Public Works Specialist I​/II

Interested in a seasonal, part-time position with competitive pay working in historic San Juan Capistrano? The City of San Juan Capistrano has a unique opportunity for a dependable, motivated individual to join its Public Works team to perform a variety of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled maintenance duties. This seasonal assignment will primarily support the City’s storm drain maintenance and wet-weather operations during the fall and winter months, including storm drain cleaning and maintenance, storm preparation and response, and installation of sandbags, straw wattles, and other erosion, sediment, and flood-control measures.

The work involves maintenance and repair of the City's public buildings, facilities, streets, parks, parkways, trees, landscaping and irrigation, weed abatement, open space, and rights-of-way, as well as assisting in monitoring contracted maintenance work and report service needs.

The duration of this part‑time, seasonal assignment is expected through March/April 2027 and typically scheduled 25 - 35 hours per week.

The Public Works Specialist I and II are flexibly staffed classifications. Positions in the Public Works Specialist I may be advanced to the Public Works Specialist II by management in accordance with the City’s audit procedure. The work of the Public Works Specialist I classification requires lesser skill in equipment use, knowledge of varied work methods, the range of tasks performed, and extent of interfaces with contractors, than the Public Works Specialist II.

The Public Works Specialist II receives only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Public Works Specialist II incumbents are fully aware of departmental operating procedures. Positions in these two classes differ from the Senior Public Works Specialist in that the latter job assumes lead responsibility for setting daily work priorities, performing the most complex assignments, and resolving more difficult problems in the field.

Receives direction from the Public Works Manager and/or Senior Public Works Specialist. Participates in the maintenance and monitoring of all public land and facilities, including maintenance of City sewer lines and pump stations, public buildings and facilities, streets, parks, parkways, landscaping, irrigation systems, weed abatement, equestrian areas and walking and bicycle trails, open space, and rights‑of‑way.

Performs storm drain and wet‑weather maintenance activities, including inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining storm drain inlets, catch basins, culverts, channels, ditches, and other drainage facilities; removes accumulated sediment, vegetation, trash, and debris to maintain proper drainage and water flow.

Assists with storm preparation, response, and cleanup activities, including installation, placement, maintenance, and removal of sandbags, straw wattles, and other erosion, sediment, and flood‑control materials; clears drainage facilities before and during storm events; monitors known drainage problem areas; and assists with cleanup following storms.

Uses service request system to report maintenance needs and to check upon the status of completed work orders at various City sites, and to report problems for follow‑up by the Senior Public Works Specialist and supervisory and contract personnel.

Operates a variety of maintenance equipment including water truck, loader and backhoe, dump truck, roller, cement mixer, air compressor, sewer cleaning equipment, mowers, forklift, cutting torch, and basic hand and power tools, such as chain saw, weed eater, power drills, and related equipment.

Maintains City right‑of‑ways; eradicates weeds; picks up litter on…