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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 29, 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.

WW OPERATOR IN TRAINING

Consolidated Water Group,

Avalon, CA • On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

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