Wastewater Plant Operator III

Job Title

Wastewater Plant Operator III

The County of San Diego’s Department of Public Works seeks an experienced Wastewater Plant Operator III (WPO III) to operate and maintain five wastewater treatment plants and various sewer pump stations throughout the county. The incumbent will use a range of equipment and machinery—pumps, motors, control centers, screening devices, flow meters, trickling filters, activated sludge processes, digesters, sludge drying beds, effluent percolation beds, and spray irrigation systems—to recognize and correct abnormal, inefficient, or unsafe conditions.

• Operate and monitor all wastewater treatment plant processes and associated equipment.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on pumps, motors, valves, and control systems.
• Respond promptly to alarms, incidents, and emergency situations to protect plant integrity and public health.
• Record daily operating data, maintenance logs, and incident reports for compliance purposes.
• Provide technical guidance and training to lower‑class operators and assist in supervisory duties in the supervisor’s absence.
• May be assigned responsibility for a geographic district of the waste treatment system.

• Current Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate.
• At least two (2) years of experience at the Level II equivalent within the County of San Diego or a comparable agency.

• Annual base salary of $.
• Projected salary increases: 4.33% in June 2026 and 3.83% in June 2027.
• Opportunity for supervisory responsibilities and district assignment.