Assistant Plant Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $74,484.80 - $91,395.20 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number: 26707001
Department: Wastewater Management
Division: Operations & Maintenance
Opening Date: 01/28/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
Excellent Career Opportunity!Department of Public Works
Wastewater Plant Operator II
Interviews will take place on an ongoing basis.
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 $91,395.20
Future Salary Increases
** June 2027 - 4.66% increase to base pay (2.90% Across-the- Board + 1.76% Market Adjustment)
Do you have the knowledge of wastewater treatment plants and water distribution systems?
The County's Department of Public Works seeks your interest in an excellent career opportunity for Wastewater Plant Operator II. Our Operators 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. Wastewater Plant Operator II performs the following duties at the journey level: skilled operation and maintenance of rural wastewater plants, sewer conveyance systems, and water distribution systems, including pumping stations, wastewater treatment plants, and potable water distribution systems.
Please read the Wastewater Plant Operator II 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 Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the California Water Resources Control Board.
NOTE: A copy of the Grade II certificate must be attached during Step 1 of the on-line application submittal process.
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
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 for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please go to the 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. Please see the for more information.
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.
Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary (NMG-NCM)
01
Please be sure to answer the following questions in a thorough, complete and truthful manner, as your responses may be used to determine your overall score. Please do NOT indicate "See Resume," or "See Application," as these are not valid answers. If you are invited to a selection interview(s) by the hiring department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification. Please review the minimum qualifications for this position before completing your application. Do you understand this information?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a current Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the California Water Resources Control Board?

• Yes
• No

03
If you answered Yes on Question #2, then do you understand that you MUST submit a copy of your certificate during Step 1 of the on-line application submittal process?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have at least six (6) months of paid work experience as a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator with a public or private sewer agency or agencies?

• Yes
• No

05
If you responded Yes to Question #4, did you reference the experience in the 'Work Experience' section of the application?

• Yes
• No

06
If you have worked at a wastewater plant and/or pumping station, please check the duties below that you were responsible for performing within each work setting. NOTE: If you checked any of the duties below, and you are invited to a selection interview by the Department of Public Works, your responses may be subject to verification.

• Wastewater Plant - operated pumps
• Wastewater Plant - operated blowers
• Wastewater Plant - operated clarifiers
• Wastewater Plant - operated digesters
• Pumping Station - performed operational checks
• Pumping Station - performed maintenance
• Pumping Station - performed record keeping
• None of the above

07
If you checked at least one duty on Question #6, then please provide a description of your job functions. Be sure to include the following information:1) Job title(s)2) Employer name(s)3) A brief description of the work you performed. NOTE: If you checked "None of the Above" on Question #6, then please enter N/A below.
08
Do you have any experience in water distribution systems?

• Yes
• No

09
If you responded Yes to Question #8, did you reference the experience in the 'Work Experience' section of the application?

• Yes
• No

10
Where did you first hear about this job opportunity?

• American Water Works
• BC Water Jobs
• CWEA
• Water Environment Fed
• County Social Media
• LinkedIn/Indeed
• San Diego Voice & Viewpoint
• County Employee Resources Group
• San Diego County website
• Governmentjobs.com
• Veteran Outreach / FFSC
• Family, Neighbors, Friends
• Other

Required Question