Lead Pump Mechanic

Lead Pump Mechanic (Wastewater/Storm Water)

The City of Coronado is accepting applications for Lead Pump Mechanic (Wastewater/Storm Water) Future Scheduled Salary Increases: 5.0% increase effective July 1, 2026

The City of Coronado is seeking enthusiastic, qualified candidates for the position of Lead Pump Mechanic in the Wastewater-Storm Water Division of the Public Services and Engineering Department. The successful candidate will join a blended team of seasoned and talented members.

Under direction, to lead, oversee, perform and participate in the more complex, difficult and skilled technical maintenance duties in the operation and repair of mechanical equipment at wastewater and stormwater pumping facilities; to ensure work quality and adherence to work standards, train staff and established standard operating procedures.

The mission of the Public Services and Engineering Department is to maintain the City's physical infrastructure and provide the highest level of cost-effective maintenance for the City's beaches, facilities, parks, sanitary sewer, and storm drain systems, and rights of way, while protecting the public's health and safety.

The Wastewater-Storm Water Division is responsible for the maintenance of 18 varying sized pump and lift stations, 11 nuisance flow diverter stations, 45 miles of sewer and 8 miles of storm collection systems. Coronado maintains the systems with the inclusion of two combinations of hydro-jetter vehicles, crane trucks and CCTV vehicle & equipment.

This position is responsible for evaluating, troubleshooting, installing and repairing various types, sizes of pumps, valves and associated equipment, including minor electrical. The Lead Pump Mechanic provides lead direction to, trains and oversees various crew members when assigned. Major components of this position will include maintenance schedule implementation and oversight, continual program improvements, provides training to crews, cultivates a culture of safety, product & equipment research and purchasing, works directly with contractors/consultants and collaborates with management & Engineering on infrastructure improvements. Lead Pump Mechanics need to read and understand prints, in addition to understand all types of wastewater-storm water collections and pumping/lift station maintenance functions with the ability to operate associated equipment.

The ideal candidate will also possess a professional history that demonstrates the following necessary leadership competencies and attributes:

• Experienced; strong crew and project leadership skills.
• Good working relationships with department management, other departments and the public.
• Familiarity with budgets.
• Intermediate level of administrative and computer skills in order to effectively track project status.
• Innovative leader with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload while maintaining flexibility.
• Organizational awareness and ability to anticipate sensitive issues that could impact the community.
• Able to convey information and ideas in an open and articulate manner.
• Train and develop staff utilizing proper work methods, techniques, principles, and applications.
• Interpret, explain and enforce department policies and procedures.
• Possession of a valid Class A license and valid CWEA Collections and Mechanical Technician certifications are preferred, although not required at time of hire.
• Due to the nature of the job, all candidates must be flexible in their schedule and able to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed.

For the Lead Pump Mechanic position, the City of Coronado also offers incentive pay for certifications earned and maintained. The incentive is 2.5% of the employee's base salary in certification pay for obtaining the level of CWEA certifications required for the position. Employees in Wastewater and Storm Water who exceed the level of certification established as the minimum qualification will be eligible to receive an additional 4.5% of their base pay for a total certification pay amount of up to 7.0% for designated certifications.

The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here:

1. Troubleshoot, install and repair pumps, valves and associated equipment. Has knowledge of, and can perform electrical work using safe practices.
2. Lead, plan, train and review the work of staff responsible for performing skilled and technical maintenance duties in the operation and repair of mechanical equipment at wastewater pumping facilities.
3. Plan, direct and participate in conducting daily inspections of wastewater pump and sewer lift stations; receive, process and assign work orders; read, record and log meter readings; adjust various flow meters and automatic valves.
4. Train assigned employees in their areas of work including wastewater pump facility maintenance and repair methods, procedures and techniques.
5. Oversee the use, care and operation of wastewater and sewer line maintenance light and heavy equipment including a vactor, sewer rodder, forklift and backhoe.
6. Verify the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
7. Maintain, repair, install, test and service wastewater equipment including electric motors, pumps, circuit breakers, relays, water lines and television camera inspection equipment.
8. Remove and repair various electrical components; dismantle, repair and replace pump and compressor parts; monitor the operation of lift station pumping equipment.
9. Read and interpret various blueprints, schematics and rough sketches; plan and organize work on assigned work orders.
10. Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures including confined space entry requirements.
11. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
12. Estimate time, materials and equipment required for jobs assigned; requisition materials as required.
13. Participates in rotational shifts including weekends and Standby/On-Call shifts as required. Employees assigned to Standby or On-Call duty must be available to respond and report to work within a reasonable amount of time, typically within forty-five (45) minutes of the receipt of the call.
14. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience: At least three (3) years of increasingly responsible wastewater or sewer line maintenance and repair experience.
• Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in wastewater or sewer line maintenance and repair or a related field.
• Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid Class A California Driver's License with air brake and tanker endorsement and a safe driving record, or the ability to obtain the license within six (6) months of appointment is required. Possession of or ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification within twelve (12) months of appointment is highly desirable. Collections System Maintenance Grade III Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), or the ability to obtain the certificate within eighteen (18) months of appointment is required. Mechanical Technologist Grade III Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), or the ability to obtain the certificate within eighteen (18) months of appointment is required. Collections System Maintenance Grade IV or above issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) is desirable.
• Examination Process: Application Review Phase: A completed City of Coronado employment application, cover letter, and resume must be received by the Human Resources Division by 11:59 PM PST on June 29, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on the basis of relevant education, training, and experience. Examination Process: Applicants considered most qualified after the application review process will be invited to participate in an oral panel interview (100%). Additionally, applicants may be requested to undertake one or more of the following exercises written assessment, practical, or presentation - as part of the evaluation process. Final Interview: The top candidates will be invited to participate in a department interview with the Utilities Supervisor Manager, Utilities Supervisor, and other department personnel. Candidate Selected: The final candidate will be issued a conditional offer, subject to the successful completion of a background check and medical examination. Additional Information: All candidates who successfully obtain a 70% or above in each phase of the exam process will be placed on an eligibility list. The City of Coronado participates in E-Verify, all new employees are required to submit verification of legal right to work in the United States. The City of Coronado is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Individuals with disabilities who will require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any portion of the examination process may voluntarily request the accommodation from the City five working days prior to the requested accommodation. Documentation of the need for the accommodation may be required upon receipt of the request.

Rich in history, natural beauty, and a charming ocean village atmosphere, Coronado is most deserving of its royal "nickname" - The Crown City. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Glorietta Bay, and San Diego Bay, this picturesque seaside resort destination is linked to the Southern California coastline and the city of San Diego by the graceful and stately San Diego - Coronado Bridge, and to the south by a narrow strip of land known as the Silver Strand. This uniquely enchanting city which measures 13.5