Maintenance Worker I-III

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Thursday, May 28, 2026, so please hold that date.

The City of San Luis Obispo is looking for a Maintenance Worker, which will be either a Maintenance Worker I, Maintenance Worker II or Maintenance Worker III.

The current opening is within the Streets Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department, however the eligibility list established during this recruitment may be used by other departments and/or divisions.

The successful Maintenance Worker I–III candidate will have a construction or maintenance background and will be willing to learn all aspects of street maintenance duties. They should be self-motivated, safety-oriented, and able to pursue solutions to challenging problems. This position will be conducting most of their work in the public right-of-way, which requires strong communication skills necessary to interact with the public in a professional manner.

In addition, the candidate must be confident in their abilities and able to work independently while effectively maintaining time management.

Lastly, the candidate should display the ability to work within City policy and be capable of operating different software platforms.

JOB SUMMARY:
Performs a variety of unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled grounds, landscaping, janitorial, and general maintenance, repair, and construction work functions in the upkeep and maintenance of assigned City areas; operates and maintains specialized tools and equipment used in the upkeep and maintenance of the assigned areas; and performs related duties as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

Maintenance Worker I

This is the entry level classification in the Maintenance Worker series. Initially, under close supervision, incumbents perform or assist in the performance of maintenance, repair, and janitorial duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex and are performed with greater independence. This classification is flexibly staffed with Maintenance Worker II and incumbents are expected to advance to the higher-level classification after having gained the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience that meet the qualifications and demonstrated the ability to perform the work of the higher-level classification.

Maintenance Worker II

This is the journey-level classification in the Maintenance Worker series, capable of independently and competently performing the full range of duties. This classification is flexibly staffed with Maintenance Worker III and incumbents may advance to the higher-level classification, dependent on the needs of the department, after having gained the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience that meet the qualifications and demonstrated the ability to perform the work of the higher-level classification.

Maintenance Worker III

This is the advanced journey-level classification in the Maintenance Worker series. Incumbents are responsible for independently performing the most skilled and complex maintenance and repair duties, requiring the application of advanced knowledge and skill in the most difficult functions of the series, including basic plumbing, basic electrical, general carpentry, and equipment operation.

The Maintenance Worker classification series is distinguished from other maintenance classifications by the more general and less specialized nature of the work.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Maintenance Worker I-II

Incumbents receive general supervision from a supervisory position in the assigned program. May receive lead direction from a Maintenance Crew Coordinator or other lead position. Maintenance Workers III may train, direct, and monitor the work of lower-level maintenance staff on a project basis.

Maintenance Worker III

Incumbents receive general supervision from a supervisory position in the assigned program. May receive lead direction from a Maintenance Crew Coordinator or other lead position.

Maintenance Worker III

May train, direct, and monitor the work of lower-level maintenance staff on a project basis.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Maintains assigned areas, facilities, and equipment in clean and orderly condition.
• Performs a variety of general maintenance and repair work, including basic carpentry, painting, basic plumbing, minor electrical, concrete, tile, and tree grate repair.
• Performs general cleaning and janitorial functions in the upkeep of assigned areas, including, but not limited to, cleaning and disinfecting restrooms, refilling soap and paper dispensers, emptying and cleaning waste containers, sweeping, mopping, and cleaning up human waste.
• Installs, maintains, and repairs traffic signs, parking meters, pay stations, trash cans, and specialty equipment related to the operations of parking facilities.
• Performs a variety of semi-skilled street maintenance and repair work, such as patching potholes, grinding sidewalks, clearing drainage facilities, and installing and removing sign posts and sleeves.
• Plants, cultivates, trims, and waters ornamental plants, shrubs, hedges, trees, and flowers; prepares and treats soil for planting.
• Operates and cares for a variety of tools and equipment, including wrenches, screwdrivers, saws, drills, carpentry and metal shop fabrication equipment, pressure washers, and sidewalk sweepers and scrubbers.
• Maintains records related to duties performed and equipment used.
• Cleans and disinfects restrooms; refills soap and paper dispensers.
• Empties and cleans waste containers.
• Performs minor maintenance and repair work, such as replacing faucet washers, replacing lamps and fixtures, and unclogging toilets and drains; assists with major maintenance work as assigned.
• Inspects assigned areas for vandalism and hazardous conditions; makes necessary repairs.
• Responds during emergencies and works in adverse weather conditions.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in general maintenance work.
• Basic safety precautions and procedures required in maintenance work.
• Safe and proper use of chemicals used to perform duties, such as degreaser and paint remover.
• For the advanced journey level, methods and techniques of basic plumbing, electrical, sidewalk, and carpentry maintenance and repair.

Ability to:

• Safely and effectively perform unskilled, semi-skilled, or skilled maintenance, janitorial, and construction work.
• Safely and effectively operate hand and power tools.
• For the entry and journey levels, learn basic plumbing, electrical, and carpentry maintenance techniques.
• Read, write, and maintain routine records at a level sufficient to successfully perform required duties.
• Safely and effectively operate and/or learn to operate automotive and/or specialized equipment as assigned.
• Learn the practices, procedures, and techniques pertaining to the area of assignment.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Interact tactfully and courteously with the public as required by assignment.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Maintenance Worker I

High School Diploma or G.E.D.;

and

One year of landscaping, construction, janitorial, or maintenance experience;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Maintenance Worker II

High School Diploma or G.E.D.;

and

Two yearsof construction or maintenance experience;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Maintenance Worker III

High School Diploma or G.E.D.;

and

Three years of construction or maintenance experience;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Livescan Fingerprinting (DOJ)
• Pre-employment Physical