Plant Technician I

See NOTES below for future wage increases and/or additional compensation opportunities.

Plant Technician I positions perform routine repair and maintenance work to a broad range of complex mechanical equipment at a water/wastewater/potable reuse treatment plant and major pump station; assist in the more difficult repair and overhaul work; and perform other duties as assigned.

 NOTES:

• In addition to the scheduled general wage increase, the following special salary wage increase is also scheduled to take effect for Plant Technician I: 5% effective 1/1/26
• Eligible benefitted employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).
• Plant Technician I employees must remain clean shaven and be able to pass a respirator fit-test for entry into confined spaces or environments containing the potential presence of chlorine, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), or methane.
• Plant Technician I employees may be required to work overtime including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Plant Technician I work involves exposure to noxious chemicals and other hazardous substances.
• Plant Technician I employees will be required to obtain and maintain confined space entry certification within one year from date of hire. 
• Some Plant Technician I positions may require working on an on-call basis for which they may receive 5% additional pay.
• Some Plant Technician I positions may also require work in a sewerage or chlorine environment, in high places, tanks or channels, and confined spaces.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated.

 EXPERIENCE: You must meet ALL of the following: 

1. Six months of full-time experience maintaining, overhauling, repairing, and installing mechanical equipment at a water treatment facility, wastewater facility, potable reuse facility, major pump station, or industrial processing facility employing similar technology. 
2. One year of full-time experience repairing a variety of mechanical equipment such as air compressors, power tools, parking meters, light meters, sound level meters, small gasoline or diesel engines, irrigation equipment, mowers, shop equipment; safety equipment such as respirators, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs), explosimeters, air lines, emergency mobile equipment; and/or firefighting equipment. Qualifying experience MUST include working on pumps, valves, and/or piping systems.

   NOTES:

• Preventive maintenance work only (e.g., changing oil, lubing, or removing and replacing parts) is NOT qualifying. 
• City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA) experience to qualify must submit written documentation signed by their appointing authority or payroll specialist, detailing the work performed, dates, and total number of qualifying OCA hours. OCA experience without the required documentation will NOT be considered.

LICENSE: A valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of hire. 

 HIGHLY DESIRABLE: 

• Experience working on compressors, gear reduction units/speed reducers, chemical feeders, small gasoline/diesel engines and blowers.
• Experience and training in Predictive Maintenance Technologies.
• A valid California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Plant Maintenance Mechanical Technologist Grade I or higher certification.
• Knowledge of machinery alignment protocol.
• Knowledge of Centrifugal, Vertical Turbine, and/or Submersible Pumps of various horsepower.