WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT MECHANIC

Water Pollution Control Plant Mechanic

The City of Sunnyvale invites applications for the position of Water Pollution Control Plant Mechanic. The City is recruiting for (1) regular full-time vacancy which may be assigned to the Mechanical or Instrumentation (SCADA) functions.

Under general supervision, performs a variety of skilled journey-level mechanical, electrical, electro-mechanical and/or instrumentation tasks in the City's Water Pollution Control Plant. Inspects, troubleshoots, repairs, overhauls, and performs routine and preventive maintenance on wastewater facilities and related equipment; and performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS WPC Plant Mechanic is the journey level position reporting to a Senior WPC Mechanic or the WPC Maintenance Manager. The WPC Mechanic is distinguished from the next higher level classification of Senior WPC Plant Mechanic by the latter's responsibility for the day-to-day supervision and technical advice given to journey level WPC Plant Mechanics. It is further distinguished from the WPC Maintenance Manager position in that the manager oversees all work related to the modification, maintenance and repair of the Water Pollution Control Plant facility. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the WPC Plant Mechanic in Training level once the incumbent meets the qualification standards of the WPC Plant Mechanic level, demonstrates an ability to perform the full scope of work, and meets performance expectations. Incumbents are not automatically promoted to the higher level; the needs of the department determine the level of assignment.

Position requires sitting, prolonged standing, walking, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination when using small hand tools and computer keyboards. Near vision is required when working with small tools and electrical components, and far vision is required when out in the field. Acute hearing is required when isolating mechanical sounds within an engine and providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, carry and push tools and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds such as pipes, and welding equipment is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including exposure to inclement weather, noise, fumes, dust, grease, and air contaminants. The incumbent will work with and around influents containing industrial waste, plant process chemicals, hazardous materials and residential sewage. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to: work around moving parts and electrical equipment, heavy construction zones, climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment and enter confined spaces wearing appropriate breathing apparatus. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

The base salary for this classification includes pay for potentially hazardous duties as listed in the essential job functions.

Education and Experience: Graduation from high school or tested equivalent; AND Three years of journey level experience performing the duties of a maintenance mechanic, electrician and/or instrumentation technician in a municipal wastewater or related heavy industrial field which has included the maintenance and repair of heavy industrial machinery and equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: WPC Plant Mechanic in Training Knowledge of: Standard terms, practices, procedures, associated with industrial electrical, mechanical and/or instrumentation duties. The use and operation of measuring and testing devices. The National Electrical Code; principles of electrical/mechanical/instrumentation installation, operation, testing, and maintenance. Pumps, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Basic mathematical calculations. Safety regulations and precautions. Schematics, blueprints, drawings, and construction diagrams. Designing, installing, and troubleshooting electrical circuits; using a volt/ohm meter (VOM). Diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and/or instrumentation difficulties in equipment.

Skill in: The use of common hand, power and mechanical tools, parts and support equipment and their proper identification and application. Operating motor vehicles or motorized equipment. Operating overhaul and test equipment. Using special power or hand tools and measuring equipment, including soldering equipment, oscilloscopes, multi-meters, analyzers, calibrators and other instruments used in repairing electro-mechanical and electro-hydraulic apparatus.

Ability to: Maintain complete and accurate records. Work alone or in close proximity to others. Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner. Establish and maintain effective working relationships; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Provide outstanding customer service. Use a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

WPC Plant Mechanic, The above knowledge, plus: The National Electrical Code; principles of electrical/mechanical/instrumentation installation, operation, testing, and maintenance, and the operation of equipment in the wastewater field.

WPC Plant Mechanic, The above abilities, plus: Use software applications related to Programmable Logic Controllers and electrical schematics. Recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions and make sound judgments within established guidelines.

Willingness to: Perform call-back work as required; occasionally perform duties for periods longer than the normal eight hour work day or more than five days per week. Wear a uniform.

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & PROCESS The application submitted must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description in order to move forward in the recruitment process with the City of Sunnyvale. The information provided in the Work Experience, Education, and Certificates/Licenses sections of the application will be used to determine if the application meets the minimum qualifications. A resume, employment history provided elsewhere in the application, or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Note: The minimum qualifications for experience are based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Experience included in the Work Experience section of the application is calculated to the full-time equivalent (hours are pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Volunteer experience is not considered qualifying experience.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources by Monday, August 17, 2026, at 5:00pm or after receiving 100 qualified and complete applications, whichever is first.

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2026. (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)

SELECTION PROCESS Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of September 14.

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). A candidate with education obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense to determine its equivalency in the United States. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search 'education equivalency verification' or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA).