Streets Maintenance Specialist III

The City of Paso Robles is thrilled to announce the search for a Streets Maintenance Specialist III in the Public Works Department. The Streets Maintenance Specialist III is a lead-level position responsible for the training, mentoring, and coordination of division staff, and executing journey-level work in the maintenance and repair of over 150 miles of streets, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, signs, streetlights, and other related public works structures. The ideal candidate will exhibit strong leadership qualities, outstanding internal and external customer service skills, exceptional communication skills, good independent judgement, and a high level of initiative.

The Community

El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks," is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, in San Luis Obispo County. Paso Robles is surrounded by scenic rolling hills and California’s premier wine regions and is only 27 miles from beautiful beaches. This thriving community of over 30,000 actively engaged residents possesses the benefits of a suburban-rural community while retaining a small-town feel. With over 200 wineries nearby and a bustling downtown with a variety of excellent restaurants and specialty retail, Paso Robles is fast becoming one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play.

Paso Robles has a long history of agriculture and hospitality resulting in a strong work ethic and an enjoyable quality of life. Once hailed as the “Almond Capital of the World”, Paso Robles is now known for top quality food, wine, beer, distilled spirits, and an annual calendar filled with events that celebrate everything from wine to pioneers to classic cars. Paso Robles has been honored by the national media, including Country Living’s “10 Best Small Towns in America”; Travel and Leisure Magazine’s “Best Small Towns to Retire to in America”; the Today Show’s “Top Summer Destination for 2021”; a New York Times “Must Visit Region”; Sunset Magazine’s “Best Travel Spots for 2021”; and Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s “Wine Region of the Year”.

The City understands the importance of business development and works hard to attract commerce in a diverse array of industries. The economic outlook for Paso Robles continues to be strong. The housing market is robust and offers a wide array of housing choices including new neighborhoods, houses with acreage, infill, and charming Victorian homes, with a median home price of about $634,500. Paso Robles also has excellent schools, both public and private. Approximately half an hour away is the nationally ranked Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, and within the city of Paso Robles is Cuesta College, North County Campus.  

The Organization

The City was incorporated in 1889 as a general law City that operates under the Council-Manager form of government with a general population of 30,907 as of January 1, 2024. The governing body consists of a five-member City Council and, beginning in 2020, the City is now divided into four voting districts, each district represented by one City Councilmember residing in that district; the Mayor’s position remains at-large. The voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is the Chief Executive Officer, and is empowered to appoint all non-elected employees, except for the City Attorney.

The City has a total annual budget of $170 million for fiscal year 2024/2025, and a total of 304.4 FTEs across the departments of: Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

• Monitors, directs, and reviews the work of one or more crews performing construction, maintenance, and repair assignments.
• Performs a range of skilled street maintenance and repair work such as patching potholes, pouring and grinding sidewalks, clearing storm drains, and installing and removing traffic signs and signals.
• Installs and performs minor repairs of asphalt (e.g., paving small sections of roadway, crack sealing, etc.).
• Conducts field inspections to evaluate compliance with City ordinances, state laws, and other requirements. Provides suggestions for correcting noncompliance or potential trip hazards.
• Implements and conducts a preventative maintenance inspection program, which includes documenting deficiencies of public right-of-way areas, solutions for repairs, and long-term maintenance to minimize risk to the public.
  
• As qualified, operates and maintains a variety of equipment such as sweepers, tractors, heavy trucks, backhoes, loaders, hydro-sewer cleaners, and related construction equipment.
• Operates power and hand tools such as tamper, jackhammer, electric tools, tapping machines, welders, plasma cutter, and other tools as required.
• May use gas or arc welding equipment to cut, heat, weld, or braze.
• Inspects, diagnoses, and troubleshoots basic equipment and operating problems
  
• Excavates City streets and easements.
• Collaborates with other City divisions, such as Water, Wastewater, Parks and Trails, Landscape, and Building Maintenance, to address routine and emergency projects and City events. 
• Assists in investigations and resolution of complaints and liability claims regarding streets, sidewalks, gutters, traffic control, flood control, and other related maintenance matters.
  
• Establishes a safe work area and coordinate activities with employees and the public, as safety rules require.
• Maintains a variety of records on projects, materials, and equipment; prepares narrative and statistical reports as needed by management.
• Maintains accurate logs, records, and reports of work performed.
• Maintains an understanding of and compliance with federal, state, and local rules and regulations.
• Interacts with the public to answer questions, explain applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and investigate complaints.
• Responds to emergency or special event requests.
• Assists the Streets Maintenance Supervisor with the oversight of major contract repair or maintenance of facilities and equipment.
• Determines the type of materials, supplies, machinery, or tools to be used for each project; may purchase materials and supplies from established suppliers with appropriate authorization.
• Provides consultation or expert advice to management when necessary. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Must be available for regular standby assignments (be ready to respond/arrive to calls for service within 30 minutes) and work emergency overtime as required and in accordance with the SEIU Memorandum of Understanding. 

Individuals in the Streets Maintenance Specialist III position will be assigned a 9/80 work schedule. Within a two week timeframe they work Monday through Friday one week, and Monday through Thursday the other week, providing every other Friday off. Other work schedules may be considered based on operational demands. 

 Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision including work planning, assignment, review, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Methods of trouble-shooting maintenance and repair projects.
• Maintenance principles, practices, tools, and materials for maintaining and repairing streets and drainage systems.
• The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and equipment.
• Basic record keeping and mathematics.
• Safety equipment and safe work methods and practices related to the work, including electrical safety, the handling of hazardous chemicals, and safe driving rules and practices.
• Applicable federal, state, and local codes and regulations related to street maintenance.
• Traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
• Lighting control systems and troubleshooting.
• Cleaning procedures and the proper use of equipment.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including computer applications related to the work.

Ability to:

• Provide lead direction and work review to streets maintenance staff.
• Train staff in work procedures.
• Perform semi-skilled construction, modification, maintenance, and repair to streets.
• Safely and effectively operate specialized street maintenance and repair equipment.
• Set up and operate a traffic area construction zone, including cones, barricades, and flagging, as applicable.
• Locate underground utilities by use of blueprints and electronic locating equipment in accordance with Underground Service Alert (USA) regulations, as applicable. 
• Accurately troubleshoot and correct a variety of maintenance problems and determine the materials and supplies required for repair.
• Communicate professionally both verbally and in writing.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Read and interpret construction drawings and specifications as needed.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Work independently and in a team environment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Provide a high level of customer service to the public and City staff.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
• Perform physical work outdoors in all weather conditions and with exposure to traffic and potentially hazardous chemicals.
• Perform stand-by duties and respond to emergency call-outs.

Education and Experience

Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to graduation from high school and four years of semi-skilled construction, maintenance, or repair experience related to the work assigned.

Licenses and Certifications

Must possess a valid California Class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record. 

Requires the possession of or the ability to obtain a Class A California motor vehicle license with appropriate endorsements within one year of appointment.   

Other Requirements

Must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions and with exposure to traffic, fumes, odors, dust and potentially hazardous chemicals and conditions. Must possess strength, stamina, and mobility to perform heavy physical work, use varied hand and power tools, operate a motor vehicle and heavy construction equipment and lift, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 60 pounds, unassisted, and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment; visions to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. May be required to wear a self- contained breathing apparatus and other safety equipment.

Salary : $61,287 - $77,771