Sewer/Water Construction Worker-Journey Level and Lead Level

SEWER/WATER CONSTRUCTION WORKER - JOURNEY LEVEL and LEAD 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 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)

** $1,250 Recruitment Bonus

** Additional $1,250 Bonus after successful completion of the probation period

***This hard to recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee’s name on your job application in the space provided. ***

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:

• Has experience operating water/wastewater Construction and repair equipment such as dump trucks and backhoes
• Has experience performing the more difficult/complex construction and repair of sewer/water lines
• Has experience reading and interpreting water/wastewater maps, water meters, and pressure recorder devices
• Has experience setting up trench boxes
• Possesses a Water Distribution D2 certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA)
• Possesses a Grade 2 or higher Wastewater Collection System certification issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA)

Hiring Process and Timeline:

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

1. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
2. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
3. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid California Class B driver's 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
1. 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
2. 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 driver's 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 Veteran's 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) (Download PDF reader).

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.