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Wastewater Plant Operator III-26706901

County of San Diego
San Diego, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/30/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/30/2026
  
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 $100,817.60.

Interviews will take place on an ongoing basis.

Future Salary Increases

** June 2026 - 4.33% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board 0.83% Market Adjustment)

** 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 III's 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

Note: 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 read 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.

Salary : $82,077 - $100,818

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