Sewer​/Water Construction Worker-Lead Level

SEWER/WATER CONSTRUCTION WORKER - 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.

• June 2026 – 6.24% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the-Board + 3.24% Market Adjustment)
• June 2027 – 6.14% increase to base pay (2.90% Across-the-Board + 3.24% Market Adjustment)

Positions in this job class are assigned to the County of San Diego – Department of Public Works.

The San Diego County Sanitation District provides sewer service to nearly 37,000 customers in the unincorporated areas of the county. The District’s sanitary sewer system comprises 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.

Sewer lines are routinely cleaned, inspected using closed‑circuit TV equipment, and repaired and rehabilitated as needed. Maintenance schedules exist for the holes, pump stations, and treatment plant components.

The County of San Diego is currently accepting job applications for a Sewer/Water Construction Worker – Lead Level. Staff in this classification 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 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.

• Has experience operating water/wastewater construction and repair equipment such as dump trucks and backhoes.
• Has experience leading subordinate water/wastewater maintenance and construction crews and has directed the more difficult/complex water/wastewater distribution/collection repair tasks.
• 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).

A valid California Class B driver’s license with a tank endorsement and a current medical card are required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
AND

• Two (2) years of experience as an equipment operator in water/wastewater or stormwater with the County of San Diego OR Three (3) years of experience operating motorized equipment in the maintenance and repair of water/wastewater distribution systems.
• Some positions require a California Class A driver’s license.
• Employees in this class are subject to random drug testing per DOT guidelines.

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.