Navigating the transition from military service to a civilian career can be challenging, but the City of San Diego is committed to making it easier for veterans and transitioning service members. This job search resource is designed to help you explore career opportunities within the City, offering guidance on applying, translating military experience into civilian qualifications, and accessing veteran hiring preferences. Whether you're seeking stability, growth, or a way to continue serving your community, this tool will help you take the next step with confidence.
Under direction, a Programmer Analyst III analyzes crime analysis system requirements, designs, programs, tests, and maintains complex data management and crime analysis programs for the Police Department. Responsibilities include writing programs in multiple computer languages, maintaining and debugging software, and training users. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Mathematics, or any Bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester or 36 quarter units in Computer Science, and two years of professional computer programming experience.
Under general supervision, a Project Assistant assists in the coordination of the design, construction, operation, and inspection of City projects. Duties include acting as resident inspector or assistant project engineer, preparing and evaluating cost estimates, drawings, and specifications, utilizing advanced CADD software, managing project schedules and consultant contracts, coordinating permit acquisition, ensuring regulatory compliance, preparing and reviewing project documents, and performing on-site inspections. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree, an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate, or equivalent education/experience, plus two years of professional-level project management experience.
Under direction, a Project Officer I assists in the coordination, planning, design, construction, and operation of City projects. Duties include directing specific architectural construction projects of average size and difficulty, assisting a Project Officer II on major construction, preparing contract documents and specifications, estimating construction costs and time requirements, exercising functional supervision of professional and subprofessional personnel, preparing reports on projects, and inspecting specific phases of a project. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education, plus three years of full-time project management experience in commercial, industrial, governmental, park, or large-scale residential construction, including experience in preparing and reviewing contract documents, and planning, coordinating, estimating, scheduling, and inspecting construction projects.
Under direction, a Project Officer II is responsible for planning and coordinating all aspects of design, construction, and operation on a variety of major City projects. Duties include conducting project administration, monitoring, and control; representing the City in meetings with citizen groups, architects, engineers, contractors, City departments, and other governmental agencies; supervising the preparation or approval of all documents, plans, and specifications; overseeing bidding procedures and contract awards; acting as Project Coordinator and exercising functional supervision of assigned personnel in design, inspection, and construction; analyzing and making reports and recommendations concerning the projects; and reviewing and preparing reports. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education, plus four years of full-time project management experience in commercial, industrial, governmental, park, or large-scale residential construction, including experience in preparing and reviewing contract documents, and planning, coordinating, estimating, scheduling, and inspecting construction projects.
Under direction, a Property Agent performs complex real property transactions, including negotiations, appraisals, and lease agreements, and provides guidance and training to staff. They handle property investigations, right-of-way acquisitions, and liaise with governmental agencies. A Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience are required, along with a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
Public Art Program Administrator
A Public Art Program Administrator plans and directs the City’s Public Art Program, coordinates public art projects, and develops policies and procedures. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History, Visual/Performing Arts, Arts Administration, Business Administration, or Non-Profit Management, and four years of professional experience in arts and culture program development.
A Public Information Clerk provides complex and detailed information on government rules, policies, Municipal Code provisions, and regulations, screens service requests and complaints, and reviews applications for compliance. Minimum qualifications include one year of clerical experience with six months providing detailed, complex information to the public, and the ability to type at 30 net words per minute.
Public Information Officer
A Public Information Officer plans and conducts public information programs for a department, writes and distributes advisories and news releases, utilizes social media platforms, and coordinates outreach efforts. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree and one year of professional-level experience in public relations, media relations, journalism, marketing, community relations, or social media, and possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
Public Information Specialist
A Public Information Specialist performs complex public information duties at the Central City Information Center via phone and/or at the public counter, providing information on various government and civic services. Minimum qualifications include one year of full-time clerical experience with six months providing complex information to the public and six months at the Central City Information Counter, with a typing speed of 30 net words per minute.
Public Information Supervisor
A Public Information Supervisor supervises clerical staff at a centralized government public information center, handles complex public information tasks, and responds to citizen complaints. Minimum qualifications include two years of experience providing agency-wide public information and referral services for a centralized governmental information center.
Public Works Dispatch Supervisor
A Public Works Dispatch Supervisor supervises dispatchers in a central public works communications center, manages dispatch files, updates procedural manuals, and handles staff training and evaluations. Minimum qualifications include one year of experience as a dispatcher operating radio communication equipment and possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
A Public Works Dispatcher operates a radio console in a central public works communications center, evaluates service requests, and dispatches appropriate field units. Minimum qualifications include six months of full-time experience in a centralized public works communications center.
Public Works Superintendent
The Public Works Superintendent manages major construction and maintenance units for public works facilities such as streets and bridges, coordinates activities between various departments and contractors, and oversees policy implementation and budget administration. Minimum qualifications include four years of full-time experience in coordinating public facility or utility projects, including supervision of multiple crews, and a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
The Public Works Supervisor plans, assigns, and supervises several crews involved in the construction and maintenance of public works facilities, estimates project costs, and ensures proper maintenance of tools and equipment. Minimum qualifications include four years of relevant experience with two years in a supervisory role and a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
The Publishing Specialist I operates printing, copying, scanning, plotting, and bindery equipment under immediate supervision, performs hand bindery tasks, and maintains and makes simple repairs to machines. No specific education or experience required; may require a valid California Class B or Class C Driver License.
The Publishing Specialist II operates and maintains a variety of production printing, bindery, copying, scanning, and plotting equipment, formats simple electronic documents for printing, and assists in training employees. Requires one year of full-time experience operating related equipment; may require a valid California Class C or Class B Driver License.
The Pump Station Operator operates, inspects, cleans, and repairs pumps, motors, and related equipment in a complex wastewater collection system, and records data from monitoring systems. Requires one year of relevant experience or possession of specific certifications in water or wastewater treatment.
Pump Station Operator Supervisor
The Pump Station Operations Supervisor oversees and plans the work of staff operating and maintaining pumps and related equipment in a complex wastewater system, ensures safety compliance, and resolves administrative issues. Requires one year of experience as a journey-level Pump Station Operator with a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
Pump Station Operator Trainee
The Pump Station Operator Trainee learns to operate, inspect, and maintain pumps and related equipment in a wastewater collection system, performing minor adjustments and repairs under supervision. No specific education or experience is required; may need a valid California Class B or C Driver License.
Pure Water Plant Operations Supervisor
The Pure Water Plant Operations Supervisor oversees daily operations at a Pure Water treatment plant or pump station, supervising personnel, adjusting treatment processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining equipment and records. Requires significant experience in water or wastewater treatment and relevant certifications, including a Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certificate or a Grade T3 Water Treatment Operator's Certificate, along with a valid California Class C Driver License and an Advanced Water Treatment Operator Certificate (AWT3) within two years of hire.
Pure Water Plant Operator
The Pure Water Plant Operator operates and monitors equipment for advanced water treatment processes at a designated Pure Water treatment or pump station facility. Responsibilities include adjusting treatment processes, conducting tests, monitoring chemical systems, regulating water flow, maintaining logs, ensuring equipment cleanliness, reporting malfunctions, and ensuring plant security. Requires a valid Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Certificate or a Grade T3 Water Treatment Plant Operator’s Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, along with a valid California Class C Driver License.
Pure Water Treatment Superintendent
The Pure Water Treatment Superintendent provides technical and administrative supervision over multiple Pure Water treatment plants, pump stations, and related facilities. Responsibilities include planning, directing, and coordinating operations, analyzing procedures and equipment, budget administration, ensuring regulatory compliance, conducting operational studies, coordinating with other departments and agencies, managing public inquiries, and evaluating subordinate supervisors. Requires two years of supervisory experience in wastewater or water treatment plant operations and a valid Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certificate or Grade T5 Water Treatment Operator's Certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board, along with a valid California Class C Driver License. Possession of an Advance Water Treatment Operator Certificate (AWT5) issued by CA-NV AWWA/CWEA is required within three years of hire.
The Ranger/Diver I patrols City lakes and reservoirs to enforce security and safety rules, including issuing citations for violations. Responsibilities include operating vehicles and boats, performing dives for maintenance and rescue operations, assisting boaters in distress, conducting rescues, maintaining water quality, operating communications systems and tools, administering first aid as an EMT-B, testifying in court, maintaining records, and assisting in aquatic events and safety programs. Requires a basic or higher level diving certificate, County of San Diego EMT-B certificate, completion of a P.O.S.T. approved Penal Code 832 course, and a valid California Class C Driver License.
The Ranger/Diver II supervises and participates in the work of Ranger/Divers, performing patrol, code enforcement, diving, and maintenance duties at City lakes, reservoirs, and water facilities. Responsibilities include planning, directing, and training subordinate Ranger/Divers, operating vehicles and boats for patrol, enforcing laws and issuing citations, maintaining water quality and protecting biological/archeological resources, conducting dive operations, including planning and supervision of underwater surveys, maintenance, and rescue work. Requires six months of experience equivalent to Ranger/Diver I, or one year equivalent experience as a Ranger/Diver or Lifeguard in boating safety, EMT-B certificate, completion of a P.O.S.T. approved Penal Code 832 course, advanced diving certificate, and a valid California Class C Driver License.
The Ranger/Diver Supervisor plans, schedules, and supervises all activities related to dive safety, lake safety, code enforcement, and Hydrilla plant eradication programs at City lakes and reservoirs. Responsibilities include supervising lake staff, scheduling dive operations and safety enforcement activities, developing and managing diving and safety programs, operating specialized diving equipment, issuing citations, coordinating with governmental agencies, inspecting safety equipment and facilities, writing training manuals, evaluating staff performance, maintaining records, preparing reports and budget requests, researching new equipment, and training subordinate staff. Requires one year of experience supervising or leading a crew of divers, EMT-B certificate, P.O.S.T. Penal Code 832 certificate, advanced diving certificate, and a valid California Class C Driver License.