Sewer/Water Construction Worker-Journey Level-26603503W
Salary
$68,785.60 - $84,406.40 Annually
Location
County of San Diego, CA
Job Type
Regular - Full time
Job Number
26603503W
Department
Wastewater Management
Division
Operations & Maintenance
Opening Date
06/24/2026
Closing Date
7/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Summary
SEWER/WATER CONSTRUCTION WORKER - JOURNEY LEVEL
The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications at time of appointment.
Interviews will take place beginning the week of August 17, 2026
Future Salary Increases
June 2027 - 5.23% increase to base pay (2.90% Across-the- Board + 2.33% Market Adjustment)
$1,250 Recruitment Bonus
Additional $1,250 Bonus after successful completion of the probation period
In addition to the base salary, employees in this job class may receive a fifty cent ($0.50) per hour premium while tree trimming, and a twenty-five cents ($0.25) per hour premium while operating a motor sweeper.
Positions in this job class are assigned to the County of San Diego - Department of Public Works. Please see the Department of Public Works site for additional information about the department.
The San Diego County Sanitation District (The District) provides sewer service to nearly 37,000 customers in the unincorporated areas of the county. The Districts sanitary sewer system is comprised of approximately 432 miles of sewer lines, 8,200 maintenance holes, 8 pump stations, several pressurized force mains, and 3 wastewater treatment plants. Wastewater from rural communities is conveyed to District-operated wastewater treatment plants for treatment and disposal. In addition, the sewer lines are routinely cleaned, inspected using Closed-Circuit TV equipment, and repaired and rehabilitated as needed. There are also routine maintenance schedules for the maintenance holes, pump stations, and treatment plant components.
The County of San Diego is currently accepting job applications for Sewer/Water Construction Worker-Journey Level. Sewer/Water Construction Worker-Journey Level staff provide technical guidance and training to sewer construction and maintenance workers, and coordinate, instruct and train staff engaged in pipeline and facility installation and repair work related to water and wastewater systems. Staff in this classification also operate a variety of equipment and hand tools used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water distribution mains, wastewater collection systems, services, laterals, hydrants, valves, meters, and related apparatus.
Please see the Sewer/Water Construction Worker-Journey Level to obtain additional information on this job class. In the job description, look for the section titled Water/Wastewater Option to read the job duties pertaining to this position.
The County of San Diego is also accepting applications for Sewer/Water Construction Worker-Lead Level. Please click the link to apply for the Lead level of this class.
Ideal candidate
The ideal candidate for this position will have the following attributes:
Hiring Process and Timeline:
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
Minimum Qualifications
A valid California Class B drivers license with a tank endorsements and without air brake restrictions, and a current medical card is required at time of appointment and both must be maintained throughout employment in this class; AND
Two (2) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of water/wastewater systems which includes the operation of water/wastewater equipment including rodders, jet rodders, combination trucks, backhoes and skiploaders; OR
One (1) year of full-time experience as a Sewer Construction and Maintenance Worker with the County of San Diego.
Some positions require possession of a California Class A drivers license. Employees in this class are subject to random drug testing per DOT guidelines.
Certification/Registration
Some positions within Water/Wastewater may require possession of a Water Distribution D2 certificate by the end of the probationary period.
A Grade 2 or higher Wastewater Collection System certification is desirable.
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Conditions of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
Evaluation
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information provided on the employment and supplemental applications.
Please ensure all information is complete and accurate, as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran's Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veterans Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please see the Military Skills Translator page to access the tool.
Strategic Plan
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov).
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
Diversity & Inclusion
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary (NMG-NCM)
01
Please be sure to answer the following questions in a thorough, complete, and truthful manner, as your responses may be used to determine your overall score. Please do NOT indicate "See Resume" or "See Application" as these are not valid answers. If you are invited to a selection interview(s) by a department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification. Please review the minimum qualifications for this position before completing your application. Do you understand this information?
02
Please check the box below that accurately describes how you meet the minimum qualifications for Sewer/Water Construction Worker-Journey Level classification. NOTE Experience: Please ensure you reference your experience in the Work History of your job application.
03
Do you have experience operating the following equipment? Please check all the boxes that apply
04
If you indicated that you have experience in Question #2 and selected any equipment types in Question #3, please describe your experience. Be sure to include the following details: 1) Your job title(s) 2) Your employer name(s) 3) Length of your experience (from month/year to month/year or present) 4) A description of your duties, including the kinds of equipment you operated. NOTE: If you responded that you do not possess the required experience in Question #2, then enter NA below.
05
Which of the following do you possess? please check all that apply.
06
Do you currently possess a valid medical card? Note: A current medical certificate is required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
07
If you responded Yes to Question #6, what is the expiration date of your medical card? if you responded No to Question #6, enter NA.
08
Do you have work experience operating wastewater/water construction and repair equipment for a public or private utility agency, district, or company?
09
If you responded Yes to Question #8, then please describe your experience. Be sure to include the following information: 1) Your job title(s) 2) Your employer name(s) 3) Length of your experience (from month/year to month/year or present) 4) A description of your duties, including the kinds of wastewater-related equipment you operated. NOTE: If you responded No to Question #8, then enter NA below.
10
Were you referred by a County employee to apply for this position? Note: effective September 9, 2022, County employees are eligible to earn cash awards for any candidates they refer to hard to recruit positions that are then hired.
11
If you responded "Yes" to the above, in the space provided please list the name of the County employee that referred you.
12
Where did you first hear about this job opportunity?
Required Question
Employer County of San Diego
Address 5500 Overland Ave., Suite 370
San Diego, California, 92123
Phone (619) 236-2191
(866) 880-9374
Website http://www.SanDiegoCounty.gov
We are committed to provide and retain a skilled, adaptable, and diverse workforce for County departments so they may deliver superior services to the residents and visitors of the County of San Diego.