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Att 6 - Maintenance Mechanic Trainee I II 2026 FINAL.pdf

San Clemente City Council
March 3, 2026

Document
Att 6 - Maintenance Mechanic Trainee I II 2026 FINAL.pdf
Meeting
March 3, 2026
Body
San Clemente City Council
Pages
6
Original file
230 KB
Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on san-clemente.legistar1.com. That file is the official record.

CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
Maintenance Mechanic - Trainee, I, II

DEFINITION
To perform a full range of routine and/or skilled mechanical work in the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of water and wastewater utility operating equipment and, to perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Maintenance Mechanic Trainee—This is a trainee-level classification in the Maintenance Mechanic series intended to provide structured on-the-job training in the maintenance and repair of water and wastewater utility mechanical systems. Positions in this classification perform assigned duties while learning trade skills under close supervision. Work assignments are limited in scope and complexity and are performed in accordance with established procedures.

Employees in this classification are expected to meet the minimum qualifications for the Maintenance Mechanic I classification within twenty-four (24) months of appointment. Failure to demonstrate required proficiency, obtain required certifications, or meet the qualifications for advancement within the specified timeframe may result in reassignment or separation from employment.

Maintenance Mechanic I--This is the entry-level classification in the Maintenance Mechanic series. This classification is distinguished from the Maintenance Mechanic II by the performance of the more routine tasks and preventative maintenance duties assigned to entry-level positions within the series. Although candidates must have basic mechanical experience, these employees typically receive a greater level of supervisory guidance and perform less complex mechanical repairs.

Maintenance Mechanic II--This is the full journey-level classification within the Maintenance Mechanic series. Employees within this classification are distinguished from the Maintenance Mechanic I by the independent performance of the full range of semi-skilled and skilled duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Maintenance Mechanic - Trainee, I, II
Receives direct supervision from the Utilities Maintenance Supervisor and is provided on-site lead supervision by higher level staff.

Maintenance Mechanic - Trainee
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS-- Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Assist in the installation, maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment used in water and wastewater facilities.

Attachment 6
Maintenance Mechanic - Trainee/I/II

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2. Assist higher-level mechanics with preventative and corrective maintenance on pumps, motors, valves, and related equipment.

3. Learn proper mechanical maintenance procedures and safety practices.

4. Assist in troubleshooting mechanical equipment malfunctions under supervision.

5. Assist in maintaining tools, equipment, and work areas.

6. Learn to read and interpret mechanical schematics, diagrams, and plans.

7. Participate in training related to mechanical maintenance and utility operations.

8. Perform related duties as assigned.

Maintenance Mechanic - I, II
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS-- Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Perform a variety of functions in the construction, installation, repair, and maintenance of water and wastewater mechanical machinery and related equipment.

2. Perform preventative and corrective maintenance functions on pumps, motors, valves and other mechanical systems in water and wastewater facilities. Troubleshoots the cause of malfunctions using visual inspection, precision measuring and test instruments.

3. Remove and install all types of mechanical pumps, motors, valves and other mechanical systems in water and wastewater facilities.

4. Coordinate maintenance activities with operations and assist with alternate mode operation setup and bypass systems to facilitate equipment maintenance and preserve overall systems performance.

5. Use proper mechanical maintenance procedures, and specialized equipment tool care in order to comply with systems safety procedures.

6. Read and interpret related symbols and markings; locate, identify and mark underground utilities.

7. Operate a variety of trucks, generators, pneumatic tools, trenchers, diggers, compressors, small power tools, and equipment associated with mechanical maintenance.

8. Complete daily maintenance activity work orders and logs.

9. Lubricate, calibrate and maintain shop, field and plant mobile and stationary equipment.

10. Estimate time, materials and equipment required to complete assigned jobs; requisition materials as required.

11. Operate and maintain various sewer lift stations.

12. Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Maintenance Mechanic - Trainee/I/II

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QUALIFICATIONS
Maintenance Mechanic Trainee
Knowledge of:
• Basic mechanical principles and terminology.
• Safe work practices and occupational hazards.
• Basic mathematics used in mechanical work.
• Use and care of hand tools and mechanical equipment.

Ability to:
• Learn methods, materials, and techniques used in the maintenance of water and wastewater mechanical systems.
• Learn operation of pumps, motors, valves, and related equipment. • Follow oral and written instructions.
• Work safely in a field and plant environment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships. • Learn troubleshooting and preventative maintenance techniques.

Maintenance Mechanic I
Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of mechanical operating equipment. • Techniques and procedures of skilled mechanical maintenance. • Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of work assigned. • Basic principles of mathematics.

Ability to:
• Learn methods, materials and techniques used in the construction and maintenance of water and wastewater utility systems.
• Learn operational characteristics of mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment and tools used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of pumps, motors, blowers, reduction gearboxes, conveyors, grinders, presses, heat exchangers, and scrubbers. • Learn mechanical systems repair and preventative maintenance techniques and procedures. • Operate a variety of vehicular and stationary mechanical equipment (e.g., sewer lift stations) in a safe and effective manner.
• Use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Read and interpret mechanical schematics, diagrams, drawings, and plans. • Understand and follow oral and written instructions and sketches. • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Maintenance Mechanic - Trainee/I/II

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• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Maintenance Mechanic II
In addition to the qualifications for Maintenance Mechanic I:

Knowledge of:
• Considerable knowledge of equipment and procedures involved in the installation, maintenance, operation, and repair of water and wastewater utility systems. • Standard principles of mathematics, hydraulics, and metallurgy. • Principles and practices of wastewater treatment, water treatment, and reclamation facility operations.
• Operating principles of plant equipment including valves, pumps, and motors. • Safe work practices.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations. • Mechanical principles, methods, tools, equipment, and safety procedures, including departmental safety standards.
• Metal fabrication and welding.

Ability to:

Train assigned staff.
• Operate and maintain wastewater, water treatment, and pump station equipment. • Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices related to mechanical equipment operation.
• Diagnose operating problems and take effective courses of action. • Make independent technical decisions to maintain equipment operation.

Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Maintenance Mechanic Trainee
Experience:

Prior experience in mechanical, construction, industrial maintenance, or a related field. Demonstrated experience assisting with the maintenance or repair of mechanical equipment in a water, wastewater, public works, industrial, or similar operational environment is highly desirable.

Training:

High School Diploma, or equivalent. A minimum of twelve (12) units of coursework or trade school training in mechanical maintenance or a related field may substitute for the experience requirement.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid, class C California Driver’s License.

Maintenance Mechanic - Trainee/I/II

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Special Requirements:

Continued employment in the Maintenance Mechanic classification series is contingent upon satisfactory progress toward meeting the minimum qualifications of the Maintenance Mechanic I classification, including, attainment of required certifications within twenty-four (24) months of appointment.

Maintenance Mechanic I
Experience:

Two (2) years of experience performing mechanical maintenance work equivalent to that of a Maintenance Mechanic Trainee with the City of San Clemente, or One (1) year of experience in a position performing similar mechanical maintenance work in a water/wastewater treatment plant, water distribution system, or similar environment.

Training:

High School Diploma or equivalent; supplemented by specialized training in the maintenance and mechanical fields. Completion of a Mechanical Maintenance Certification (or other relevant program) may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid, Class C California Driver’s License.

Possession of a CWEA Mechanical Technician I certification within twelve (12) months of appointment.

Maintenance Mechanic II
Experience:

Four (4) years of related experience applying preventative and corrective mechanical maintenance skills in a water/wastewater treatment plant, water distribution system or similar environment, as well as on field equipment and analyzing mechanical systems and processes.

Training:

High School Diploma, or equivalent supplemented by specialized training in mechanical equipment maintenance. College level coursework is highly desirable. Completion of a Mechanical Maintenance Certification (or other relevant program) may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

License of Certificate:

Possession of a valid, Class C California Driver’s License.

Possession of a Mechanical Technician II certification within twelve (12) months of appointment.

Possession of a CWEA Grade I-II Collection Systems Maintenance Technician and CA State DOHS Water Distribution Grade DI-II is desirable.

Maintenance Mechanic - Trainee/I/II

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WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environmental Conditions:

Field environment, travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, confined spaces, and traffic; work in inclement weather conditions; and operating motorized equipment and vehicles.

Physical Conditions:

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for the use of a SCBA as well as walking, standing, bending, kneeling or crouching for prolonged periods of time; performing heavy manual labor and operating motorized equipment and vehicles.

Special Requirements:

Respond to emergencies as required.

Maintenance Mechanics will be required to participate in after hours, weekend, and holiday On-Call duty.

Live within 45 minutes response time into the City of San Clemente.

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