Collection System Worker I

Union Sanitary District; Union City (CA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Two weeks vacation

13 paid holidays

Short/Long Disability

Life Insurance

Educational Reimbursement

SEIU Local 1021 union

Job summary

Union Sanitary District in California is hiring a Collection System Worker I to maintain and repair sanitary sewer lines, perform digging and concrete work, and respond to service calls to keep the system flowing.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and on-the-job learning with opportunities to obtain CWEA certifications and advance within the classification.

Qualifications

• Ability to follow written and spoken instructions in English and communicate clearly with teammates and the public.
• Capability to perform physical labor and operate tools safely.
• Commitment to working safely and pass required checks.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, install, and inspect sanitary sewer lines.
• Perform hands-on field work including digging, concrete work, and tool operation.
• Collaborate with team to respond to service calls and keep systems flowing.
• Learn sewer maintenance methods and new software on the job.
• Full job description provided on request.

Skills

English communication

Physical labor

Safety mindset

Education

Class A California driver’s license permit

CWEA Grade I Certificate

CWEA Grade II Certificate

Job description

$47.93 – $ 58.26 Hourly

$99,697.31- $ 121,182.67 Annually

Final Filing Date: Sunday, 11/22/2026 at 4:00 PM

This posting will remain open until 100 applications have been received or until the deadline,

whichever occurs first. Please apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is received.

Union Sanitary District has been treating wastewater for Fremont, Newark, and Union City since 1918. We’re hiring a Collection System Worker I to join the crew that keeps our sewer system running and protects the San Francisco Bay.

Examples of Duties

• Maintain, repair, install, and inspect sanitary sewer lines
• Do hands-on field work, including digging, concrete work, and operating hand and power tools
• Work in a team to respond to service calls and keep the system flowing
• Learn sewer maintenance methods and technology on the job
• You can find the full job description here.

The ideal candidate will not only demonstrate commitment to customer service and safety but also showcase a strong work ethic, good judgment, and excellent interpersonal skills. We're looking for someone who can adapt to changing situations, communicate effectively, and thrive in a team-based environment.

Qualifications

While no prior experience or knowledge of collection systems (sanitary sewer maintenance and repair) is required, candidates must possess the following:

What you need

• Ability to do physical labor, including using a 90-lb class jackhammer
• Ability to follow written and spoken instructions in English and communicate clearly with teammates and the public
• Basic math skills and comfort learning sewer maintenance methods and new software
• A commitment to working safely
• Ability to pass a background check, drug and alcohol test, and job-related physical exam

What the work is like

• You’ll work outdoors in all kinds of weather
• Work involves regular, direct contact with raw sewage and wastewater
• Some work happens in confined spaces and awkward positions inside sewers
• Overtime is sometimes required, including standby duty
• The position is covered by the DOT Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Program
• Some tasks require respiratory protection, which may mean being clean-shaven

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and be insurable by the District for the operation of District vehicles.
• Within the initial 90 days of hire, a Class A California driver's license permit is required, with the obligation to secure and maintain the full license within the first year of entering this Classification. Training will be provided by USD.
• Must obtain a CWEA Grade I Certificate within three years of entry into this Classification and must obtain CWEA Grade II Certificate and the competencies to promote to Collection System Worker II within five years of entry into the Collection System Worker I Classification.

Physical Requirements:

Candidates must be physically capable of performing critical duties, including climbing ladders and lifting 60 pounds. A willingness to work under adverse weather conditions, complete overtime as required and use respiratory protection equipment is essential.

Excellent Benefits:

We also offer an excellent benefits package including:

• CalPERS retirement 2.5% at 55 formula. (If new to CalPERS or not from an agency with reciprocity with CalPERS, the formula is 2% at 62 by pension reform law.)
• Medical, dental and vision insurance substantially paid for by the District for the employee and family.
• Two weeks' vacation per year (increasing with longevity); and 13 paid holidays per year.
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Life Insurance paid by the District.
• Alternative Work Week Schedule.
• Deferred Compensation Plan with Matching Funds.
• Educational Reimbursement, Student and Computer Loan programs for non-probationary employees.
• The Collection System Worker I is covered by the Service Employees International Union, Local 1021 (SEIU), Memorandum of Understanding.

Accommodation:

Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Human Resources by emailing [e-mail] upon submittal of application.