Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Jobs Near Me

We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply

The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 22 member agencies serving the region's $268 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.

The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.

THE SAN DIEGO REGIONAL WATER/WASTEWATER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
In 2006, the San Diego County Water Authority joined together with regional water agencies, community colleges and private-sector partners to develop a water and wastewater internship program. As the water and wastewater industry experiences an increased demand for qualified staff, this internship program provides students in the San Diego region with career opportunities and on-the-job experience.

Begin a career in the water industry to provide a safe and reliable supply of water to the San Diego region. A career in water offers a wide range of opportunities, job stability, a positive work-life balance, good pay and competitive benefits.

Water/Wastewater interns receive on-the-job training from innovative and professional staff in the industry. We are looking for individuals who enjoy working outdoors and seeing the tangible results of their work, are creative problem solvers with a desire to learn, are self-motivated, and are passionate about providing an essential service to their community.

As a Water/Wastewater intern, you'll gain valuable skills and learn how to:

Handle simple maintenance and operational tasks;
Work together with team members to problem solve and learn methods for diagnosing and correcting malfunctions;
Maintain safe and clean working conditions and minimize exposure to hazards by using appropriate personal protective equipment for the job; and
Use hand tools, basic machinery, and other industry devices.

Candidates selected to participate in the 33-week internship program (August 17, 2026 - May 28, 2027) will work at different water and wastewater agencies in the San Diego region, gaining valuable experience rotating through four different modules:

System Operations
System Maintenance
Water Treatment
Wastewater Treatment

Completion of the internship program provides students with the prerequisites necessary to apply for California water and wastewater certification exams.

For more information on the Regional Internship Program, please CLICK HERE.

Education/Job Knowledge: Applicants must be enrolled in either Cuyamaca Community College's Water and Wastewater Technology Program, Palomar Community College's Water and Wastewater Technology Education vocational program, or other similar water/wastewater technical or college program at the time the internship year begins. Candidates must be enrolled in one water and/or wastewater class per semester during the duration of the 33-week internship program.

Working Hours: Working hours for the Regional Intern Program fall between Monday and Friday and can range from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a minimum of 16 hours per week to a maximum of 27 hours per week.

Internship Program Schedule
Orientation & Safety Training: August 17, 2026
Quarter 1: August 24, 2026 - October 16, 2026
Quarter 2: October 19, 2026 - December 18, 2026
Winter break: December 19, 2026 - January 31, 2027

Quarter 3: February 1, 2027 - March 26, 2027

Spring Break: March 29, 2027 - April 2, 2027

Quarter 4: April 5, 2027 - May 28, 2027

Licenses / Certificates / Special Requirements: Interns must undergo a security background check, possess a valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under agencies' vehicle insurance policy, and pass the pre-employment physical.

To be considered for an internship, please submit an application and supplemental questionnaire by Monday, May 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.

To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.

The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org.

Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.

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