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Vactor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Owen Companies

Field Service Technician

Fairfield, CA

$35 - $45/hr

Henke, Wausau-Everest, and Swenson snow equipment; as well as Vactor, TRUVAC, and Elgin environmental infrastructure equipment. This role combines strong mechanical and technical expertise with ...

City of Upland, CA

Equipment Mechanic

Upland, CA · On-site

$61K - $78K/yr

Inspects, diagnoses, and locates technical and electrical malfunctions on City automobiles, trucks, sewer utility vactor/flush trucks, generators, grounds maintenance equipment, and a variety of ...

City of Upland

Equipment Mechanic

Upland, CA

$61K - $78K/yr

Inspects, diagnoses, and locates technical and electrical malfunctions on City automobiles, trucks, sewer utility vactor/flush trucks, generators, grounds maintenance equipment, and a variety of ...

All JobsVactor JobsVactor Jobs in California

Vactor information

See California salary details

$14

$23

$32

How much do vactor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for vactor 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 Vactors?

Vactors are specialized vehicles equipped with powerful vacuum and water jetting systems used primarily for cleaning and maintaining sewer lines, storm drains, and catch basins. Operators use them to remove debris, sludge, and blockages from underground infrastructure. Vactors play a crucial role in preventing flooding, maintaining public health, and ensuring the smooth operation of municipal wastewater and stormwater systems. They are commonly used by public works departments, environmental service companies, and construction crews.

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

Vactor truck operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined or hazardous environments, managing heavy equipment safely, and responding to emergency service calls in all weather conditions. Effective communication with team members, adhering strictly to safety protocols, and maintaining regular equipment checks are essential for managing these challenges. Many operators also participate in ongoing training to stay updated on industry best practices and safety standards, which helps ensure both personal safety and job efficiency.

What is the difference between Vactor vs Sewer Cleaner?

AspectVactorSewer Cleaner
CredentialsOperator license, CDL often requiredOperator license, CDL often required
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, outdoor, confined spacesIndustrial, outdoor, confined spaces
Industry UsageUsed for vacuum excavation, hydro excavationUsed for sewer line cleaning, clog removal
Common TasksVacuuming debris, hydro excavationRemoving blockages, cleaning sewer lines

Vactors and sewer cleaners share similar credentials and work environments, often overlapping in industrial and outdoor settings. However, Vactors are primarily used for vacuum and hydro excavation tasks, while sewer cleaners focus on clearing sewer lines. Both roles are essential in infrastructure maintenance, but their specific functions distinguish them within the industry.

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

To excel as a Vactor Operator, you need a solid understanding of sewer and storm drain systems, a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and experience in equipment operation. Familiarity with Vactor trucks, vacuum excavation equipment, and safety protocols such as confined space entry certification is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure that operators safely and efficiently maintain municipal infrastructure, prevent blockages, and respond effectively to emergencies.
What are popular job titles related to Vactor jobs in California? For Vactor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vactor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Vactor jobs in California are:
Vactor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vactor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $48,061 per year, or $23.1 per hour.
Demo Driver

Demo Driver

Owen Equipment Sales

Fairfield, CA • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The Demo Driver is responsible for safely operating company-owned refuse trucks, sweepers and vactors to demonstrate equipment to customers and support sales efforts. This role plays a key part in showcasing product functionality, building customer confidence, and supporting the sales team through hands-on demonstrations and training.

Key Responsibilities

  • Safely operate refuse trucks, sweepers and vactors during on-site and off-site customer demonstrations
  • Conduct product demonstrations highlighting key features, performance, and safety functionality
  • Partner with sales representatives to support customer visits, ride-alongs, and equipment trials
  • Provide basic operational training to customers on equipment use and safety best practices
  • Perform pre- and post-trip inspections and ensure equipment is maintained in good working condition
  • Coordinate delivery, pickup, and transport of demo units between branches and customer locations
  • Maintain accurate logs, inspection reports, and required documentation
  • Represent the company in a professional manner at all times with customers and partners
  • Follow all DOT, company safety policies, and regulatory requirements

Qualifications

  • Valid CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) required or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire
  • Clean driving record with ability to meet company and DOT requirements
  • 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 within designated region.
  • Strong communication and customer-facing skills
  • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
  • Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills preferred

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to climb in and out of commercial vehicles and equipment
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed
  • Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Ability to sit, stand, and drive for extended periods

Work Environment

  • Combination of field-based work at customer sites and travel between locations
  • Frequent local and occasional regional travel required

Requirements of this Position.

  • Knowledge of local freeway systems, traffic and navigation tools with the ability to navigate throughout Owen's California territory.
  • Other skill sets including, but not limited to: flexibility, understanding urgencies, reliability, and the ability to multi-task while managing time efficiently.
  • Prior experience with the operation of heavy equipment.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to travel overnight as needed.
  • Clean driving record and a Class B tanker endorsed CDL but we prefer Class A license.

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