Pool Technician

Pool Technician

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city's historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.

Why join the City of Oakland, Public Works Department? The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill two (2) permanent full-time vacancies within the Oakland Public Works Department. The ideal candidate will be someone who has knowledge of pool water chemistry and holds a Certified Pool Operator certification. Under general supervision, the Pool Technician uses a full range of technical level skills to perform water quality control at City operated swimming pool facilities; cleans pools and monitors pool equipment; and performs related duties as assigned. The Pool Technician is distinguished from the Construction & Maintenance Supervisor I in that incumbent of the latter assigns, directs, and supervises the work of multiple maintenance units. The Pool Technician receives general supervision from a Construction & Maintenance Supervisor I, Facilities Complex Manager, or higher-level management staff.

We are looking for someone who:

• Provides great customer service: Cares about customers, listens to their needs, and provides prompt and helpful service.
• Has strong pool maintenance and technical skills: Understands basic pool chemistry and water treatment and is comfortable working with plumbing, electrical, and mechanical pool equipment.
• Is organized: Keeps track of daily maintenance tasks, stays on top of their work, and uses basic hand and power tools safely and effectively.
• Is clear and effective at communicating: Listens well, follows instructions, shares information clearly, and works well with customers, coworkers, and supervisors.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Performing routine cleaning and pumping of pool water.
• Ensuring the surrounding pool area is free from debris.
• Providing chemical treatments to maintain optimal water quality levels and restoring water to correct level.
• Regularly assessing and balancing pH and chlorine levels in the pools.
• Conducting safety tests on equipment and maintaining/repairing pool equipment such as filters, pumps, chlorinators, and heaters.
• Managing inventory records of swimming pool maintenance supplies.
• Maintaining accurate records of water quality readings.
• Reporting major mechanical issues to supervisor.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will be able to enjoy pleasant outdoor weather, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine while carrying out your duties.
• You will engage in consistent tasks which will be appreciated if you love the structure of routine work.
• You will have the freedom to work independently, managing your tasks and responsibilities with minimal supervision, fostering a sense of autonomy and ownership in your work.
• You directly contribute to water safety, enabling youth, adults, and seniors across Oakland to enjoy swimming activities knowing the pools are maintained to the highest standards of safety and cleanliness.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will work outdoors in various weather conditions, which can be challenging during rain or extreme heat.
• You will occasionally perform physically and mentally demanding tasks involved in pool maintenance and repair.
• You will receive instructions from supervisors that may change throughout the day, requiring flexibility and sound decision-making to adjust to changing priorities.

Competencies Required:

• Mathematical Facility: Performing computations and solving mathematical problems
• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Environmental Exposure Tolerance: Performing under physically demanding conditions
• Innovative Problem Solving: Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new and better ways of doing things
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires