Wastewater Maintenance Worker I​/II​/III

Wastewater Maintenance Worker I/II/III

City of La Mesa
, Public Works Department

The City of La Mesa currently has one vacancy for a Wastewater Maintenance Worker in the Public Works Department. The position can be filled at Level I, II, or III depending on qualifications. Future scheduled salary increases are 5.0% effective July 1, 2026 and 5.0% effective July 1, 2027.

• Perform semi‑skilled and skilled tasks in the construction, maintenance, and repair of city sewers and storm drains.
• Operate a variety of construction and maintenance equipment and hand and small power tools; maintain tools and equipment; perform preventive maintenance.
• Set up traffic control in high‑traffic areas; install barricades, cones, and direct traffic around work sites.
• Break up paved surfaces; set forms; mix, pour, spread, and finish concrete.
• Inspect ditches and drainage areas for vegetation and remove it using hand and power tools.
• Operate a combination truck, TV camera equipment, and other apparatus for storm drain and sewer line inspection, maintenance, and construction; perform confined‑space entry as required.
• Install, repair, and maintain sewer lines and laterals; locate and repair breaks in mainlines; review maps for manhole location; repair or replace manholes.
• Read and interpret underground drainage maps; locate and mark underground utilities.
• Perform storm drain and flood channel maintenance duties, including cleaning, debris removal, form building, grading, and concrete work.
• Perform work in confined spaces with proper safety precautions, air quality monitoring, and ventilators.
• Use proper safety precautions related to all work performed.
• Provide guidance and training to less experienced personnel; assist with daily supervision and completion of assigned duties.
• Lead a small group on assigned projects, ensuring safe procedures and resolving problems without a supervisor.
• Assist in maintenance projects outside the regular area, such as building and parks maintenance.
• Provide courteous customer service, responding to public questions, inquiries, and complaints.
• Respond to emergency call‑outs, including street, sewer, storm drain, or other public works maintenance work.
• Serve on standby duty on a rotating basis (usually 6–12 months after hire).
• Establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with those contacted during work.
• Perform related duties as required.

Education/Training

• Formal or informal education ensuring the ability to read and write at a level necessary for job performance.

Experience

• Level I:
  At least one year of maintenance and repair experience is desirable.
• Level II:
  At least one year of experience performing duties comparable to a Level I position.
• Level III:
  At least two years of increasingly responsible maintenance experience in the assigned program area.

License or Certificate

• Class C driver’s license at time of appointment; must obtain a Class B driver’s license with tank and air brakes endorsements within six months of employment.
• Class B driver’s license with tank and air brakes endorsements required for Levels II and III.

Positions require serving on a seven‑day, 24‑hour stand‑by duty on a rotational basis. Employees must remain within cell‑phone contact and respond to emergency call‑backs as necessary.

Employees are subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing. A conditional offer of employment is contingent upon a post‑offer physical and drug screen. Applicants must provide written authorization for the City to contact previous employers regarding past drug or alcohol testing.

Interested applicants must submit an online application, a cover letter, and a completed supplemental questionnaire by 11:59 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2026
. All requirements must be met at the time of application. Qualified candidates will be invited to an examination process that may include an appraisal interview and practical skills assessment.

• February 2, 2026 – Recruitment Closes
• February 18, 2026 – Practical Skills Assessment
• February 25, 2026 – Appraisal Interview
• Please note interview and assessment dates are subject to change.

Seniority Level: Entry Level

Employment Type: Full‑time

Job Function: Management and Manufacturing

Industry: Government Administration