Project Assistant I Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $61,235.20 - $81,640.00 Annually
Location : San Jose Metropolitan Area
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00002962
DEPART: Public Works
Opening Date: 05/13/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.
The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov.
About the Department
The City of San José, the Capital of Silicon Valley, is one of the nation's best managed cities and one of the top cities in which to live, work, and do business. Moreover, San José is the center of cultural, government and economic activity for the region. The employees of the City of San José have embraced the following values: Integrity, Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Respect, and Celebration. The City's Public Works Department is seeking an individual whose values align with the values of the City's employees.
The Department of Public Works is responsible for delivering capital improvement projects for a wide variety of City facilities and infrastructure, maintaining City facilities and fleet assets, facilitating, and regulating development activities, and providing animal care and services. The Department is committed to high-quality service, and partnering with the community, and providing an excellent environment in which to work.
Salary Information
The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate's qualifications and experience. The total salary range for Equipment Mechanic Assistant I/II classification is:
Equipment Mechanic Assistant I: $61,235.20- $74,422.40
Equipment Mechanic Assistant II: $67,225.60- $81,640.00
Position Duties
This position is open until filled with the first review date of May 28, 2026.
The Fleet Management Division in Public Works Department is responsible for the management of the City's fleet including the comprehensive inspection, maintenance, repair, acquisition, and disposal. The City's vehicle and equipment fleet currently consists of over 2,700 assets.
The Department of Public Works Fleet Management Division is recruiting to fill one (1) Equipment Mechanic Assistant I/II (EMA I/II) position. The EMA I/II is responsible for performing inspections, communicating with other staff and customers, servicing, installation of electronic electrical equipment, ordering parts, entering data in the fleet management system, road testing and diagnosing problems to make various repairs and adjustments on automotive, heavy truck and/or heavy equipment. While working under general supervision, the EMA I/II will be expected to perform safely and follow all rules required by the City of San Jose. These positions, depending on facility assignments, will require working various shift hours and overtime.
The following position details are the areas of experience required for employment and a general description of associated duties. Applicants should identify clearly which area or areas align with their experience in the application process.
Equipment Mechanic Assistant I/II (SERVICE)
Equipment Mechanic Assistant (Service) position is responsible for scheduling, servicing, inspections, and repairs on City vehicles and equipment.
Equipment Mechanic Assistant I/II (PARTS)
Equipment Mechanic Assistant (Parts) position orders, receives, and issues automotive, truck, and equipment parts. This position also researches and identifies selected parts for issue, stocks and verifies inventories, and utilizes the fleet database to manage inventories.
Minimum Qualifications
Equipment Mechanic Assistant I (EMA I)
Education: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.
Experience: Two (2) years of experience in maintenance of automotive equipment which may include any one of a combination of servicing vehicles, installation of automotive components and accessories, or maintenance and disbursement of parts and supply inventories.
Equipment Mechanic Assistant II (EMA II)
Education: Successful completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate.
Experience: Four (4) years of experience in the equipment mechanical assistance of automotive equipment which may include any one of a combination of servicing vehicles, installation of automotive components and accessories, or maintenance and disbursement of parts and supply inventories including two (2) years increasingly responsible experience equivalent to the level of Equipment Mechanic Assistant I with the City of San José.
Required Licensing (EMA I/II): Possession of a valid California Driver's License at all times is a condition of employment. As a condition of employment in some designated positions, possession of a valid State of California Class A or B Driver's License with applicable endorsements may be required in the performance of job duties.
Background Investigation Process: Eligible candidates will complete a Class C Background packet. Upon successful completion and review of the background investigation, the hiring board will make their employment selections. Those selected will move forward in the hiring process.
Other Qualifications
Competencies
The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:
Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
Communication Skills: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
Computer Skills: Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.
Customer Service: Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.
Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
Multi-Tasking: Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).
Reliability: Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which will include a practical exercise.
The practical exercise will be tentatively held on the following dates:
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Interviews will be tentatively held on the week of following dates:
Monday, June 29, 2026
Monday, July 27, 2026
Monday, August 24, 2026
Monday, September 21, 2026
If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Maritza Garcia via email at
Additional Information:
Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.
Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.
Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email and we will research the status of your application.
AI and the Hiring Process
We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.
The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's for detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.
For information on the City's Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.
In additional to the benefits above, there is an to explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.
01
What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School Diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• College (1 to 29 semester units/ 1 to 44 quarter units)
• College (30 to 59 semester units/ 45 to 89 quarter units)
• College (60 to 89 semester units/ 90 to 134 quarter units)
• College (90 to 119 semester units/ 135 to 179 quarter units)
• College (120 or more semester units/ 180 or more quarter units)
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• Other
• None of the above

02
How many years of experience do you have in maintenance of automotive equipment which may include any one of a combination of servicing vehicles, installation of automotive components and accessories, or maintenance and disbursement of parts and supply inventories?

• Less than two (2) years
• Two (2) years or more, but fewer than four (4)
• Four (4) or more years

03
How many years of increasingly responsible experience do you have equivalent to the level of Equipment Mechanic Assistant I with the City of San Jose?

• Less than one (1) year
• One (1) year or more, but fewer than two (2)
• Two (2) or more years

04
This position requires a State of California Driver's License. Please select the applicable option that best describes your driver's license, or your ability to possess a valid driver's license.

• State of CA, Class A Driver's License
• State of CA, Class B Driver's License
• State of CA, Class C Driver's License
• I do not possess a State of California Driver's License but, I can obtain one.
• I do not possess a State of California Driver's License and I cannot obtain one

05
Based on the position descriptions, please choose the areas which align with your experience. You may choose more than one area of expertise. (Multiple answers)

• Service position
• Parts position
• All of the above

06
Are you willing and able to work various shift hours and overtime that may include weekends, evenings and holidays?

• Yes
• No

Required Question