San Mateo County

Description

The Department of Public Works is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Utility Worker I/II.

About The Department

The Department of Public Works plans, designs, constructs, operates and maintains facilities and equipment that are safe and accessible to the clients of County agencies, the general public, and County employees. The Department advises the Board of Supervisors on all public works issues, including rates and charges for services that are fair to both the users and service providers. Public Works has a budget of approximately $300 million and is comprised of over 300 employees in five divisions: Administrative Services, Airports, Engineering and Resource Protection, Facility and Capital Projects, and Road Services. To learn more about the department visit: https://www.smcgov.org/publicworks.

The Position

Utility Workers perform a variety of manual tasks such as building and grounds maintenance, minor equipment repair, and transportation of materials, and supplies in a locked facility.

As part of their duties, Utilities Workers assist the skilled trade workers including painters, carpenters, and engineers. Other duties include, but are not limited to: operating and maintaining equipment or hand tools used in the maintenance of buildings, grounds, and facilities; assembling, maintaining, and repairing equipment and furniture; providing complete custodial services to areas such as medical examination rooms, public restrooms, and lobbies; utilizing the assistance of and instructing incarcerated individuals, clients, or other staff to perform work; ordering and receiving supplies, tools, and equipment; delivering supplies to appropriate areas; digging holes, cleaning-out gutters or storm drains, and disposing of debris; operating a car, van, or light delivery vehicle to transport materials; operating and maintaining power tools, hand tools, and specialized equipment; and performing related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Knowledgeable and able to assist skilled trade workers including painters, carpenters, electricians, and engineers.
• Highly organized and able to work collaboratively with others.
• Able to lead by example and demonstrate exceptional attendance, attitude, communication, safety practices, and appropriate workplace behavior.
• An excellent driver with a good driving record and willing to help in picking up and delivering parts and supplies.

Other Requirements: Prior to hire, some positions require candidates to complete an extensive security clearance package and undergo a thorough background check conducted by the County of San Mateo Sheriff's Office. Background checks must be maintained in order to remained employed.

Examples Of Duties

As a Utility Worker, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks, which may include but are not limited to the following:

• Lift, move, load, arrange, and transport materials or supplies such as furniture, mattresses, heavy equipment, records, mail, money, or waste materials.
• Operate and maintain equipment or hand tools used in the maintenance of buildings, grounds, and facilities.
• Assemble, maintain, and repair equipment and furniture.
• Utilize the assistance of and instruct inmates, clients, or other staff to perform work.
• Remove and replace light bulbs.
• Order and receive supplies, tools, and equipment; review invoices against supplies received; and deliver supplies to the appropriate area.
• Water, trim, and remove trees, plants, and weeds.
• Dig holes, clean out gutters or storm drains, and dispose of debris.
• Maintain logs, coordinate work requests, and perform related office support tasks.
• Operate a car, van, or light delivery vehicle to transport materials.
• Fuel vehicles as required and report the need for service repair.
• Operate and maintain power tools, hand tools, and specialized equipment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

The Utility Worker position may be assigned to one of multiple sections within the Department. At this time, Health & Hospital Facilities Engineering and Facilities Maintenance & Operation Redwood City Division is seeking qualified applicants. More information on the various Divisions and sections of the Department is available at: https://www.smcgov.org/publicworks/our-organization.

The Facilities Maintenance & Operations Redwood City section is responsible for the operation, maintenance, installation and repair of machinery and equipment in County operated buildings. This includes HVAC systems, boilers, lighting systems, refrigeration, generators, water treatment, and emergency power systems. It also includes crafts services such as carpentry, painting, plumbing, and lock smithing services required to maintain County facilities. If hired into the Facilities Maintenance & Operations (FM&O) section, additional skills needed, and duties may include:

• Identify weeds from plants.
• Work independently.
• Dig and set sign and fence posts.
• Attached signs to wood and/or metal posts.

Construction Services provides competitive professional crafts services beyond the scope of routine maintenance provided by the Facilities Operations and Maintenance section, and contracts with the County and Cities to provide carpentry, graffiti abatement, and lighting district services. Trades represented include electrical, plumbing, carpentry and painting. If hired into the Construction Services section, additional duties may be:

• Assist trades with painting, carpentry, light electrical, and clean-up of work site.
• Empty trash at offices and vacuum floors.
• Dig trenches or post holes on various projects.
• Handle small moving jobs for other departments.
• Knowledge of how to use hand and power tools.

Qualifications

Utility Worker I ($29.77- $37.22/Hourly) is the entry or trainee level class in this series. Initially, under close supervision, incumbents perform the more routine duties while receiving on-the-job instruction and gaining practical experience. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. Incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher-level class.

Utility Worker II ($31.40- $39.25/Hourly) is the experienced journey level class in this series. Under general supervision, incumbents independently perform the full range of duties. All the positions are characterized by the presence of fairly clear guidelines from which to make decisions and the availability of supervision in non-routine circumstances. Incumbents should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of operations and procedures and the ability to independently accomplish day-to-day tasks under normal conditions and to instruct others.

Education and Experience:

• Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is: One year of experience providing building and facility maintenance and minor equipment repair.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, operations, tools, and practices used in moving, loading, arranging, and transporting materials, records, and supplies.
• Principles and techniques used in basic custodial services and minor equipment repair.
• Fixtures, building hardware, and equipment.
• Safety regulations, precautions, and practices.
• Methods, practices and equipment used in the receipt, storage, handling and ordering of materials and equipment.
• Basic arithmetic.

Skill/Ability to:

• Follow safety practices.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively and tactfully with customers and others.
• Make accurate estimates of time and materials required to perform the job.
• Properly use and care for vehicles, tools, and equipment used in the job.
• Instruct and direct the work of incarcerated individuals and others in the performance of the job.
• Lift, carry, push, or move materials, supplies, or equipment up to 50 lbs; climb ladders; and walk or stand for long periods of time.

Licensure/Certification:

• Some positions require possession of a valid class C California driver license or equivalent.

Application/Examination

Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: Monday, December 1, 2025

Application Screening: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Performance Exams: Tuesday, December 16 and/or Wednesday, December 17, 2025

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

Analyst: Sarah Huynh (11102025) (Utility Worker II - T063)

We invite you to explore our Benefits-at-a-Glance (Download PDF reader) page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)

In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.

As a County employee, you’ll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.

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