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Backflow Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Irrigation Specialist

Oxnard, CA ยท On-site

$28.46 - $34.59/hr

To perform a variety of maintenance and repair work to automated and manual irrigation systems; to perform backflow prevention device testing; and to perform a variety of technical duties relative to ...

Plumber III

El Cajon, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Troubleshooting and diagnosing issues in plumbing systems, performing pressure testing, leak detection, drain cleaning/unclogging, backflow testing, and system balancing to ensure optimal function ...

Plumber III

El Cajon, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Troubleshooting and diagnosing issues in plumbing systems, performing pressure testing, leak detection, drain cleaning/unclogging, backflow testing, and system balancing to ensure optimal function ...

Plumber III

El Cajon, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Troubleshooting and diagnosing issues in plumbing systems, performing pressure testing, leak detection, drain cleaning/unclogging, backflow testing, and system balancing to ensure optimal function ...

Plumber III

El Cajon, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Troubleshooting and diagnosing issues in plumbing systems, performing pressure testing, leak detection, drain cleaning/unclogging, backflow testing, and system balancing to ensure optimal function ...

Plumber I

El Cajon, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Actively learn commercial plumbing systems, codes (IPC/UPC), backflow principles, and best practices through on-the-job training, ride-alongs, and assigned coursework. * Communicate professionally ...

Plumber I

El Cajon, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Actively learn commercial plumbing systems, codes (IPC/UPC), backflow principles, and best practices through on-the-job training, ride-alongs, and assigned coursework. * Communicate professionally ...

Showing results 21-40

Backflow information

See California salary details

$17

$27

$38

How much do backflow jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for backflow in California is $27.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.94 and $30.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a backflow technician?

Backflow technicians are professionals who specialize in testing, installing, repairing, and maintaining backflow prevention devices in plumbing systems. These devices prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into clean water supplies, ensuring water safety and compliance with local regulations. Backflow technicians are often certified and work with homeowners, businesses, and municipal water systems to prevent health hazards caused by water contamination.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a backflow prevention specialist?

As a Backflow Prevention Specialist, your daily responsibilities often include inspecting, testing, and repairing backflow prevention assemblies to ensure compliance with local and national plumbing codes. You'll frequently travel to various sites, document test results, and communicate with property owners or facility managers about necessary repairs or maintenance. Collaboration with plumbers, utility staff, and regulatory agencies is common, and staying up-to-date with certification requirements is essential. The role requires strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and a commitment to public health and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backflow technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backflow Technician, you need a solid understanding of plumbing systems, water safety regulations, and backflow prevention methods, usually supported by a high school diploma and specialized backflow certification. Familiarity with backflow testing equipment, repair tools, and local compliance documentation systems is also important. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong customer service skills make technicians stand out in this role. These skills ensure the safe and efficient maintenance of water systems, protect public health, and support regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Backflow vs Backflow Tester?

AspectBackflowBackflow Tester
CertificationsOften requires backflow prevention device certificationsRequires backflow tester certifications and licensing
Work EnvironmentPlumbing, municipal, or industrial settingsField inspections, testing, and certification of backflow devices
Employer & IndustryPlumbing companies, municipalities, industrial facilitiesSpecialized testing companies, plumbing firms, municipal agencies
Job RoleDesigns, installs, repairs backflow prevention devicesTests, inspects, and certifies backflow prevention devices

Backflow refers to the plumbing process or devices preventing contaminated water from reversing flow, while a Backflow Tester specializes in inspecting and certifying these devices. Both roles require specific certifications and are integral to plumbing and municipal water safety. The tester focuses on ensuring devices function correctly, whereas the broader backflow role may include installation and repair.

Is backflow certification worth it?

Backflow certification is valuable for professionals working in plumbing, irrigation, or water systems to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent contamination. It often requires passing an exam and maintaining ongoing training, which can enhance job prospects and credibility in the field.

What job categories do people searching Backflow jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Backflow jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Backflow jobs?

Cities in California with the most Backflow job openings:

Infographic showing various Backflow job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,050 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Environmental Health Technician (Cross Connections)

City of Pasadena

Pasadena, CA โ€ข On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

The City of Pasadena is currently seeking an Environmental Health Technician (Cross Connections) to perform tasks related to environmental health regulatory activities. The primary job duties for this position are field inspections and office work in the cross connections program (approximately 85% of work time). The position also conducts work in one or more secondary programs such as tobacco retail, swimming pools, leaf blowers, or local enforcement related to smoking and vermin complaints, and has opportunities for cross training.

This class differs from the Assistant Environmental Health Specialist in that the latter receives the on-the-job training hours necessary to meet State of California licensure requirements to qualify as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate possesses knowledge of environmental health science principles and theory and has familiarity with plumbing systems, cross connection hazards, and backflow prevention assemblies. This is an in-person assignment with field-based job duties that place them in a new location each day.

They must have strong critical thinking skills, an investigative sense, and the ability to communicate complex and technical information both orally and in writing. An understanding of the technical aspects of cross connection prevention including assembly types, installation, and testing, degrees of hazard, and water systems is a must to excel at this role. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT The City of Pasadena has had its own Public Health Department for over 125 years.

We are excited about serving our community and we hope you are too. Come join our team and grow with us. Please note: This examination is authorized as Promotional and Open Competitive, with the promotional eligibility list taking precedence.

Essential Functions The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more information, please review the job description. Performs inspections of water systems at commercial, institutional, medical, and residential properties for actual and potential cross connections; issues written reports with corrective actions; conducts follow up inspections to verify compliance.

Reviews backflow prevention device test results; updates backflow assembly records, tester certifications, and customer accounts in an electronic data management system. Conducts surveys of public swimming pools to identify critical violations that pose immediate health or safety risks to pool users. Conducts inspections of tobacco retail facilities for compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Investigates complaints related to tobacco use, vector control, vermin, sewage, and general sanitation. Performs annual certification of leaf blowing machines. Performs simple maintenance and calibration of testing equipment.

Writes inspections reports, complaint investigation reports, and correspondence. Issues warning notices and administrative citations. Regularly performs physical activities including sitting, walking, standing, climbing ladders and stairs, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, and crawling.

Must work comfortably in various environments including rooftops, underground tunnels, and confined spaces. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualification Guidelines COMPETENCIES The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

Attention to Detail - Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products. Informing - Proactively obtaining and sharing information. Writing - Communicating effectively in writing.

Handling Conflict - Managing interpersonally strained situations. Reading Comprehension - Understanding and using written information. Legal & Regulatory Navigation - Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Two years of college credit in environmental health, public health, environmental science, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, ecology or a related field; OR Two years of experience working as a vector control technician or providing direct support in an environmental health program. DESIRABLES Two or more years of experience working with plumbing systems Training or certification in cross connections administration or backflow prevention device testing Experience in interpreting and/or enforcing laws, rules, or regulations SELECTION PROCESS The selection process will consist of a training and experience evaluation, interview panel, department-level interview and possibly an online assessment. VACANCY INFORMATION There are currently two full-time vacancies in the Environmental Health division of the Public Health Department.

The resulting eligibility list from this recruitment may be used to fill this vacancy and similar vacancies in the future. Candidates selected for this position are subject to a one-year probationary work period. Special Requirements Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and comply with the City's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment.

PC 832 certification must be completed within one year of appointment to the position as a requirement of continued employment.