Process

Applications must be received by Monday, September 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST and must include a completed application, responses to supplemental questions, and any required attachments. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to View email address on click.appcast.io. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.

Exam Process

The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:

• Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the application filing period close date)
• Competitive review and assessment of applicants' education, training, and experience (Training & Experience)
• Multiple-Choice Written Exam - Tentatively Scheduled for October 5, 2026

Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews slated tentatively for the week of October 26, 2026.

Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to View email address on click.appcast.io at the time of application.

Pre-Employment Process

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City will undergo an employment background check that may include, but is not limited to: confirmation of employment history, educational credentials and degrees, certificates, registrations, and licenses including driver's license; credit check; criminal history check; and Live Scan fingerprinting.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer: The City of Berkeley is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All employment actions shall be administered regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, veterans' status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Disaster Service Worker: All City employees are required to provide services as Disaster Service Workers in the event of an emergency/disaster.

Benefits

Benefited employees receive a myriad of financial and other benefits, including CalPERS pension and other retirement plans, medical and dental coverage, tuition reimbursement, paid time off and more. Benefit-eligible employees include those with a regular work schedule of at least 20 hours per week. Employees working less than 30 hours per week may receive pro-rated benefits.

Retirement: CalPERS City employees are included in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The retirement formula is either 2% at age 62 (PEPRA members) or 2.7% at age 55 (Classic members).

Supplemental Retirement Income Plan (SRIP) The City contributes 6.7% of the first $32,400 of the employee's salary (up to $2,170.80 annually) into a 401(a) account. The City is not a member of Social Security, therefore only the Medicare portion is deducted from employees' salaries.

Deferred Compensation The City offers voluntary 457 deferred compensation plans with CalPERS or Empower. Employees may contribute up to the IRS maximum on a pre-tax basis.

Medical Plans Employees can choose coverage under Kaiser HMO or Sutter Health Plan HMO. The City contributes an amount equal to the cost of the Kaiser premium. Employees who have medical coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided medical coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

Dental Plan The City provides group dental benefits through Delta Dental of California. The City contributes up to the family coverage for the plan, which covers 90% of the dental charges up to $2,000 annually per person. Orthodontic benefits are offered at a $2,000 lifetime maximum per person. Employees who have dental coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided dental coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

Life Insurance The City provides employees with a Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy in the amount of $25,000. Employees have the option to purchase additional term life insurance up to a maximum of $300,000.

Sick Leave Employees earn one day of paid sick leave per month.

Vacation New employees accrue 80 hours of vacation annually. Vacation accrual rates increase at 4 years, 12 years, 18 years, and 25 years of service.

Holidays 15 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays annually

Uniform Allowance Employees in select classifications receive up to $1,400 annually (see MOUs)