Wastewater Collection System Operator; SBP

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a skilled and motivated Wastewater Collection System Operator to help maintain and operate our 2C-designated Wastewater Collection System and citywide Storm Drain System. This role supports essential infrastructure that protects public health, ensures regulatory compliance, and keeps our community running smoothly.

The ideal candidate brings strong mechanical aptitude, clear communication skills, and a willingness to work both independently and as part of a team. Candidates should be comfortable working in the field, adapting to changing conditions, and using a variety of tools and computer programs. Experience with wastewater or stormwater systems, basic electrical or hydraulic knowledge, and proficiency in Word, Outlook, and Excel are highly desirable.

Visit our Wastewater Division webpage or contact the hiring manager, Stephen Carroll, who will be happy to provide additional information.

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, November 3rd 2026, so please hold that date.

The Wastewater Collection System operator is responsible for the repair, operation and maintenance of the City's State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) designated 2C Wastewater Collection system consisting of 133 miles of sewer pipe ranging in size from 6 inch to 48 inch and 10 sewer pump stations. Operators are also responsible for the operations and maintenance of the City's Storm Drain System consisting of 50 miles of pipe ranging in size from 8 inch to 60 inch and other underground channels.

Employees in this position perform a wide variety of skilled systems operations, maintenance, repairs, monitoring, reporting and work related to the City's wastewater collection system and for the operations and maintenance of the City's storm drain system. Positions in this classification are responsible for compliance with the (SWRCB) Statewide General Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems. Job incumbents will be required to obtain increasing levels of Collection System Maintenance Certification from the California Water Quality Association (CWEA) to a journey level (Grade II) of classification as defined in the Department's skills based pay program.

This classification is a "Skills Based Pay" (SBP) advancement series. Employees in this classification shall have the opportunity to advance within the series to the highest working class. Such advancement shall be based on their attainment and demonstrated performance of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, and/or required certification, and the recommendation of the department head.

Employees in this classification receive limited supervision from the Wastewater Collection Supervisor within a framework of standard policies and procedures. Positions in this class work independently while on mandatory standby/callout.

• Participates in all aspects and functions of maintenance, operation, construction and emergency repair of the wastewater collection system; performs maintenance and repairs on sewer mains, lift stations and telemetry systems; installs wye connections, and abandons service connections.
• Participates in all aspects and functions of maintenance and operations of the storm drain system; performs maintenance on underground public storm drains and Drain Inlets (DIs).
• Responds to wastewater and storm water related emergencies such as overflows, blockages and lift station failures; assesses situation, determines proper action, makes process control decision, performs necessary repair work to resolve problems or requests appropriate equipment/staff/contractors to resolve problems.
• Operates and maintains a variety of automotive and specialized equipment including backhoe/ loader, hydro-cleaning/combination truck, CCTV pipeline inspection unit, dump truck, portable emergency generators, pumps, pump controllers, electrical, telemetry and other hydraulic systems.
• Reviews, investigates and comments on engineering plans and specifications.
• Develops and provides asset identification for database and GIS system.
• Observes system flow and dynamics; inspects and reports system conditions and makes recommendations.
• Coordinates with inspectors, engineering and contractors on public and private projects within the public right of way.
• Provides…