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Sewer Machine Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... sewer discharge permit. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Required to read, interpret and ... Appropriately empty and fill all machines in Etch Room following all safety procedures currently in ...

Welder

CA ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... small team of machine operators and welders. A highlight of your day-to-day will include ... access to essential sewer systems. When you join Jensen, you'll experience the close-knit ...

Welder

Ontario, CA

$20 - $25/hr

... small team of machine operators and welders. A highlight of your day-to-day will include ... access to essential sewer systems. When you join Jensen, you'll experience the close-knit ...

Pipelayer

Corona, CA ยท On-site

... sewer, storm drain, manholes, catch basins, services, and related structures. This position ... The Pipelayer works closely with equipment operators and laborers to support safe, efficient ...

Utilities Maintenance III

Los Banos, CA ยท On-site

$59K - $76K/yr

... operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Utilities Maintenance III This is the ... machine, well equipment, water tower, water meters, drainage systems and sewer systems at frequent ...

Showing results 41-60

Sewer Machine Operator information

See California salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do sewer machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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.

PAD Operator

Vacco

South El Monte, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

VACCO Industries
Job Description
Job Title: Pad Worker "A"
Department: Maintenance
Reports To: Manager, Facilities
FLSA Status: Hourly - 18HD
Prepared By: T. Hawley
Prepared Date: January 28, 2010
Dept. Approval By: Date: ________________
H.R. Approval By: Date: ________________
SUMMARY:
Responsible for the safe operation of wastewater and chemical treatment system by controlling equipment such as pumps, valves and other equipment and processes to remove or destroy harmful materials, chemicals and microorganisms from water and disposing of removed waste materials according to VACCO's industrial waste sewer discharge permit.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Required to read, interpret and adjust meters and gauges to insure that equipment and processes are working properly.
Using a variety of instruments sample and measure water quality making any required repairs to valves, pumps and other equipment using common hand and power tools.
Treat waste process chemicals and acid/alkaline rinse water using written standard operating procedures.
Operate waste water system, record meter readings, collect samples of wastewater and chemistries.
Based on results of readings, treat waste chemicals appropriately in order to obtain proper level results prior to discharging to clarifier and subsequently to County sanitation.
Operate filter press to remove sludge cake. Operates sludge dryer to dry filter cake. Transfers dried sludge to the hazardous waste bin and refill etchers.
Transports hazardous materials and chemicals around the plant using a forklift. Stores chemicals with compatible group of chemicals.
Observe tank levels maintaining operation of data recording units such as pH recorder and tank level recorder.
Responsible for conducting daily/weekly/monthly inventory of chemicals used on a regular basis as well as waste chemical inventory
Clean, calibrate and maintain pH instruments units.
Responsible for repair and maintenance of all the equipment used for waste processing systems such as valves, filters, pumps and chemical dispensing units.
Keep daily log of waste water treatment system and all Pad activities noting any significant changes in levels, possible irregularities, keeping track of individual activities with regard to equipment use by performing daily inspections in waste treatment and chemical storage area
Complete process forms as required and maintain spill log.
Keeps daily log of tank levels in order to troubleshoot for any leaking or malfunction prior to any scheduled County inspection or as part of permit condition.
Accepts waste from other part of plant. Inspect waste drums and containers for proper labeling.
Appropriately empty and fill all machines in Etch Room following all safety procedures currently in place.
Use company vehicle to pick up parts and/or materials for on-going maintenance projects.
Participates on the Emergency Response Team.
Must maintain a clean and efficient work area while adhering to all company policies, procedures and safety standards.
Must be flexible to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Occasional overtime as necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Previous experience in similar position in a manufacturing environment preferred. Working knowledge of MS software such as Word, Excel and Outlook. Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. Able to write simple reports and internal correspondence.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or minimum of two (2) years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. An AA degree or certificate in water quality and wastewater treatment technology helpful but not required to be considered for this position.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos; read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to read and understand MSDS guidelines and instructions.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Able to appropriately gauge tank levels.
REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
Valid California Drivers license with proof of good driving history. Annual forklift training and certification. Forty (40) hour Hazmat training. Lock out/tag out training. Hazard communication (HazCom) MSDS and DOT HM126 Training.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must have the sense of smell and taste.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Majority of work is performed in a typical production plant, shop environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and hazardous chemicals and waste chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Proper safety training and equipment is provided to employee for the safe performance of required duties.
This description indicates the general nature of the tasks and responsibilities required of positions given this classification. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of management to assign, direct and control specific duties of individuals performing this function. The Company reserves the right to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any section of this document as it seems, in its judgment, to be proper. This description supersedes any previous description for this position.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.