Wastewater Collection System Operator I/II

ABOUT US

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive. Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here. 

THE POSITION

The City of Santa Barbara Water Resources Department is seeking a motivated Water Collection System Operator I/II. This position performs semi-skilled labor in the maintenance, operation, repair and related service activities for wastewater, and collection systems; and to perform a variety of related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Wastewater Collection System Operator I

$75,172.50 - $91,373.10 Annually

This is the entry-level class in the Wastewater Collection System Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Wastewater Collection System Operator II class by the performance of the more routine maintenance tasks and duties including performing less complex maintenance activities. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have limited or no directly related work experience.

Wastewater Collection System Operator II

$88,228.14 - $107,242.20 Annually

This is the full journey level class in the Wastewater Collection System Operator series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Wastewater Collection System Operator I by the performance of the full range of utility maintenance duties including performing complex maintenance functions, and troubleshooting and diagnosing repair needs. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Wastewater Collection System Operator I class, or when filled from the outside, require prior experience.

BENEFITS:

To view our benefits page click here.

Knowledge of:

• Uses and purposes of general construction tools and equipment.
• Safe work practices.

Skills:

• Data collection and entry using computers, mobile phones, and tablets, including technologies unique to the Department of Water Resources.
• Provide excellent Customer Service.

Ability to:

• Perform routine tasks in a variety of utility maintenance activities.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Work safely in confined spaces with hazardous materials.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities

Wastewater Collection System Operator II (In addition to the above):

• Knowledge Of: Operational characteristics of wastewater collection systems; preventative maintenance techniques and procedures; tools and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of wastewater collection systems and equipment.
• Ability To: Perform semi-skilled and skilled maintenance and repair work related to wastewater collection systems; use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, and power tools and equipment; read and interpret basic maps and blueprints; work independently in the absence of supervision

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Wastewater Collection System Operator I: Some experience maintaining and repairing water, wastewater, and recycled water distribution/collection systems and operating heavy equipment, performing construction, or related duties is desirable.

Wastewater Collection System Operator II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience repairing and maintaining water, wastewater and reclamation systems and equipment.

Education and/or Training:

Formal or informal education or training which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance. Training or education on basic collection system operations and maintenance. High school diploma or GED required.

Wastewater Collection System Operator I

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Class B driver's license with tanker endorsement within six months of appointment.
• California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Grade I Collection System Maintenance Technologist certification within one year of appointment.

Wastewater Collection System Operator II

• Possession of valid Class B driver's license with tanker endorsement at time of appointment.
• California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Grade II Collection System Maintenance Technologist certification at time of appointment.

NOTE: Positions in this class may be subject to pre-employment/pre-duty drug testing and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing under the City of Santa Barbara's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy (DOT).

It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as “See application”, “Extensive Experience”, or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.

There is currently one (1) vacancy within the Water Resources Department.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.

CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2025

Salary : $75,173 - $91,373