Wastewater Collection System Operator (SBP)

Wastewater Collection System Operator (SBP)

Salary

$65,260.00 - $98,358.00 Annually

Location

City of San Luis Obispo, CA

Job Type

Regular Full Time

Department

Wastewater Collection

Opening Date

07/09/2026

Closing Date

7/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB DESCRIPTION

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a skilled and motivated Wastewater Collection System Operator to help maintain and operate our 2C-designated Wastewater Collection System and citywide Storm Drain System. This role supports key infrastructure that protects public health, ensures regulatory compliance, and keeps our community running smoothly.

The ideal candidate brings strong mechanical aptitude, clear communication skills, and a willingness to work both independently and as part of a team. Candidates should be comfortable working in the field, adapting to changing conditions, and using a variety of tools and computer programs. Experience with wastewater or stormwater systems, basic electrical or hydraulic knowledge, and proficiency in Word, Outlook, and Excel are highly desirable.

If you're ready to learn, grow, and contribute to essential City operations, we encourage you to apply.

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, August 18th 2026, so please hold that date.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Wastewater Collection System operator is responsible for the repair, operation and maintenance of the Citys State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) designated 2C Wastewater Collection system consisting of 133 miles of sewer pipe ranging in size from 6 inch to 48 inch and 10 sewer pump stations. Operators are also responsible for the operations and maintenance of the Citys Storm Drain System consisting of 50 miles of pipe ranging in size from 8 inch to 60 inch and other underground channels.

Employees in this position perform a wide variety of skilled systems operations, maintenance, repairs, monitoring, reporting and work related to the Citys wastewater collection system and for the operations and maintenance of the Citys storm drain system. Positions in this classification are responsible for compliance with the (SWRCB) Statewide General Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems. Job incumbents will be required to obtain increasing levels of Collection System Maintenance Certification from the California Water Quality Association (CWEA) to a journey level (Grade II) of classification as defined in the Departments skills based pay program.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification is a "Skills Based Pay" (SBP) advancement series. Employees in this classification shall have the opportunity to advance within the series to the highest working class. Such advancement shall be based on their attainment and demonstrated performance of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, and/or required certification, and the recommendation of the department head.

SUPERVISION

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Employees in this classification receive limited supervision from the Wastewater Collection Supervisor within a framework of standard policies and procedures. Positions in this class work independently while on mandatory standby/callout.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in all aspects and functions of maintenance, operation, construction and emergency repair of the wastewater collection system; performs maintenance and repairs on sewer mains, lift stations and telemetry systems; installs wye connections, and abandons service connections.
• Participates in all aspects and functions of maintenance and operations of the storm drain system; performs maintenance on underground public storm drains and Drain Inlets (DIs).
• Responds to wastewater and storm water related emergencies such as overflows, blockages and lift station failures; assesses situation, determines proper action, makes process control decision, performs necessary repair work to resolve problems or requests appropriate equipment/staff/contractors to resolve problems.
• Operates and maintains a variety of automotive and specialized equipment including backhoe/ loader, hydro-cleaning/combination truck, CCTV pipeline inspection unit, dump truck, portable emergency generators, pumps, pump controllers, electrical, telemetry and other hydraulic systems.
• Reviews, investigates and comments on engineering plans and specifications.
• Develops and provides asset identification for database and GIS system.
• Observes system flow and dynamics; inspects and reports system conditions and makes recommendations.
• Coordinates with inspectors, engineering and contractors on public and private projects within the public right of way.
• Provides inspection of completed capital improvements projects and development.
• Interprets and makes required replacement/adjustment of specialized equipment and instruments such as pressure transducers, pump controllers, telemetry equipment, recorders, gauges, meters, charts and dials.
• Excavates City streets and easements.
• Locates and properly marks underground sewer system assets per USA rules and regulations.
• Maintains computerized and manual records related to service and repair work performed; tracks, reports, interpret information and adjust maintenance schedules, follow-up on requires maintenance and repair and maintain program documentation.
• Operates power tools and hand tools such as tamper, jackhammer, electric tools, coring machine, welders and others tools as required.
• Schedules and performs routine periodic maintenance and emergency repair of sewage lift stations.
• Operates, maintains and troubleshoots pump control systems and computerized telemetry systems for monitoring sewage lift stations.
• Accurately maintains computerized preventative, forced, and corrective maintenance activities and parts inventory records.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Methods, tools, equipment and procedures related to a wastewater collection system.
• Operation, maintenance and emergency repair of pumps, motors, pressure regulators, storage.
• Mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles.
• Safety procedures, rules and regulations related to utility and public works construction, maintenance projects and emergency repair including working in trenches, confined spaces and potentially hazardous conditions.
• State and Federal regulations and requirements for confined space.
• State, Federal and local reporting requirements for sanitary sewage spill and overflow reporting guidelines.
• Statewide General Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems and the Citys Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP).
• Statewide Phase II Municipal Storm Water General Discharge Requirements and the Citys Storm Water Management Plan
• Utilization of a variety of computerized programs, i.e. maintenance programs, word processing and spreadsheets.
• CPR and First Aid.
• State Traffic Control Manual and Regulations.
• Emergency response procedures.

Ability to:

• Safely and effectively perform semi-skilled and skilled construction, maintenance emergency repair work related to the wastewater collection system and related components and equipment.
• Safely and effectively operate automotive and specialized equipment utilized in the maintence and operation of wastewater collection systems.
• Recognize unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions.
• Comply with the Citys Blood Borne Pathogens and Respiratory Protection Policy.
• Interpret wastewater collection system diagrams and mapping.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions in an independent manner.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships within a team oriented operation.
• Manage or lead assigned projects.
• Interpret and make judgments on the application of engineering standards and specifications.
• Train others in the proper methods of wastewater collection operations, construction, maintenance and emergency repair.
• Wear positive or passive pressure breathing apparatus and other safety equipment as required and comply with the Citys facial hair requirements for the use of respiratory equipment.
• Meet physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties, including heavy manual labor in adverse conditions over long periods of time and passing an annual respiratory/physical examination.
• Work in unpleasant and potentially hazardous working conditions, at times exposed to raw sewage, in conditions such as; traffic areas, trenches and other confined spaces.
• Perform mandatory stand-by duties and responds to emergency call-outs following City standard policies and procedures.
• Lift and operate 100 pound jackhammer and other related equipment.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum entry level requirements are a high school graduation or G.E.D., mechanical aptitude, and demonstrated interest in advancement in challenging, technical fields. Higher initial placement in the higher salary band is negotiable with higher levels of education and/or experience.

Highly desirable traits include:

Current CWEA Wastewater Collection Maintenance certification.;

Related college education such as hydraulic mechanical technology or chemistry.;

Specialized training related to the wastewater collection or storm drain maintenance field.;

Work experience in the wastewater collection or storm drain maintenance field at a wastewater collection or storm drain system performing actual work in operation and maintenance of underground pipeline and repair or pumps, motors, telemetry systems and related equipment.;

Operator experience as a certified wastewater collection system at a 2C or higher wastewater collection system.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California Class "A" drivers license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• A CWEA Collection System Maintenance certification grades I or higher is highly desirable.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Pre-employment Physical
• Pre-employment DOT Drug Screening
• Livescan Fingerprinting (DOJ)

Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice

The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.

La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.

For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.

For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our Benefits Summary.

Retirement: California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.

Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.

Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.

Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.

Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.

Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.

Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.

Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.

Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.

Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.

Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.

Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.

Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.

Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• Masters degree or higher
• Bachelors degree
• Associates degree or vocational equivalent
• Some college
• High School/G.E.D.
• None of the above

02

Do you have any related college education such as hydraulic mechanical technology or chemistry? If you do, please explain. If you do not have related college education, please put N/A. (desirable, not required)

03

Do you have mechanical aptitude and ability to advance in a challenging, technical field?

• Yes
• No

04

Please describe how you meet the requirements of having mechanical aptitude and a demonstrated interest in and ability to advance in a challenging, technical field.

05

Do you have a current CWEA Wastewater Collection System Maintenance certification? Please describe, including which certification grade. (Highly desirable, not required)

06

Do you have any specialized training related to the wastewater collection or storm drain maintenance field? (desirable, not required)

• Yes
• No

07

If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please explain your specialized training related to the wastewater collection or storm drain maintenance field. If you answered "no", please put N/A.

08

Do you have work experience in the wastewater collection or storm drain maintenance field at a wastewater collection or storm drain system performing actual work in operation and maintenance of underground pipeline and repair or pumps, motors, telemetry systems and related equipment? (desirable, not required)

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please explain your work experience in the wastewater collection or storm drain maintenance field. If you answered "no", please put N/A.

10

Do you have operator experience as a certified wastewater collection system at a 2C or higher wastewater collection system? If yes, please explain. Otherwise, please put N/A. (desirable, not required)

11

Do you have a valid Class "A" California drivers license? If you do not currently possess a valid Class "A" California drivers license, do you have the ability to obtain one within one year of hire? Please select the answer that best applies.]

• Currently possess a valid Class "A" California drivers license
• Do not currently possess a valid Class "A" California drivers license and HAVE the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire
• Do not currently possess a valid Class "A" California drivers license and DO NOT HAVE the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire of hire

12

Do you possess a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of San Luis Obispo

Address 990 Palm St

San Luis Obispo, California, 93401

Phone 805-781-7250

Website http://www.slocity.org