Utility Worker/Custodial Worker (Utility Worker II) -

County of San Mateo; California (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Mateo’s Sheriff's Office seeks a qualified Utility/Custodial Worker II for correctional facilities to perform custodial duties, minor repairs, and transport of materials in a locked facility. This journey-level role requires organization, teamwork, and safety awareness, with long shifts and potential travel between facilities in Redwood City, CA.

The ideal candidate will work independently, lead by example, and demonstrate excellent attendance and communication while following

Qualifications

• One year of experience in building maintenance, custodial work, or minor equipment repair.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain custodial equipment for buildings, grounds and facilities.
• Provide custodial services to areas such as medical exam rooms, restrooms and lobbies.
• Instruct incarcerated persons, clients, or staff to perform work.
• Order and receive supplies, tools, and equipment; deliver supplies to appropriate areas.
• Operate power tools and custodial equipment safely.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Safety practices

Communication

Time estimates

Inmate/staff instruction

Tools

Custodial equipment

Job description

The County of San Mateo Sheriff's Office is seeking a qualified Utility/Custodial Worker (Utility Worker II) for their correctional facilities to perform a variety of manual tasks such as building custodial services, minor equipment repair, transportation of materials and supplies, and operation of the laundry services in a locked facility.

Utility Worker II is the experienced journey-level class in this series. Under general supervision, incumbents independently perform the full range of duties. All the positions are characterized by the presence of fairly clear guidelines from which to make decisions and the availability of supervision in non-routine circumstances. Incumbents should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of operations and procedures and the ability to independently accomplish day-to-day tasks under normal conditions and to instruct others.

Overall, the ideal candidate will be highly organized and able to work collaboratively with others, while also demonstrating the ability to work independently. The successful candidate will lead by example and consistently demonstrate exceptional attendance, a positive attitude, effective communication, and proper safety practices.

Work Locations and Available Shifts

There is currently one vacancy that may require travel or driving between the two correctional facilities to fulfill assigned responsibilities.

Work Locations

Depending on assignment, the Utility/Custodial Worker may work out of the Maguire Correctional Facility or Maple Street Correctional Center, both located in Redwood City, CA.

Shift Expectations

All shifts are 12 hours, and there are three shifts: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., 12:00 Noon to 12:00 Midnight, and 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Selected candidates are expected to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and/or other shift work depending on needs of the office.

Other Requirements

Background Check: Selected candidates must successfully pass a detailed background and/or criminal history review conducted by the Sheriff’s Office prior to being hired. Felony and misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency.

NOTE

The list created from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies, including classified, unclassified, full-time, part‑time, temporary and extra help assignments.

Examples Of Duties

The Utility Worker/Custodial Worker responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operating and maintaining equipment or hand tools used in the cleaning and maintenance of buildings, grounds, and facilities.
• Providing complete custodial services to areas such as medical exam rooms, public restrooms, and lobbies.
• Utilizing the assistance of and instructing incarcerated persons, clients, or other staff to perform work.
• Ordering and receiving supplies, tools, and equipment; delivering supplies to appropriate areas.
• Operating and maintaining power tools, hand tools, and specialized equipment such as custodial cleaning equipment.
• Performing related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

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:

• Utility Worker II: One year of experience providing building and facility maintenance/custodial and minor equipment repair.

Knowledge of

• Methods, materials, operations, tools, and practices used in moving, loading, arranging, and transporting materials, records, and supplies.
• Principles and techniques used in basic custodial services and minor equipment repair.
• Fixtures, building hardware, and equipment.
• Safety regulations, precautions, and practices.
• Methods, practices and equipment used in the receipt, storage, handling and ordering of materials and equipment.
• Basic arithmetic.

Skill/Ability to

• Follow safety practices.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively and tactfully with customers and others.
• Make accurate estimates of time and materials required to perform the job.
• Properly use and care for vehicles, tools, and equipment used in the job.
• Instruct and direct the work of inmates and others in the performance of the job.
• Lift, carry, push, or move materials, supplies, or equipment up to 50 lbs. Lift and move patients; climb ladders; and walk or stand for long periods of time.

Open & Promotional

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.

Application Timeline

Application Deadline: Thursday, October 1, 2026, by 11:59 PM PST

Application Screening: Week of October 12, 2026

Civil Service Panel Interview: Week of October 26, 2026