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Wastewater Collection Operator Jobs in California

Water/Wastewater Systems Tech

Newberry Springs, CA · On-site

$22.25 - $30.75/hr

Possession of a Class C Water Works or Class I Wastewater Collection System operator certificate as issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) or the ability to obtain within 1 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Wastewater Collection Operator information

See California salary details

$15

$25

$38

How much do wastewater collection operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater collection operator in California is $25.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Wastewater Collection Operator vs Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWastewater Collection OperatorWastewater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsState-specific wastewater collection licensesState-specific wastewater treatment licenses
Work EnvironmentManholes, pipelines, underground systemsTreatment plant facilities, control rooms
Job FocusMaintaining and repairing sewer linesOperating treatment equipment and ensuring water quality
Industry UsageMunicipal water utilities, public worksMunicipal water treatment facilities, environmental agencies

While both roles involve working with wastewater systems, Wastewater Collection Operators focus on maintaining sewer lines and underground infrastructure, whereas Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators manage treatment processes at water facilities. Both require specialized licenses and are essential for public health and environmental protection.

What are some common challenges faced by wastewater collection operators, and how can they be managed?

Wastewater Collection Operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, blockages in sewer lines, and the need to respond quickly to emergency overflows or spills. Managing these issues requires strong problem-solving skills, familiarity with safety protocols, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Regular maintenance, keeping up with training, and clear communication with supervisors and other departments are essential practices to minimize downtime and ensure public health and environmental safety.

What does a wastewater collection operator do?

A Wastewater Collection Operator is responsible for maintaining and operating the systems that collect and transport wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment plants. Their duties include inspecting pipelines, pumps, and related equipment to ensure proper operation, detecting and repairing leaks or blockages, and keeping detailed records of system performance. They play a vital role in protecting public health and the environment by ensuring wastewater is safely managed and transported for treatment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wastewater collection operator?

To thrive as a Wastewater Collection Operator, you need a solid understanding of wastewater systems, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, GIS mapping tools, and specialized inspection and maintenance equipment is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help operators respond swiftly to issues and collaborate with teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of wastewater infrastructure, protecting public health and the environment.
What are popular job titles related to Wastewater Collection Operator jobs in California? For Wastewater Collection Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Wastewater Collection Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,922 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

WASTEWATER COLLECTION WORKER 4110 (C) (REVISED 05-26-2023)

City of Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$58K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life

Re-posted 22 days ago


City Of Los Angeles rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

DUTIES ANNUAL SALARY $58,610 to $72,808 and $70,699 to $87,842 NOTES: Candidates from the eligible list are normally appointed to vacancies in the lower pay grade positions. Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change.

Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer. A Wastewater Collection Worker performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the maintenance and repair of sanitary sewers and storm drains; operates highly specialized sewer and storm drain cleaning equipment; utilizes laptop computers to complete work assignments; performs research on wastewater collection assets; and may act as a working field supervisor over a small group of employees. NOTE: A Job Preview with additional information regarding the duties and requirements of a Wastewater Collection Worker will be available for candidate review during the on-line application process, and is also available on the City website at http://per.lacity.org/exams/4110preview.pdf

REQUIREMENT(S)/MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S) One year of full-time paid experience with the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation, Wastewater Collection Systems Division, as a Maintenance Laborer, Maintenance and Construction Helper, or Mechanical Helper; or One year of full-time paid experience in the maintenance, repair or construction of municipal sanitary sewers or storm drain systems. PROCESS NOTES All entry-level positions are temporary training positions as defined in Civil Service Commission Rule 5.30. A Wastewater Collection Worker in a trainee position must successfully complete a three-year training period which will include operational, safety, commercial driving, and on-the-job training

Trainees must also complete a correspondence course offered by the California State University of Sacramento in operating and maintaining wastewater collection systems. A valid California Driver's License is required. A valid Class ''B'' driver's license with both air brake and tanker endorsements will be required by the fourth month of the temporary training period.

A good driving record will be required. Applicants will be disqualified and not eligible for hire if within the past 36 months they were convicted of a major moving violation, such as driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and may be disqualified if there are three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents within the past 36 months. A California Water Environment Association Grade I Certificate in Wastewater Collection System Maintenance is required within three years from the date of appointment to the class.

WHERE TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE Applications will only be accepted on-line on the dates listed in the "Application Deadline" section of this bulletin. When you are viewing the on-line job bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the "Apply" icon. On-line job bulletins are also available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity

NOTE: Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter. APPLICATION DEADLINE Applications will only be accepted on-line on the dates listed below: Filing Period 1: From Friday, May 26, 2023 to Thursday, June 8, 2023 Filing Period 2: From Friday, December 1, 2023 to Thursday, December 14, 2023 The examination may close without prior notice at any time after a sufficient number of applications have been received. Filing periods may change without prior notice or additional dates may be added, as needed, at a later date.

For administrative purposes, filing will close periodically and reopen on the dates noted in the "Application Deadline" section of this bulletin. In accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2, all applicants who apply may not be tested in this examination. To meet anticipated hiring needs, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the selection process in the following order: 1) Los Angeles City Promotional applicants who meet the minimum requirements

You must have received a regular appointment to a City position or be on a reserve list to apply for this examination as a promotional candidate; 2) Applicants currently employed by the City of Los Angeles on a part-time or exempt basis who meet the minimum requirements; 3) Remaining applicants who meet the minimum requirements in sufficient numbers to meet hiring needs based on random sampling of those qualified candidates. Applicants not selected to be tested may re-apply in a subsequent filing period in order to be considered for that period's selection process. SELECTION PROCESS Examination Weight: Multiple-Choice .

. . .

100% The examination will consist of a weighted multiple-choice test administered and proctored on-line. In the on-line multiple-choice test, the following competencies may be evaluated: Reading Comprehension; Mechanical Aptitude; Interpersonal Skills; Equipment Operation, including knowledge of: California Department of Motor Vehicle Code (DMV) concerning the operation of Class B vehicles; Motor Vehicle Code and special maintenance procedures for various vehicles; Safety Focus, including knowledge of: Cal/OSHA regulations regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE); safety equipment, emergency equipment, and first aid supplies that conform to Cal/OSHA rules and regulations; personal and specialized safety equipment required for working in confined spaces; Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: the use of various hand tools; common defects in equipment sufficient to identify the needs for repair; common sewer problems encountered in the field sufficient to correct the defects; potential storm drain problems sufficient to detect and correct issues; and other necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities. Additional job analysis information can be obtained by going to https://per.lacity.org/jobs/job-analyses.cfm and clicking on Competencies under Wastewater Collection Worker

The multiple-choice test will be proctored and administered on-line during a single session. Candidates invited to participate in the on-line multiple-choice test will be able to take the test as instructed from a remote location using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection. Candidates will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the dates and specific steps on how to take the multiple-choice test on-line.

Candidates who do not complete and submit the remote proctored multiple-choice test on-line using a computer by the specified date and time will not be considered further in this examination. For candidates who apply during Filing Period 1, it is anticipated that the on-line multiple-choice test will be administered between TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2023 and MONDAY, JULY 31, 2023. For candidates who apply during Filing Period 2, it is anticipated that the on-line multiple-choice test will be administered between TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2024 and MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024.

FAQs for on-line testing are available at https://per.lacity.org/faqs/employment-testing-process.html. Due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements, only candidates who demonstrate a hardship may be offered the option to take the multiple-choice test onsite at a City facility. NOTES: This examination is based on a validation study and as provided by Civil Service Commission Rule 4.20, the multiple-choice test will not be subject to candidate inspection

Based on the Federal Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1994, you may be required to undergo mandatory drug and alcohol testing prior to and during employment in this class. As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application.

The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at http://per.lacity.org/exams/verify_disability.pdf. Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin

A final average score of 70% is required to be placed on the eligible list. You must have received a regular appointment to a City position or be on a reserve list to file on a promotional basis. Seniority credit at the rate of 0.25 of a point for each year of continuous City service will be added to the weighted test score of each promotional candidate

The promotional list will ordinarily be used ahead of the open competitive list. However, if open competitive candidates receive a higher score, without military credits, than the highest available promotional candidate, after adding 0.25 of a point seniority credit for each year of service, the Civil Service Commission, upon request of the appointing authority, may approve certification of such open competitive candidates ahead of the promotional candidates. In accordance with Civil Service Rule, Sec

4.24, review periods may be combined. Candidates in the examination process may file protests as provided in Sec. 4.20, 4.22, and 4.23 as applicable and within the required time frame; however, the Personnel Department may respond to and resolve protests prior to the establishment of the eligible list You may take the Wastewater Collection Worker multiple-choice test only once every 24 months under this bulletin

If you have taken the Wastewater Collection Worker multiple-choice test during an open filing period in the Personnel Department within the last 24 months under this bulletin, you may not file for this examination at this time. Your rank on the employment list may change as scores of candidates from other administrations of the examination are merged onto one list. For candidates seeking initial City employment, in accordance with Los Angeles City Ordinance 187134, information regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements as conditions of employment may be found at: https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2021/21-0921_ord_187134_8-24-21.pdf

Notice: If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position. All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers.

THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN BOTH ON AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL PROMOTIONAL AND AN OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER For additional information and FAQs regarding the City's hiring process, please go to: https://per.lacity.org/faqs/employment-testing-process.html


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