Wastewater Collection Supervisor (Open and Promotional)

Full Job Description

The Department of Public Works is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Wastewater Collection Supervisor.

The Wastewater Collection Supervisor serves as first-line working supervisor, having responsibility for overseeing a crew of Wastewater Collection Workers in the operation and maintenance of sanitary sewer facilities of the ten County-owned sewer maintenance and sanitation districts. The Supervisor will coordinate, direct, and participate in the activities of the crew and administrative staff; utilize the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) for scheduling work and indicating work that has been completed; operate a variety of light construction equipment and wastewater collection system maintenance equipment; and perform related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate for this position will have at least two years of experience leading or supervising a crew of workers and laborers performing sanitary sewer maintenance work.

The ideal candidate will also have the following:

• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience with practices, procedures, materials, tools, and equipment used in the operation, maintenance, and repair of sanitary sewer facilities
• Experience in conducting sanitary sewer system inspections (sewer laterals and mainlines) and preparing related reports
• Ability to organize office work, manage day-to-day tasks, and interpret and implement instructions, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge and experience with computerized maintenance management systems
• Familiarity with GIS
• Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures and the ability to champion and inspire employee safety
• Strong computer skills and aptitude for learning new technologies
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to recognize and evaluate operational issues and problems and recommend and implement efficiency and productivity improvements
• Ability to understand, evaluate, and track system issues or problems that can be corrected by specific actions (additional maintenance, repairs, customer education, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience providing excellent customer service in a professional and courteous manner
• Ability to perform well under pressure and in stressful situations
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret drawings, engineering plans, and regional maps
• Experience working independently in the field and office and managing workload in an organized manner
• Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing and working professionally with the public and co-workers
• Certification by the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO)
• Proficient in using computers, electronic devices, and standard business software applications, including CMMS and asset management systems.

Requirements

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, organize, coordinate, direct and participate in the operation and maintenance of sanitary sewer systems.
• Supervise, train, evaluate and instruct subordinate personnel.
• Investigate, respond to, and resolve customer complaints and prepare reports of findings and actions taken.
• Perform field inspections associated with sewer district projects or sewer inspection permits.
• Read and interpret engineering and construction plans and specifications.
• Review crew’s completed work assignments, such as sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) reports, work order and service request documents, CCTV inspection reports, etc., to ensure information required is complete and accurate. May enter details into California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS).
• Administer County and Department safety programs and policies by ensuring employees' compliance with safety practices and procedures.
• Prepare performance evaluations and address performance issues with crew members.
• Participate in an "on-call" rotation and be available to assist for work in emergencies outside of normal working hours.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Licensure/Certification:

Possession of a Class B California driver license with both air brake and tank endorsement; ANDPossession of a Grade III Collection System Maintenance Certification through the California Water Environment Association’s (CWEA) Technical Certification Program.

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:Four years of experience in road maintenance and construction work, including two years of experience with sanitary sewer collection and water distribution systems.Knowledge of:Supervisory principles and practices, including work planning, scheduling, employee training and evaluationPractices, procedures, materials, tools, and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of sanitary sewer and storm drain systemsSafety practices relating to public works projectsBasic arithmeticVolume, weights, and measuresThe proper use of hand tools including shovels, rakes, hoes, etc.The proper use of power tools and light equipment including power saws, drills, air powered tools, portable and stationary pumps, generators, compressors, vibratory rollers, motorized tampers, etc.County and CAL OSHA safety rules, procedures, and equipmentSkill/Ability to:Foster teamwork and service excellence through exampleOrganize, plan, outline, and coordinate work for the crewSupervise, train, evaluate, and instruct subordinate personnelUse initiative to analyze and solve problemsRead and interpret simple plans and specificationsEnforce common safety practices and proceduresEffectively communicate verbally and in writingPrepare clear and comprehensive reportsWork with basic arithmetic computationsOperate a variety of light construction equipment and wastewater system maintenance equipment, which may include combination truck (Vactor), flusher truck, rodder truck, dump truck, closed circuit television inspection vehicle and equipment, and vacuum pumpsPerform heavy manual labor, which requires strength, agility, and enduranceOperate a wide variety of hand and power tools and equipmentDrive and operate ½- and 1-ton trucks, haul-behind compressor, and walk-behind rollersWork courteously and effectively with the public and with co-workersFollow oral and written instructionsBend, stand, and walk for extended periods of timeLift and carry heavy equipment and supplies used in the course of the work, such as jackhammers, pumps, piping, and paving materials Additional Information Open & 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, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: Pass/Fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%).

Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification.

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.

All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.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 questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form.

A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.Tentative Recruitment ScheduleFinal Filing Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 11:59 PMApplication Screening: Wednesday, April 15, 2026Civil Service Panel Interview: Wednesday, April 29, 2026About the CountySan 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.Talent Acquisition Analyst: Sarah Huynh (032426) (Wastewater Collection Worker/N065B)