Water District Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $42.05 - $52.56 Hourly
Location : San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 00322
Department: Engineering
Section: Field Services
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
General Duties
Ideal Candidate
Are you a self starter? Experienced in construction and inspection of water systems? Otay Water District is seeking a motivated Recycled Water Specialist experienced in inspection and cross connection control testing able to work in a fast paced, high volume work environment.
We also welcome veterans and transitioning military. Are you a former member of the military with experience as either a Utilitiesman (AKA Seabees, UT), Water Support Technician, Water Fuel Systems Maintenance, Water Support Specialist, or similar occupation? If so, we encourage you to apply. Consider joining a team of hardworking employees who work to protect and preserve water, one of our most valuable natural resources. The experience you've gained during your service can continue to positively impact the world with a career at Otay.
The Otay Water District offers excellent benefits, a balanced work/life environment and is a leader in the industry.
5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment is scheduled for July 13, 2026.
About the Position and Department
This position in the Engineering Department reports directly to the Field Services Manager and is a part of a dedicated, service-oriented team where collaboration and leadership are promoted at all levels. The position coordinates the District's recycled water program to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
The Engineering Department is responsible for the Planning, Budgeting, Design and Construction of all Otay Water District Facilities as well as the administration of all developer and new customer construction and service applications. The Department has a staff of approximately 29 employees.
Applications will be accepted until there are a sufficient number of highly qualified applicants from which to make a selection. However, for the earliest consideration, please submit your application materials by July 12, 2026. For information on the recruitment process, please go to the Employment section of our website or click
Examples of Duties

• Plans, coordinates, and conducts cross connection tests for new and existing recycled water use sites; reviews plans, specifications, installation for new construction and existing recycled water use sites, coordinates new and existing testing with San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (DEH).
• Inspects, reviews installation, cross connection control testing and site certifications on private recycled and potable water distribution systems to determine separation and identify problems. Tracks changes and coordinates with DEH for testing.
• Plan checks and reviews developer recycled irrigation and ensures contractor compliance with plans, specifications, Title 17 and Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, District Code of Ordinances, and District Standards. Provides quality control review of contracted plan reviews.
• Recommends substantial completion acceptance and final acceptance of developer projects as appropriate.
• Creates and maintains records of recycled water use sites, work orders, rule violations, areas within use sites where recycled water is used, cross connection and annual review due dates using District established productivity systems and applications.
• Operates a variety of tools required to complete job requirements, test and pressure gauge(s) and other other test equipment.
• Receives, investigates, evaluates, and responds to customer complaints regarding cross connections; resolves complaints in a timely and efficient manner.
• Reads, understands, and ensures compliance with the District Safety Manual; attends safety meetings, as required; reports all accidents, violations, or infractions to supervisor.
• Operates District vehicles as required.
• Identifies and recommends opportunities for improvement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

For the complete job description go to the Employment section of our website or click here.
Required Licenses and/or Certifications

• A valid California Class "C" Driver's License and a safe driving record.
• A valid Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association or American Backflow Prevention Association required within twelve (12) months of hire date.
• A valid Water Distribution Operator Certification Grade II issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board required within two (2) years of hire date.

Minimum Experience, Education, and Training Requirements
Experience:
Two (2) years experience in any of the following areas: utility construction, inspection, water system operation, construction project management, meter maintenance/backflow, certified landscape irrigation auditor or two (2) years of journey-level experience in compliance review and cross connection testing of new and existing on-site recycled water systems.
Education:
High school diploma or G.E.D.
This position will be subject to random drug testing during employment.
This is an hourly, non-exempt position.
Otay Water District is a Smoking, Tobacco and Nicotine Free Campus.
All Otay Water District employees are at-will pursuant to California Water Code,
Section 71362.
Notice: Benefits listed below assume full-time regular status. These benefits do not apply to temporary appointments.
Scheduled salary increases include the following:

• July 1, 2024: 6% Cost-of-Living Adjustment
• July 14, 2025: 5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment
• July 13, 2026: 5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment
• Annual Merit Increases: Eligible employees are eligible for 3% merit increase on an annual basis until they reach the top of their salary range, based on meeting expectations on their performance review.

Vacation: 12 days/year, increasing to a max of 23 days/year.
Sick Leave: 8 days/year, increasing to max of 15 days/year.
Paid Holidays: 14 days/year, including employee's birthday and two floating holidays.
Alternative Work Schedule: A 9/80 work schedule may be available based on the needs of the department. Upon approval, employees would work 80 hours over 9 days and enjoy one day off every two weeks. Some Operations department staff may be subject to a 4/10 work schedule (four 10-hour days within a week).
PERS Retirement: The District contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement plan that includes a lifetime benefit determined by a set formula (years of service, age at retirement, and final compensation). Employees hired after January 1, 2013, are subject to the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA).
Employee Contributions:
New Member (hired on or after 1/1/13 who are new CalPERS members or do not have reciprocity with CalPERS):

• Are enrolled in the 2% at age 62 formula based on the employee's 36 months of highest average annual compensation limit set by CalPERS.
• District and employees share the normal employee CalPERS service contribution cost. Employees contribute 7.5% of salary toward the employee CalPERS service contribution cost up to the annual compensation limit set by CalPERS.

Classic Member (hired before January 1, 2013, or who have reciprocity with CalPERS):

• Are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 55 formula based on the employee's single highest year annual compensation.
• Employees contribute 8% of salary towards the employee CalPERS service contribution cost.

The District is also a Social Security participant and the District and employee make contributions.
Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (457 Plan): Optional plan designed to provide employees with additional retirement income. Employees may elect to contribute a portion of their income on a pre-tax or post-tax basis through payroll deductions.
Medical/Rx Insurance: Choice of Blue Shield PPO, EPO, HMO or Kaiser HMO plans, 100% premium paid by District for employee and 88% for dependent(s).
Dental Insurance: 100% premium paid by District for employee and 88% paid for dependent(s).
Vision: 100% premium paid by District for employee and 0% for dependent(s).
Flexible Benefits Plan: The District offers a healthcare and dependent care flexible benefits plan. The healthcare account reimburses the employee on a pre-tax basis for medical, pharmacy, dental and other related expenses not covered by the insurance plans. The dependent care account allows employees to pay for employment-related dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.
Group Term Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance: 100% premium paid by the District for employee and eligible dependent(s). Depending on employees' annual earnings and/or position, amounts of Life and AD&D insurance range from $15,000 to $50,000. Eligible dependents have life insurance coverage of $1,000.
Voluntary Life Insurance: Employees may elect to cover themselves and eligible dependents for voluntary life insurance. The full cost of this insurance is paid by the employee via payroll deductions
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance: The District provides short-term and long-term disability insurance equal to 66 2/3% of your income after a 30-day elimination period (90-day elimination period for long term disability) if totally disabled due to illness or injury.
Education Reimbursement Program: Employees are eligible to receive reimbursement for District approved courses not to exceed $3,000 per fiscal year.
Certification Incentive Program: Eligible District employees that obtain target certifications that exceed the minimum job requirements may qualify for either a base pay percentage increase or receive a monetary incentive.
Employee Assistance Program: Provides confidential referrals and counseling concerning personal, family, or work-related issues for employees and their dependents.
Free Onsite Workout Facility: The District has a fully equipped exercise room for employees to use before work, after work or during lunchtime.
Yoga Classes: On-site Yoga classes are offered during the lunch hour at the employee's expense.
Retirement Benefits:
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) effective September 1, 2024: A Health Reimbursement Arrangement is an interest-bearing, employer-funded account created in your name to reimburse you tax-free in retirement for eligible medical expenses and premiums. Otay Water District makes deposits of employer contributions and mandatory employee contributions while you are employed, but you will not be able to access funds until retirement or separation of service, having met Otay Water District's vesting requirements.
Tier II Eligibility for All Full-time Regular Employees Hired On or After September 1, 2024:
All full-time, regular employees hired on or after September 1, 2024, will participate in a mandatory HRA Plan. The District and the employee will make contributions to the HRA Plan.
The District will contribute $4,000 annually to the employee's HRA from their latest date of hire until they retire or terminate from the District for a maximum period of twenty (20) years. The employee will contribute $1,000.00 annually (or $40 per pay period for the first twenty-five (25) pay periods of the calendar year) to their HRA from their latest date of hire until they retire or terminate from the District. There is a vesting schedule for this Plan as set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Otay Water District Employees Association, effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027.
01
Which best describes the highest level of education completed.

• I do not have a High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• I have a High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• I have an Associate's Degree.
• I have a Bachelor's Degree.
• I have a Master's Degree or higher.

02
Do you possess a VALID Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association or American Backflow Prevention Association? (A Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate will be required within twelve (12) months of hire date.)

• No
• Yes

03
Do you possess a VALID Backflow Prevention Assembly General Tester Certification or Backflow Prevention Certification issued by the American Water Works Association or American Backflow Prevention Association?

• No
• Yes

04
Which best describes the highest grade level of the VALID Water Distribution Operator Certificate that you possess as issued by the State of California Water Resources ControlBoard? (A Water Distribution Operator Certificate Grade 2 will be required within two (2) years of hire date.)

• I do not possess a valid Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
• I possess a valid Grade 1 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
• I possess a valid Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
• I possess a valid Grade 3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
• I possess a valid Grade 4 or higher Water Distribution Operator Certificate.

05
Which best describes your experience in utility construction, inspection, water system operation, construction project management, meter maintenance/backflow, or certified landscape irrigation auditor.

• I do not have experience in