County of San Mateo is hiring: Utility Worker/Custodial Worker (Utility Worker I

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.

TheUtility 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: Selected candidates are expected to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and/or other shift work depending on needs of the office.

Shift Availability: The current shift is a night shift from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., operating on a rotating schedule of four days on and four days off.

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.

TheUtility 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.

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. 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.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%) which may include a performance exam. Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

Tentative Recruitment Schedule

Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 7, 2026, by 11:59 PM PST

Application Screening: Week of January 19, 2026

Civil Service Panel Interview: Week of February 2, 2026

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels.