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Sewer Machine Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Plumber/Drain Cleaning

San Jose, CA · On-site

$31 - $37/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Well $15 Sewer and Drain Company is the oldest locally owned and operated residential plumbing ... We gear our techs up with all the necessary machines, color cameras and access to all tools you ...

CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of construction machinery, capacities, and safe operating procedures. * Capable of ... Capability to operate mid to large class excavators in order to dig mainline sewer, storm and water ...

Excavator Operator

Livermore, CA · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... excavator for sewer & water service repairs/replacements at our East Bay branch, located in ... Operates back-hoe, mini-excavator, skid steers, and/or other excavation machinery equipped with ...

Excavator Operator

Livermore, CA · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... excavator for sewer & water service repairs/replacements at our East Bay branch, located in ... Operates back-hoe, mini-excavator, skid steers, and/or other excavation machinery equipped with ...

Excavator Operator

Livermore, CA

$17 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... excavator for sewer & water service repairs/replacements at our East Bay branch, located in ... Operates back-hoe, mini-excavator, skid steers, and/or other excavation machinery equipped with ...

Excavator Operator

Livermore, CA

$17 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... excavator for sewer & water service repairs/replacements at our East Bay branch, located in ... Operates back-hoe, mini-excavator, skid steers, and/or other excavation machinery equipped with ...

Utility Operator I

Lindsay, CA

$52K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... sewer plugs. Assist in the monthly city-wide water meter reading. Adjusts or alters chemical ... machinery. Operates a wide variety of tools and equipment used in minor mechanical repair and ...

Previous drain/sewer experience * Experience operating sewer drain machines * Valid driver's license and clean driving record * Reliable, hardworking, and professional * Strong communication and ...

Showing results 21-40

Sewer Machine Operator information

See California salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do sewer machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for sewer machine operator in California is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sewer machine operator?

Sewer Machine Operators are skilled workers who operate specialized equipment to clean, maintain, and repair sewer lines and drainage systems. Their main responsibilities include using machines such as jetters, augers, and vacuum trucks to clear blockages, remove debris, and ensure the proper flow of wastewater. They also perform routine inspections, document maintenance activities, and follow safety protocols to protect themselves and the environment. This role is essential for preventing sewage backups, minimizing environmental hazards, and maintaining public health in communities.

What is the difference between Sewer Machine Operator vs Drain Cleaner?

AspectSewer Machine OperatorDrain Cleaner
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsBasic safety training, possibly specialized certifications for equipment
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, sewer systems, underground infrastructureResidential and commercial drain systems, often accessible above ground
Job ResponsibilitiesOperating heavy machinery to clean or repair sewer linesClearing blockages, snaking drains, minor repairs

Both Sewer Machine Operators and Drain Cleaners work in the plumbing and sewer industry, often requiring safety certifications. Sewer Machine Operators typically handle heavy equipment in underground or large-scale sewer systems, while Drain Cleaners focus on clearing blockages in accessible drain lines. The roles overlap in industry and safety training but differ mainly in scope and work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by sewer machine operators and how can they be overcome?

Sewer Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined or hazardous environments, dealing with blockages that require precise troubleshooting, and maintaining equipment to prevent breakdowns. Effective communication with team members and adherence to safety protocols are essential for overcoming these challenges. Ongoing training and regular equipment checks also help operators stay prepared for unexpected issues, ensuring safe and efficient workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sewer machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sewer Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, basic plumbing knowledge, physical stamina, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sewer cleaning equipment, CCTV inspection systems, and adherence to safety protocols are essential, and some employers may require a CDL or relevant safety certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable operators to diagnose issues and work safely within teams. These skills ensure efficient maintenance of sewer systems, prevent environmental hazards, and promote workplace safety.

What job categories do people searching Sewer Machine Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Sewer Machine Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Sewer Machine Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sewer Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Sewer Machine Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,331 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Plumber/Drain Cleaning

15 Sewer and Drain

San Jose, CA • On-site

$31 - $37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Plumbing Service Technician
$15 Sewer and Drain Service
San José, CA
Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance
401(K)
Paid Time Off
Employment type:
Full-time
Job description
We are looking for Experienced Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Service Technicians; we are looking for techs with 3 +experience.
Do you have extensive plumbing service/Drain Cleaning/Leak Locating/Fixture Replacement/Sewer Line Replacement/Trenchless Pipe Bursting and/or Hydro Jetting experience?
Are you a skilled and experienced plumber looking for a family friendly company to work for? Well $15 Sewer and Drain Company is the oldest locally owned and operated residential plumbing company in San Jose. We opened our doors in March of 1983! Over the years we have employed many plumbers here in the San Jose, 1st, 2nd and now even a 3rd generation plumbers we have with us still. We have always been well known in our industry for "the company that can get your drain open" our customers have been repeat customers for over 40 YEARS, and we mainly deal with residential homeowners, tenants, property managers, and Plumbing Contractors. Yes, that's correct we have a very large customer base of contractors who hire us to clear drains for their customers. We make it a priority to keep up with the most current Plumbing Technology. We gear our techs up with all the necessary machines, color cameras and access to all tools you need to get the job done! If you are looking for a long-term place that you can work at we are the place for you, all our current techs have been working here 7 to 25 years and longer!
Is your current job a dead end with no room for advancement? Is it a job or a career? Here at $15 Sewer and Drain we offer a career. We have always believed in training all of our techs so we are constantly providing continuing education, certifications and much more, if you're willing to put in the effort, we will provide all the training and experience your willing to take! Many of our employees after receiving all the on the job paid training and getting years' experience in have moved on to successfully start their own shops! Which makes us very proud to say.
We also provide you with a fully stocked company truck, all the necessary Gorlitz machines to complete any job, color cameras in every truck, leak locating equipment, jetters and more!
We have a full-time position available for an experienced Plumbing Service Technician. The ideal candidate will be a motivated individual with a strong work ethic and professional demeanor. We Are Looking for Someone with Proven Leadership Capability and a MINIMUM 3+ Years Experience in Residential Plumbing
We are a locally owned and operated company that is committed to excellent customer service!
Ask yourself this question: Wouldn't it be great to work around people who are passionate about their work and expect perfection, but at the same time can be reasonable and dignified in the way they do business? To work for a company that doesn't have mandatory unreasonable sales quotas every week?That that failure to meet that quota every week, will result in you not being able to drive the company issued truck that week? Or the employer sets a "goal" that is unattainable for so many reasons, could be a slow week, could be a historically slow time of the year, whatever the reason even if you manage to use that companys creative billing or customer over-selling, you suddenly stop getting dispatched to sales calls and get handed recalls or estimates.... think about that, have you been in that situation in the past? It is very disappointing, but it is a reality.


This was the reason $15 Sewer and Drain came to be back in 1983, Mark McGinnis started this company, because of the company that trained him was putting him in position unfair to the customer. And so $15 Sewer and Drain came to be, and each drain was $15 to clear, it has always been about volume for us, not overselling customers. Why subject yourself to that kind of day-to-day stress, constantly feeling the huge amount of pressure upon your shoulders to take advantage of customers with their "creative" billing. At $15 Sewer and Drain we care about our team; our team is family just like we care about our customers. Come work for a company that respects its employees for their individual talents and abilities! We treat our employees, like we treat our customers with fair and just business practices, and set pricing so you know what you're charging and exactly what you are making every job and your customer knows exactly what they are paying when you knock at there door? Imagine the type of rapport you can build with your customers? If this type of stress-free employment sound good to you, then respond to the add, we are looking for amazing people to join our team. check us out at www.15sewer.com
Background check and drug screening required.

    • Residential service experience
    • Ride along with Apprentice trainee, passionate about coaching and teaching others the trade
    • Price/Writing Bids
    • Communicate with customers and property managers
    • Willing to work on-call schedule
    • Generous Pay depending on experience
    • Benefits (medical, dental, 401K w/ matching)
    • Vacation
    • Training
    • Family Friendly Hours
    • Positive Work Environment
    • Growth Potential
    • Fluent English
    • Strong Work Ethic
    • Punctual
    • Clean DMV, California Driver License
    • Clean and neat appearance
    • Strong communication skills
    • Ability to work independently
    • Attention to detail
    • Team player: able to take direction and willing to learn
    • Drug-free