Wastewater Systems Worker Trainee​/I​/II​/III

About The Position

The Wastewater Utilities Division within the Public Works Department is seeking professional individuals to perform as Wastewater Systems Workers at the Trainee, I, II, or III levels. The ideal candidate will have experience operating advanced wastewater treatment systems and sewer collection systems, be able to make operational decisions appropriate for the position level, possess strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills, a high level of initiative, and a passion for public service.

This position requires commitment to workplace safety activities, practices, and standards, teamwork, accountability, integrity, and the ability to work on different wastewater collection and treatment systems throughout the County, adjusting quickly to changing job priorities with a positive attitude.

The position will be assigned primarily to wastewater collection system tasks and projects, including operation and maintenance of lift stations, pumps, sewer collection lines, and other infrastructure, as well as performing spill response and other related duties. Candidates with a California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Collection System Maintenance Certification are highly preferred.

• for the detailed job description for Wastewater Systems Worker Trainee.
• for the detailed job description for Wastewater Systems Worker I.
• for the detailed job description for Wastewater Systems Worker II.
• for the detailed job description for Wastewater Systems Worker III.

Education and Experience:

• All levels:
  Graduation from high school or possession of a general educational development (GED) certificate.
• Wastewater Systems Worker Trainee:
  No experience required
• Wastewater Systems Worker I:
  One year of qualifying experience as a wastewater treatment plant operator or equivalent in accordance with the SWRCB (Chapter 26, Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations).
• Wastewater Systems Worker II:
  Two years of experience as Wastewater Systems Worker I or equivalent in accordance with the SWRCB (Chapter 26, Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations).
• Wastewater Systems Worker III:
  Three years of experience as Wastewater Systems Worker II or equivalent in accordance with the SWRCB (Chapter 26, Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations).

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at  Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application. An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at  Confidential inquiries are welcomed. For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Please call  for assistance or e‑mail  for more information.

If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points.  for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit.

Please note that Veteran’s credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.

The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with…