Plant​/Pipeline Mechanical Technician I​/II

Plant/Pipeline Mechanical Technician I: $97,635.20 - $ Annually
Plant/Pipeline Mechanical Technician II: $ - $ Annually

The Plant/Pipeline Mechanical Technician I/II will perform maintenance and repair functions on industrial equipment used in water treatment, recycled water, water purification plants, pumping stations, and hydroelectric plants. This position will also work on related mechanical equipment components used for water treatment, storage, distribution, and flood control. They will be required to perform maintenance and repair duties on water conduits and equipment.

As well as perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility. This position will be assigned to work at one of Valley Water’s three water treatment plants in Santa Clara County and can be assigned to work rotating on-call weekends after approximately 1-2 years.

We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

• Perform preventive maintenance on treatment plant and pipeline facilities through methods such as fluid and filter changes; confer with operations staff to solve problems and determine needs; maintain water conduits and equipment including vacuum breakers, air releases, and water valves; perform confined space related duties.
• Read and interpret plans and specifications; estimate labor and materials for proposed work, perform work in accordance with these documents; make preliminary sketches of work to be performed or completed; locate, examine, clarify, identify, record and mark locations of creeks, pipelines, telemetry, test cables, and underground cables.
• Diagnose mechanical problems; recommend preventative and corrective repair; make estimates of labor, materials, and supplies required to complete assigned work; request required materials. Diagnose and repair meter pumps, calibrators, flocculation, and filtration methods through vibration analysis and temperature reading and other inspection techniques; confer with operations and engineering staff to solve problems and determine needs.
• Operate a variety of hand tools and power equipment including welding equipment, lathes, drill presses, sanders, trucks, forklifts, boom lift, scissor lifts, and overhead cranes.
• Maintain records of work performed; enter and retrieve data from a Computerized Maintenance system (CMMS); ensure proper completion of reports including confined entry documentation.

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Level I - One (1) year of experience with the maintenance of mechanical equipment and components.

Level II - One (1) year of post-apprenticeship experience in the maintenance of mechanical equipment and components. In lieu of completing an apprenticeship, a candidate should possess four (4) years of journey-level experience in the maintenance of mechanical equipment and components.

• Learn the methods and techniques involved in the maintenance and repair of water treatment and distribution and systems including pumps, valves, gauges, and chemical feeds.
• Learn to operate a variety of mechanical maintenance equipment.
• Learn to read, interpret, and work from plans, drawings, and specifications.
• Learn to estimate small mechanical jobs.
• Learn occupational hazards and standard safety practices including Cal OSHA practices.
• Learn procedures to maintain records of work performed.
• Learn to diagnose operational problems in mechanical equipment and recommend corrective action.
• Learn to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.