Maintenance Worker IV (Lead) for the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency

Job Description:

Maintenance Worker IV (Lead) for the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency

Description

Position Description

Do you enjoy hands-on outdoor work operating heavy equipment and maintaining vital drainage and flood control facilities?

Do you bring practical construction skills, a strong commitment to safe work practices, and the ability to lead a small crew?

Would you like your work to directly support flood preparedness and the protection of Pajaro Valley communities?

If so, PRFMA invites you to apply for Maintenance Worker IV / Lead Worker!

Regional Government Services (RGS) and its staff are conducting the recruitment on behalf of the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency.

The Position

Under direction, the Maintenance Worker IV’s lead and train crews, perform activities in support of leading the crew, perform specialized drainage and flood control maintenance and construction; and operate complex heavy equipment.

• Act as a crew leader and assistant supervisor of Maintenance Workers performing drainage or flood control maintenance activities
• Plan and coordinate maintenance operations
• Assign crew members to specific tasks
• Ensure that work is performed properly and that safety precautions are observed
• Resolve minor personnel problems and report more serious personnel problems to the Superintendent
• Train subordinates in proper work procedures and in the operation of heavy equipment
• Operate heavy equipment
• Respond to emergency callouts during storms, high-flow events, or equipment failures
• Assist the Superintendent in patrolling levees, flood control, and drainage areas in order to determine the need for and priority of maintenance and repair work
• Respond to emergency calls when Superintendent is unavailable
• Determine personnel and equipment necessary to correct problems
• Assist Superintendent in evaluating performance of subordinates
• Communicate with other agencies and the public in order to resolve problems
• Act for Superintendent in their absence
• Assist with pump station maintenance activities under the direction of Superintendent and/or private sector contractors

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Have experience leading field crews and coordinating multiple maintenance activities.
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of flood control and drainage construction safety, equipment, and tools.
• Have experience in training staff, communicating effectively, and preparing activity reports using electronic mapping or maintenance software.
• Be a self-motivated, proactive, responsive, and experienced water resources facility professional.
• Work strategically and collaboratively as a member of a team to solve problems and build trust with internal and external customers.
• Exhibit thorough knowledge of flood control or water resources facility maintenance or construction work.

COMPETENCIES

• Adaptability and Flexibility - Can shift gears comfortably
• Attention to Detail - Accomplishes tasks with thoroughness and accuracy
• Communication - Effectively conveys and exchanges thoughts, opinions, and information verbally and in writing
• Initiative - Assesses and initiate things independently
• Quality Improvement - Understands the value of innovation and of quality improvement
• Leadership - Works toward a common vision and fosters trust and ethics
• Problem Solving - Sees and is able to define problems and implement solutions

• Safety - Works to comply with safety regulations and helps to promote safety consciousness and well-being
• Teamwork and Collaboration - Works collaboratively with others in order to achieve a goal
• Reliability and Commitment - Shows commitment, dedication, and accountability in one's work, and follows through on all projects, goals, and aspects of one's work
• Results Orientation and Execution - Manages time and priorities effectively
• Time Management and Organization - Plans and executes plans for events, tasks, and processes in an efficient manner
• Interpersonal Relations and Skills - Builds relationships based on mutual trust and respect

About the Agency

Formed in 2021 as a Joint Powers Authority, the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency (PRFMA) was created to plan, finance, implement, operate, and maintain projects and programs to reduce flood risk in the Pajaro River watershed in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Originating member agencies include the Counties of Monterey and Santa Cruz, the City of Watsonville, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency, and the Santa Cruz County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, each providing a voting member to its Board of Directors.

The PRFMA is responsible for a comprehensive levee and river channel maintenance program, as well as advancing the $600 million Pajaro River at Watsonville Project with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Additionally, the PRFMA will be pursuing other external financing authorities to implement large scale, multi-benefit flood risk reduction solutions from Highway 1 to the ocean (the “Pajaro Bridge to Bay Project”) as well as other floodplain restoration efforts. PRFMA staff also serve as subject matter experts in flood monitoring and response in both the operations and advanced planning sections of emergency operations centers. PRFMA provides leadership and coordination with other local, regional, state, tribal, and federal entities to achieve its mission of flood risk reduction in the lower Pajaro Valley.

Typical Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities may be qualifying. Typical qualifying pathways and additional requirements include:

A typical qualifying background is one year of experience working in support of drainage and flood control activities performing the following activities:

• Operation of complex heavy construction equipment
• Construction and maintenance of drainage and flood control facilities
• Maintenance and removal of trees, including operation of related complex equipment
• Leading a small crew or a crew of inmate laborers
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may qualify.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

License: Must possess a valid California Class B driver license and obtain a valid California Class A driver license with Tank Endorsement within six months of hire.

Certificates: Possession of a Qualified Applicators Certificate issued by the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation is required for some positions.

• Must be available for irregular hours and 24-hour emergency calls.

Working Conditions

Field duties may involve adverse weather, noise, dust, uneven terrain, heavy equipment, physical exertion, and other occupational hazards. The classification includes the ability to lift up to 75 pounds and use required protective equipment. Including exposure to: variable temperatures and weather conditions; cramped work spaces; heights, such as on equipment and ladders; high levels of noise, strong, unpleasant odors; vibration; dust; potentially hostile or violent individuals; electric hazards; allergens, such as poison oak and stinging insects; the possibility of experiencing burns, bodily injury, exposure to non-ionizing radiation, and contact with toxic substances or chemical irritants; working alone in isolated areas; working around prisoners; and, possible exposure to needles or blood which could possibly result in chronic disease or death. Refer to the official classification specification for complete conditions and physical requirements.

Other Special Requirements
Alcohol and drug tests: will be administered to all candidates prior to final selection for positions requiring class A or B driver licenses upon entry and to employees in positions requiring these licenses, as mandated by Department of Transportation federal regulations. In addition, all candidates must provide specific employment history for up to the past ten years for all jobs they have held which required operation of a commercial motor vehicle.

Availability: Must be available for irregular hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and for 24-hour emergency calls.

Supplemental Information

Benefits

• CalPERS Retirement Plan (Classic and PEPRA)
• Social Security participation
• 401(a) plan for compensation earned above the PEPRA limit and 457(b) plan coverage.

Medical, Dental and Vision Care Insurance with generous Agency premium coverage:

• HMO or PPO options available
• 90% premium coverage for highest cost plan offered by SDRMA
• Vision Plan (highest option, VSP Option 5) 100% paid for employee and family
• Dental Plan (highest option, Delta Dental PPO High) 100% paid for employee and family

• Annual Leave - (vacation and sick leave combines) - 22 days per year for up to 5 years of service, increasing to 37 days per year for over 15 years of service.
• Holidays - 14 paid holidays.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Deadline to apply: Saturday, November 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST.
To be considered for this exciting opportunity apply at: Maintenance Worker IV (Lead)

Applications must be submitted on-line through the applicant tracking system. Materials must be complete and clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications. Incomplete, late, emailed, and faxed applications are not accepted.

Applicants may submit a current resume detailing their recent (within the past 10 years) experience along with their application and supplemental questionnaire online. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required complete employment application.

Minimum Qualification Assessment - (Pass/Fail) All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and assessed for each applicant’s ability to meet the minimum work experience, training, and education requirements.

Remote Screen Interview - (100%) Candidates who pass the application assessment may be invited to a Remote Screen Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for the week of November 9 th to evaluate training, experience, and other job-related qualifications for the position.

Hiring Interview - The most qualified candidates from the remote interview process will be submitted to the PRFMA for consideration for final selection by the Agency.
All communication and notices will be sent via e-mail. Hiring interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of November 17 th .

All communication and notices will be sent via e-mail. Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to [email protected].

Neither Regional Government Services nor the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency are responsible for failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application. Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Regional Government Services by e-mailing [email protected].

The Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Closing Date/Time: 11/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$91,704.00 - $115,776.00 Annually