Streets Maintenance Operator (SBP)

City-of-SAN-Luis-Obispo-; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a skilled Streets Maintenance position within the Skills Based Pay (SBP) advancement series. You will perform semi-skilled to highly specialized functions maintaining the public street system, including pavement, sidewalks, drainage, signage, and markings, either independently or in crews.

The role emphasizes safety, use of diverse trade skills (asphalt, concrete, traffic control), and adaptability to city policy and varied software platforms.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 1 year general construction/maintenance experience or equivalent.
• Ability to operate multiple software platforms and follow city procedures.
• Must communicate effectively with staff and the public, especially in emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe working environment for self and others according to guidelines.
• Maintain assigned areas, sites, and equipment in clean, orderly condition.
• Keep records of service, maintenance, and equipment; adjust schedules and document procedures.
• Operate a variety of hand tools and power equipment.
• Respond to emergencies and participate in storm patrol and emergency response.
• Plan work methods, materials, and assignments for projects including traffic control and staffing.

Skills

Streets maintenance

Public works

Safety oriented

Communication

Emergency response

Education

High School Diploma or GED

1 year construction/maintenance

Tools

Software platforms

Job description

Step into a role where your expertise keeps our city moving. As part of our Skills Based Pay (SBP) advancement series, you’ll contribute to the safety, quality, and reliability of the City’s public infrastructure while advancing your skills through our Skills Based Pay (SBP) program. This role offers hands‑on work, professional growth, and a meaningful connection to the community you serve.

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, so please hold that date.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

The successful candidate should have a strong background in municipal operations in the field of streets maintenance. The candidate must have a good understanding of best maintenance practices, strong technical skills, safety oriented, and able to pursue solutions to challenging problems. They should be well versed in all trades performed by the program such as asphalt, concrete, and traffic control.

In addition to adequate field experience, the candidate must be able to work within City policy and capable of operating different software platforms. They must have the ability to communicate effectively and positively, while maintaining a high standard of professionalism.

Lastly, a calm demeanor will be essential when dealing with the public and staff in emergency situations, as this position plays an active role in storm patrol and emergency response.

JOB SUMMARY

This classification is a "Skills Based Pay" (SBP) advancement series which performs a variety of semi‑skilled, skilled, and highly specialized functions in street maintenance, and operates and maintains related equipment. Positions in this classification have primary responsibility for maintaining the public street system, including pavement, sidewalks, drainage facilities, signage and pavement markings. Positions in this classification may perform work independently, or as part of a crew with other maintenance staff or staff outside the section or department.

Positions in this classification are responsible for the successful completion of a wide variety of specialized work projects, from routine to complex maintenance duties. Employees in this position generally provide front line work and response for street maintenance, and are responsible for the performance of the full range of the classification's tasks and duties in accordance with standard operating procedures and safety practices.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

Each employee in this Skills Based Pay classification has the opportunity to advance within the class to the highest step. Individual employees pursue career development through work, training, and certifications, to gain leadership skills, and become highly skilled in the street maintenance field. This job class starts at an entry level classification. As knowledge, background, and skills increase, promotion to the next higher level step may be reasonably expected. Such advancement is based on attainment and ongoing use of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, as defined through the skills based pay criteria matrix.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Employees in this classification receive supervision within the framework of standard policies and procedures, and in accordance with the level of independence identified in the skills based pay matrix. Employees in this position exercise independent judgment in the selection of work means, methods, and procedures.

Employees in the upper levels of this classification will monitor and direct the work of others in a lead or oversight capacity as needed to accomplish specific projects as assigned, and oversee contract maintenance work managed by their section, or in the implementation of specific maintenance programs.

Incumbents in this classification may work independently while on mandatory standby/callout.

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.)

• Provide safe working environment for themselves and others under established guidelines.
• Maintain assigned areas, work sites, and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.
• Maintain computerized and manual records related to service and duties performed and equipment used, interpret information, adjust maintenance schedules, complete follow‑up on required maintenance and repair, and maintain program documentation.
• Operate and care for a variety of hand tools and power equipment including shovel, rake, skill saw, and chain saw.
• Operate, care for, and complete operational checks of equipment; and troubleshoot, transport, and conduct needed field repairs for equipment, such as asphalt roller, backhoe, loader, sweeper, paver, skip and drag, skid steer, dump truck, transfer truck, roll‑off truck, zipper, and boom lift.
• Perform a range of skilled street maintenance work, including general maintenance and repair work, such as patching potholes, grinding sidewalks, clearing drainage facilities, installing and removing sign posts and sleeves.
• Utilize hydraulic equipment to mill, grade, and construct asphalt streets. including operating paver and pave box, dump truck, and rollers.
• Perform physical labor in support of asphalt and concrete construction, and other street maintenance activities.
• Break and remove concrete, topsoil, and roots. Examine, prepare and grade area for concrete placement. Form and pour concrete to construct sidewalks, ramps, curb and gutter, and drainage facilities.
• Perform increasingly difficult repair work in asphalt, concrete, pipeline, signing or marking areas, such as asphalt road, sidewalk, and drainage facility construction, in conformance with adopted City standards.
• Plan work methods, materials, and assignments for projects, including, traffic control, equipment, labor, and estimate materials needed to perform work using established formulas.
• Manage specialized maintenance areas such as sidewalk evaluations, signs, or special events.
• Respond during emergencies and work in adverse weather conditions.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships, and communicate effectively with others encountered through work.
• Participate in the mandatory standby/callout rotation for the division.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Methods, tools, equipment, and procedures used in public works maintenance and construction work with special emphasis on streets and drainage systems.
• Safety procedures used in public works construction and maintenance projects.

Ability to

• Maintain, and expand experience, skills, and training.
• Meet physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties.
• Work in outdoor environments, performing work safely, efficiently, and with the minimum of disruption.
• Perform stand‑by duties and respond to emergency call‑outs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or G.E.D;

and

One year of general construction or maintenance experience;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Demonstrated interest in advancement in a challenging, maintenance field will be evaluated through the interview process.

Additional education and experience in street maintenance, or journey level skills, and other knowledge skills and abilities beyond the minimum may allow for placement above entry level.

Attainment of the top step is dependent upon obtaining and maintaining requirements outlined in the skills based pay criteria matrix.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• A valid Class "B" or "A" California driver's license within six months of hire.

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

• Pre-employment Physical
• Pre-employment DOT Drug Screening (if have B or A license)
• Livescan Fingerprinting (DOJ)