ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Vactor Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mcfarland City

Utilities Operator I/II

Mcfarland, CA · On-site

$28.34 - $36.27/hr

Description City of McFarland Utilities Operator Series - Water & Wastewater Systems (I, II-Lead ... Operate heavy equipment including vactor trucks, backhoes, trenchers, and dump trucks. * Respond to ...

Owen Companies

Demo Driver

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$30/hr

Experience operating heavy equipment or commercial vehicles preferred (refuse equipment, sweepers or vactor experience a plus) * Frequent travel between multiple company sites, customers, trade shows ...

Owen Equipment Sales

Demo Driver

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$30/hr

Experience operating heavy equipment or commercial vehicles preferred (refuse equipment, sweepers or vactor experience a plus) * Frequent travel between multiple company sites, customers, trade shows ...

City of Vernon, CA

Street Maintenance Worker

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$61K - $74K/yr

Operates the vactor truck to clean and maintain the sewer and storm drain system. * May be required ... Operating various motorized vehicles and equipment. * Following verbal and written instructions and ...

City of Vernon

Street Maintenance Worker

Los Angeles, CA

$61K - $74K/yr

Operates the vactor truck to clean and maintain the sewer and storm drain system. May be required ... Operating various motorized vehicles and equipment. Following verbal and written instructions and ...

All JobsVactor Operator JobsVactor Operator Jobs in California

Vactor Operator information

See California salary details

$14

$23

$32

How much do vactor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 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 are Vactor Operators?

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 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 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 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:
Vactor Operator jobs near you

WW OPERATOR IN TRAINING

Consolidated Water Group,

Avalon, CA • On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description


Job Title: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in Training (OIT)

Department: Asset Management

Reports To: Chief Plant Operator or designee

Location: WWTP – Avalon

Classification: Non-Exempt

Normal Business Hours: Varies, Approx. 6:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Daily

Date Prepared: June 15, 2026

Job Objective - Reporting directly to the Chief Plant Operator (CPO) or designated appointee, the OIT has responsibility to support the successful operation and maintenance of the WWTF at the Avalon Wastewater Treatment Plant. The OIT will be required to obtain a CDL Class B Driver’s License to fully operate the projects Vactor Truck.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

  • Performs treatment plant rounds inspecting, monitoring, and documenting plant operations by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, computer screens, graphs, and other instrumentation; making adjustments to process controls as directed by the CPO; identifying operational problems and ensuring they are corrected; ensuring that plants are operating within safety standards established by federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and regulations.
  • Performs basic skilled process control laboratory testing and analysis; takes samples; adheres to quality assurance programs for laboratory analysis and instrumentation. Prepares and updates records and logs in compliance with state and federal mandates for reporting.
  • Performs general, grounds, and preventive maintenance and repair in and around plant facilities including lubricating equipment, washing process equipment; performs landscape duties including mowing, edging, and weed abatement.
  • Operates a variety of tools, and equipment necessary to maintain the wastewater treatment plant system and equipment.
  • Inspections of lift stations and reservoirs
  • Perform house-cleaning activities such as dusting, mopping etc.
  • Performs a wide variety of general and semiskilled maintenance activities (e.g. carpentry, painting, electrical, etc.).
  • Inspect and troubleshoot equipment and systems.
  • Communicate any problems/issues to the CPO.
  • Assists skilled maintenance workers/sub-contractors with projects (e.g. transporting and/or securing materials, completing specific tasks, etc.).
  • Maintain tools and equipment for the purpose of ensuring availability in safe operating condition.
  • Operations of a Vactor truck for routine and emergency after-hour services.
  • Responds to emergency situations during and after hours for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.
  • Promote and adhere to PERC’s written corporate Safety program.
  • All other tasks as assigned.
  • Maintain acceptable attendance per PERC standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  1. General computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel. Ability to learn CMMS program used on site.
  2. Excellent team-working and communications skills to enable effective interaction with other PERC Water personnel, including peers. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
  3. Physical:
    • Body Positions: Standing, sitting for extended periods of time, walking.
    • Body Movements: Use of hands, eyes, ears, arms and voice. Must be able to lift, push and pull up to 40 pounds on a regular basis.
    • Must be able to climb up and down stairs and ladders and climb into process tanks and enclosures
    • Must be able to climb on, or into facility equipment and systems (Confined Space Training required).
    • Must be able to work weekends, nights or holidays as needed.
    • On call availability as scheduled
    • Must be able to travel from jobsite to jobsite within in the area
    • Occasional Travel Required
  4. Mental:
  • Language ability includes reading, writing, spelling, and the ability to communicate clearly on business topics in English.

Education, Professional Credentials and Experience

  1. High School Diploma or equivalent
  2. Ability to obtain a California Grade I Wastewater Certification within 18 months of hire. Training and certification will be paid by PERC Water.
  3. Ability to obtain a California Class B CDL License within 6 months. Training and certification will be paid by PERC Water.

Valid CA driver’s lice b Title: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in Training (OIT)

Department: Asset Management

Reports To: Chief Plant Operator or designee

Location: WWTP – Avalon

Classification: Non-Exempt

Normal Business Hours: Varies, Approx. 6:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Daily