County of San Diego is hiring: Sewer/Water Construction Worker-Journey Level-256

Overview

County of San Diego - Department of Public Works

Sewer/Water Construction Worker - Journey Level

Future Salary Increases

June 2026 – 5.33% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the-Board + 2.33% Market Adjustment)

June 2027 – 5.23% increase to base pay (2.90% Across-the-Board + 2.33% Market Adjustment)

Interviews will take place on an ongoing basis.

Incentives and premiums

$1,250 Recruitment Bonus; Additional $1,250 after successful completion of probation; Employee Referral Reward Program available for referrals by current County employees.

A premium of $0.50 per hour while tree trimming and $0.25 per hour while operating a motor sweeper may be paid in addition to base pay.

About the Position

Positions are assigned to the County of San Diego - Department of Public Works. The District provides sewer service to about 37,000 customers in unincorporated areas. The sanitary sewer system includes approximately 432 miles of sewer lines, 8,200 maintenance holes, 8 pump stations, several force mains, and 3 wastewater treatment plants. Work includes cleaning, inspecting with Closed-Circuit TV equipment, repairing and rehabilitating sewer lines, maintenance holes, pump stations, and treatment plant components. The County is recruiting for Sewer/Water Construction Worker - Journey Level. This class operates equipment and hand tools used to repair or maintain sewers and water lines.

For more information on this job class, applicants should review the related job description details. The County is also accepting applications for Sewer/Water Construction Worker - Lead Level.

Hiring Timeline & Dates

• Job Offer and Background Process begin after interviews. Some current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: approximately 3 days following successful background investigations.
• Anticipated Start Date: based on medical screening completion or other mutually agreed date.

If not selected for this interview process, you may have opportunities to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid California Class B driver's license with tank and air brake endorsements and a current medical card is required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment; AND

1. Two (2) years of experience in maintenance and repair of water/wastewater systems, including operation of rodders, jet rodders, combination trucks, backhoes and skiploaders; OR
2. One (1) year of full-time experience as a Sewer Construction and Maintenance Worker with the County of San Diego.

Note: Stormwater experience is considered qualifying.

The Department of Human Resources uses Blind Applicant Screening to remove personally identifiable information from recruitments to promote fair and diverse hiring.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Include experience in meeting minimum requirements in both the Work Experience and Supplemental Questionnaire sections of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application materials.

Condition of Employment & Licenses

As part of the pre-employment process, candidates undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening. Additional background investigations may be conducted based on job activities. A valid California Class B license with tank and air brake endorsements is required at time of appointment; a Class A license with tank and air brake endorsements must be obtained by the end of the probationary period. Some positions require a Water Distribution D2 certificate by the end of probation. A Grade 2 or higher Wastewater Collection System certificate is desirable.

Working Conditions

Operators work on sewer lines or County roadways without weather protection and are exposed to traffic, dust, and noise. Schedules may include evenings, weekends, and holidays due to emergencies or weather events.

Equity & Veterans

The County supports veterans with a preference policy and resources to translate military experience to civilian roles. Veterans resources are available for applicants.