Wastewater Plant Operator III-26706901
Salary
$85,633.60 - $105,185.60 Annually
Location
County of San Diego, CA
Job Type
Regular - Full time
Job Number
26706901
Department
Wastewater Management
Division
Operations & Maintenance
Opening Date
01/28/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Job Summary
Announcing an Exciting Career Opportunity
County of San Diego-Department of Public Works - Wastewater
Wastewater Plant Operator III
Reflecting our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent, all candidates hired for this position will be eligible to receive an annual base salary of $105,185.60
Interviews will take place on an ongoing basis.
Future Salary Increases
June 2027 - 3.83% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 0.83% Market Adjustment)
Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding career or advancement opportunity and development of your current career? The County is seeking qualified individuals that can bring innovative ideas and strong work ethics to support continual advancements within the Wastewater Management group of the Department of Public Works. The Wastewater Plant Operator III (WPO III) position will have the opportunity to operate and maintain each of the (5) Wastewater Treatment Plants and various sewer pump stations located throughout the County. WPO IIIs use equipment and machinery such as: pumps, valves, electric motors, motor control centers, screening devices, flow meters, trickling filters, activated sludge process, aerobic digesters, sludge drying beds, effluent percolation beds, and spray irrigation systems to recognize unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions and take appropriate action.
Employees in the Wastewater Plant Operator III job class provide technical guidance, training and leadership to lower class wastewater operators, and may supervise in the absence of the supervisor. Incumbents must possess a Grade III Waste Treatment Plant Operator certificate and may be assigned responsibility for a geographical district.
Please read the Wastewater Plant Operator III job description for more information.
Hiring Process and Timeline:
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
i. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
ii. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
iii. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a current Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate, AND, two (2) years of experience at the level equivalent to a Wastewater Plant Operator II with the County of San Diego or another equivalent agency.
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide 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 will help 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.
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. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
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 go to the Military Skills Translator 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
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 the hiring 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
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION Do you have a current Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III Certificate? Note: You MUST submit a copy of your certificate during Step 1 of the on-line application submittal process.
03
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION Do you have two (2) years of experience at the level equivalent to a Wastewater Plant Operator II with the County of San Diego or another equivalent agency?
04
Which of the following secondary treatment processes have you operated?
05
Do you have experience performing the following duties within a pumping station? Select all that apply.
06
What responsibilities have you had as an Operator working at a wastewater treatment plant?
07
What treatment processes have you worked on?
08
What types of sampling have you done?
09
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.