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Vactor Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vactor Operator information

See California salary details

$14

$23

$32

How much do vactor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for vactor operator in California is $23.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vactor operator?

Vactor Operators are skilled professionals responsible for operating specialized vacuum trucks, commonly known as Vactor trucks, to clean and maintain sewer lines, storm drains, and catch basins. Their primary duties include removing debris, blockages, and waste materials using high-pressure water and vacuum systems. Vactor Operators play a crucial role in ensuring proper sanitation, preventing flooding, and maintaining the efficient operation of municipal wastewater and drainage systems. They must follow safety protocols and often work in various weather conditions and confined spaces.

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

To thrive as a Vactor Operator, you need a solid understanding of sewer and storm drain systems, a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), and experience with heavy equipment operation. Familiarity with Vactor trucks, vacuum excavation tools, and safety protocols is essential, and some employers may require certifications such as OSHA or confined space entry. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team are key soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operations and effective maintenance of municipal infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by vactor operators on the job, and how can they be managed?

Vactor Operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined or hazardous environments, dealing with unpredictable weather, and handling heavy equipment safely. Managing these challenges involves adhering strictly to safety protocols, maintaining clear communication with team members, and regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment. Additionally, operators must be adaptable and proactive in troubleshooting unexpected issues, such as equipment blockages or difficult-to-access work sites. Employers typically provide training and personal protective equipment to help operators manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Vactor Operator vs Sewer Cleaner?

AspectVactor OperatorSewer Cleaner
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL often preferredDriver's license, CDL may be required
Work EnvironmentOperate Vactor trucks for sewer and stormwater systemsClean and maintain sewer lines, often using similar equipment
Industry UsageCommonly used in municipal and industrial settingsPrimarily in municipal sewer maintenance
Job FunctionsVacuum and hydro-jet sewer lines, storm drainsClean, inspect, and repair sewer lines

Both Vactor Operators and Sewer Cleaners work in sewer maintenance, often using similar equipment. Vactor Operators typically operate specialized vacuum trucks for a variety of stormwater and sewer tasks, while Sewer Cleaners focus more on cleaning and inspecting sewer lines. The roles overlap in skills and environment but differ slightly in scope and specific duties.

What are popular job titles related to Vactor Operator jobs in California?

For Vactor Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Vactor Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,061 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Utilities System Operator I

City of Pleasanton

Pleasanton, CA • On-site

$85K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the operation and maintenance of the City's water, sewer, and storm drain systems.

  • Assist in the repair of water and sewer mains and water services, including tapping mains and installing pipe.

  • Check and maintain the daily operation of water or sewer pump stations and wells, and perform maintenance duties on pumps, motors, valves, meters, and related equipment.


Job description

The City of Pleasanton is excited to announce an opportunity for a dedicated individual to join our team as a Utilities System Operator I in the Public Works Department. In this role, you will support the operation and maintenance of the City's water, sewer, and storm drain systems. The Utilities System Operator I may rotate through water or sewer pump station crews, distribution or collections crews, and may assist in maintaining computerized SCADA control systems.

This is a dynamic, hands-on role that offers strong learning opportunities and the chance to contribute directly to essential public infrastructure and daily utility operations. We're Looking for Someone Who Is Hands-on and interested in learning the day-to-day operation of water distribution and sewer collection systems. Team-oriented, with the ability to work effectively as part of a crew or independently.

Customer service-minded, able to communicate effectively and courteously with supervisors, coworkers, and the public. Dependable, safety-conscious, and able to remain alert to hazards while working in the field and around equipment and chemicals. Positive, willing to learn, and ready to contribute to the City of Pleasanton team.

In This Role, You Will Assist in the repair of water and sewer mains and water services, including tapping mains and installing pipe. Check and maintain the daily operation of water or sewer pump stations and wells. Perform maintenance duties such as installing, lubricating, packing, replacing, and repairing pumps, motors, valves, meters, and related equipment.

Work with telemetry equipment and computerized controls used to monitor water and sewer systems, including SCADA-related systems. Operate and maintain trucks, backhoes, compressors, and other power equipment. Perform laboratory analysis on water and sewer samples.

Respond to customer inquiries and complaints regarding water quality, pressure problems, sewer backups, and leaks. Mark streets or ground surfaces to identify underground water and sewer pipes using maps and blueprints. Perform flushing duties on the water distribution system.

Assist with sewer inspection work using television pipeline inspection equipment, and help clean sewer stoppages using equipment such as a hydroflusher or vactor truck. Record readings on flow meters, PSI gauges, and other equipment routinely. This classification may rotate through 24 hour standby duty once adequate experienced is gained.

A Few Reasons You'll Love Working With Us Opportunity to work with a fast-growing team in a positive working environment. Strong opportunity to learn and build skills in utility system operations. Meaningful public service work supporting the City's essential water and sewer infrastructure.

Varied field assignments through rotating crew responsibilities, providing broad exposure to utility operations and maintenance. A Few Challenges You Might Face Learning a complex water distribution system with many pressure zones. Working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and in construction-zone environments with dust and pollens.

Working safely around chemicals, manholes, pipes, high-voltage wires, high-pressure gas, and water and sewer mains. The Ideal Candidate Will Be Someone who brings a positive attitude to work every day and is willing and wanting to learn. Familiar with basic plumbing materials and procedures, pump and motor parts, valving, pump maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting.

Able to read and understand safety manuals, operating manuals, equipment manuals, work orders, complaint forms, maps, blueprints, and schematic diagrams. Able to communicate effectively, follow written and oral instructions, complete basic written forms, and use basic computer skills and two-way radio communication. For more information about the position, please refer to the job description by visiting the following link Utilities System Operator I Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: Any equivalent combination of training and experience that would providethe knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential dutiesof the job.

License: - Possession of a valid class C California driver's license. - State of California Grade I water distribution license is required. - State of California Grade I water treatment license is required within two years of hire.

- Grade I CWEA sewer collection certificate is highly desirable. - Obtain a Class A California Driver's License with Tanker Endorsement within one year from date of hire. Knowledge of: - Basic flow mechanics to calculate flows, volumes and dosages.

- Common safety procedures for working in confined or hazardous environments and for working with chemicals. - Pump and motor parts, valving and operation of pump maintenance, repairs and troubleshooting. - Basic plumbing materials and procedures.

Skill to: - Read and understand materials such as safety manuals, operating manuals, equipment manuals, work orders, and complaint forms. - Read and use basic blueprints, maps and schematic diagrams. - Communicate effectively and courteously with supervisors, co-workers and the public.

- Follow written and oral instructions. - Write legibly to fill out time cards, reports and forms and use basic English to complete simple forms. - Add, subtract, multiply and divide to calculate volumes and dose chemicals.

- Appropriately select and operate power tools for required work. - Independently lift and move materials weighing up to 65 pounds and with assistance up to 100 pounds. - Safely operate heavy equipment such as a backhoe, skip loader and crane.

- Perform physical labor throughout the workday, involving standing for extended periods of time, stooping, working in cramped areas and on uneven surfaces. - Work effectively as part of a crew or independently when necessary. - Remain alert and focused on duties and be conscious of potential hazards in order to maintain a safe working environment.

- Work safely with and around chemicals on a daily basis. - Possess basic computer skills. - Communicate effectively on a two-way radio system.

Recruitment Process Application: To be considered for this position, please submit your application through our online application process at www.cityofpleasantonca.gov. Click on "Job Opportunities". SELECTION PLAN Applicants will be informed via email with reasonable notice in advance of any examination process which will require their attendance

The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the need of the Agency: TENTATIVE SELECTION PLAN Application Filing Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Monday, August 31, 2026 Review of Minimum Qualifications: Week of September 1, 2026 Panel Interview: Week of September 23, 2026 Department Finalist Interviews: To Be Determined.