Pump Station Operator

Posting number: SI-T11708-202607

Department: 2000 - Public Utilities

Job classification: Pump Station Operator

Posting type: Open

Categories: Water Treatment, Wastewater, Maintenance, Utilities

Summary
Pump Station Operator positions operate wastewater pump stations by controlling equipment via a computer control system, monitoring operations of automatically controlled systems, and by manually operating equipment not connected to the control system; start and stop pumps, valves, compressors, blowers and monitors; operate sluice gates; control traveling screens and conveyors; control, monitor and adjust chemical pumps; handle various chemicals and hazardous materials; monitor and adjust equipment operation to meet abnormal conditions; diagnose process problems and malfunctions and take corrective action; monitor various recorders, indicators, and equipment; physically inspect equipment and pump station grounds to read and record gauges, identify abnormal conditions, and ensure station security; record and tabulate data on pump station operating logs; complete forms; read, record and interpret data from meters, gauges and control systems; perform minor repairs on pumps, motors, chemical feeders, and other related equipment; make adjustments on equipment to ensure proper pump station operation and equipment maintenance; keep pump station equipment clean and orderly; and perform other duties as assigned.
 
       NOTES:

• Employees in job classifications represented by AFSME Local 127 are scheduled to receive the following general wage increases: 
  • 3.5% effective 7/1/27 
  • 2% effective 7/1/28
  • 2% effective 1/1/29
• In addition to the scheduled general wage increases, the following equity adjustment wage increases are also scheduled to take effect for Pump Station Operator: 
  • 5% effective 1/1/29
• Eligible benefited employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).
• Pump Station Operator employees will be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts for which they may receive 5% additional pay.

Examples of dutiesYou must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated.
 
EXPERIENCE: You must meet ONE of the following options:

1. Two years of full-time experience in the operation of a 1 MGD or higher water/wastewater treatment plant or pump station.
2. Two years of full-time experience possessing responsibility for the daily operation of a marine power plant and repairs on marine ships.
3. Two years of full-time experience in the maintenance and repair of large hydraulic pumps (500 GPM or higher), electric motors (480-5kv), and pneumatic equipment (e.g., air compressors, hydro-pneumatic tanks, hydraulic oil accumulator systems, air gap tanks).
4. Two years of full-time experience operating and maintaining manufacturing processes which MUST include hydraulic systems, pumps, pneumatic equipment and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) type computer systems and/or computerized Distribution Control System (DCS).
5. A valid Grade II or higher Water Treatment Operator or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued from the State of California Water Resources Control Board.

 
      NOTES:

• Interim certificates will NOT be accepted.
• City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA) experience to qualify must submit written documentation signed by their appointing authority or payroll specialist, detailing the work performed, dates, and total number of qualifying OCA hours.  OCA experience without the required documentation will NOT be considered.

LICENSE: A valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of hire. 
 
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (MUST SUBMIT WITH APPLICATION):

• Proof of a valid Grade II or higher Water Treatment Operator or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued from the State of California Water Resources Control Board, if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.
• For City of San Diego employees, proof of Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA), if utilized to meet the minimum requirements. 

Required documents should be attached electronically to your application.  If you are unable to attach at the time of application submittal, you must submit them as soon as possible via fax:  (619) 533-3337; or to the Employment Information Center:  City of San Diego Personnel Department, 1200 Third Avenue - Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101.  Include your name and the title of the position for which you are applying. QualificationsPlease ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental questions will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system.  If you are successful in this initial screening process, your application will be reviewed for applicable education, experience, and/or training to ensure all minimum requirements have been met. Successful candidates will be placed on a list which will be used to fill position vacancies during the next six months (180 days).  For each vacancy, only those candidates with the most appropriate qualifications will be contacted by the hiring department for an interview. Supplemental informationPRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Employment offers are conditional pending the results of all screening processes applicable to this position, which may include the following: confirmation of citizenship or legal right to work in the United States; completion of a pre-employment medical review and exam (which may include drug and alcohol testing); reference checks; and fingerprinting. Fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice for a conviction record report. Certain positions may require additional screening processes, including a polygraph examination and/or background investigation. All screening processes must be successfully completed before employment begins. A positive test result for alcohol, cannabis/marijuana, illegal drugs, or inadequately explained prescription drugs, or misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of pertinent facts in any step of the screening or selection process, may constitute cause for disqualification or termination of employment. Nothing in this job posting constitutes an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego. Candidates must notify the Personnel Department of any change in their name, mailing address, email address, or phone number, otherwise they may miss employment opportunities.

Rev. 3 - July 24, 2026 (New Recruitment Date)