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.
Tank Service Technician II
The Tank Service Technician II leads and participates in the maintenance and repair of elevated water storage tanks and standpipes. Responsibilities include directing a crew in painting, washing, and repairing tanks, preparing rigging and safety lines, operating chlorination equipment, and performing various repair tasks using power tools and hand tools. The role also involves inspecting for corrosion, driving trucks, and using rappelling techniques for elevated work. Minimum qualifications include one year of relevant experience in construction or maintenance at heights, or completion of a specific city trainee program plus additional experience. A valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.
Test Administration Specialist
The Test Administration Specialist performs specialized clerical duties within a centralized personnel testing center, including managing exam and applicant data, scoring test papers, organizing and preparing exams, and developing test-related materials. This role involves training clerical staff, assisting candidates with detailed employment information, determining applicant eligibility, and supporting recruiting efforts through presentations and job fairs. Minimum qualifications include completing specific personnel department training or one year of relevant experience, the ability to type 30 words per minute, and a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
The Test Monitor I provides clerical support in administering Civil Service examinations, assisting the public with information on application procedures, eligibility requirements, and test processes. Responsibilities include processing applications and test materials, distributing and collecting test papers, providing test directions, and responding to candidate questions. This entry-level role requires no specific education or experience, but candidates must be at least 18 years old (or 17 with a high school diploma or GED) and possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
The Test Monitor II provides journey-level clerical support in administering Civil Service examinations, assisting the public with application procedures, eligibility requirements, and test processes. Responsibilities include processing applications and test materials, distributing and collecting test papers, providing test directions, and responding to candidate questions. This role also involves maintaining files, entering and modifying data, and potentially training new employees. Minimum qualifications include being 18 years of age or older (or 17 with a high school diploma or GED), and either an Associate’s Degree, formal clerical training, one year of clerical experience with public contact, or six months of testing/proctoring experience. A valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.
Therapeutic Recreation Leader
The Therapeutic Recreation Leader plans, develops, oversees, and instructs recreational and leisure activities for children, teens, and adults with disabilities. Responsibilities include conducting activities, providing personal care, working with social service agencies, preparing publicity materials, developing lesson plans, maintaining equipment, and evaluating participant progress. The role also involves training staff, interns, and volunteers, as well as representing the City at public relations events. Minimum qualifications include being 18 years of age, having 1800 hours of recreation leadership experience with at least 200 hours working with persons with disabilities, or a combination of relevant education and experience. A valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist plans, organizes, and administers specialized therapeutic recreation programs and activities for children, teens, and adults with disabilities on a citywide basis. Duties include developing and implementing programs and events, conducting participant assessments, preparing budgets, publicizing activities, maintaining liaison with community groups, and supervising subordinates and volunteers. This role also involves evaluating program effectiveness, ensuring safety and accessibility, and handling administrative tasks. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in a related field and one year of experience leading recreation activities for persons with disabilities, or equivalent education and experience. A valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.
Traffic Signal Supervisor
The Traffic Signal Supervisor oversees the work of skilled Traffic Signal Technicians and other personnel involved in the installation, maintenance, and repair of traffic signal systems. Duties include assigning and supervising tasks, estimating job costs, planning work schedules, administering preventative maintenance programs, resolving traffic signal issues, enforcing safety regulations, and conducting accident investigations. Minimum qualifications include completion of a State-accredited Electrician Apprenticeship Program and two years of journey-level experience, or equivalent experience and education. A valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.
Traffic Signal Technician I
The Traffic Signal Technician I, in a training capacity, installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs traffic signal systems including wiring, controllers, and vehicle detectors. Duties involve conducting detailed checks to locate signal failures, adjusting and timing controllers, inspecting and testing signal systems, and restoring damaged signals. Minimum qualifications include four years of journey-level Electrician work or equivalent education and experience. A valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.
Traffic Signal Technician II
The Traffic Signal Technician II performs journey-level installation, modification, maintenance, and repair of solid state traffic signal equipment. Minimum qualifications include five years of journey-level Electrician experience in an industrial environment or an Associate’s Degree in Electronic Technology with three years of relevant experience.
The Traffic Striper Operator operates, maintains, and repairs a paint striping vehicle, ensuring efficient and effective traffic control. Minimum qualifications include six months of experience operating vehicles requiring a California Class A or B Driver License, possession of the license, and a valid California Department of Motor Vehicles Medical Certificate dated within the last two years.
The Trainer develops, instructs, presents, and evaluates various education, training, and staff development programs. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree and two years of professional experience in adult education/training programs, or three years of experience in related fields with at least one year in adult structured learning programs, or three years in developing multimedia presentations for adult learning. A valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.
The Training Supervisor plans, assigns, and supervises staff in designing and implementing a department-wide training program, including conducting needs assessments and developing curricula. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and three years of experience in adult education/training programs or four years in related fields with two years in adult learning programs. A valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.
Tree Maintenance Crewleader
The Tree Maintenance Crew Leader leads a crew and operates equipment for maintaining, removing, and planting trees, including climbing and performing tree surgery. Minimum qualifications include six months of aerial tower tree trimming experience or one year of climbing experience, and possession of a valid California Class B Driver’s License.
Tree Maintenance Supervisor
The Tree Maintenance Supervisor plans, assigns, and supervises field crews for tree planting, trimming, maintenance, and removal, including addressing tree diseases, hazards, and emergencies. Minimum qualifications include two years of skilled tree maintenance work and possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
The Tree Trimmer performs skilled broadleaf tree maintenance work involving the use of ropes, climbing spikes, and hand and power equipment, including pruning, cabling, bracing, and inspecting trees for insect and disease infestations. Minimum qualifications include six months of full-time tree maintenance experience and possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
The Utility Supervisor plans, assigns, and supervises crews in constructing, installing, repairing, and maintaining public facilities, ensuring proper use and maintenance of equipment and tools. Minimum qualifications include two years of relevant experience with six months in a crewleading role, and possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
The Utility Worker I performs a variety of semi-skilled maintenance, construction, and operating tasks, assisting skilled trades staff and performing tasks such as minor repairs, debris removal, and equipment operation. Minimum qualifications include six months of paid full-time manual labor experience or equivalent experience as a Laborer with the City of San Diego, and possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
The Utility Worker II leads and assists subordinate personnel in various maintenance, construction, and operating tasks, performing more difficult semi-skilled tasks such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and street repair. Minimum qualifications include one year of paid full-time experience in construction, maintenance, or repair of facilities, or equivalent experience as a Utility Worker I or Laborer with the City of San Diego, and possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
The Vehicle and Fuel Clerk performs clerical work supporting the City's automated fuel systems, processes vehicle fleet records, and handles tasks such as issuing fuel cards, processing vehicle warranties, and preparing reports. Minimum qualifications include one year of full-time clerical experience, with six months involving troubleshooting of the automated fuel system, and the ability to type 30 net words per minute.
Victim Services Coordinator
The Victim Services Coordinator provides investigative and victim support services, including interviewing victims, evaluating needs, referring to appropriate agencies, and explaining legal processes. Minimum qualifications include one year of full-time experience in crisis intervention for individuals involved in violent or sensitive situations, with tasks such as screening, evaluating, and providing assistance or referrals, along with a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
Wastewater Chief Plant Operator
The Wastewater Chief Plant Operator supervises the overall operations of the City's wastewater treatment system, including the main plant and satellite facilities, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Minimum qualifications include a valid Grade V Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board and three years of full-time supervisory experience in a wastewater treatment plant, along with a valid California Class C Driver License.
Wastewater Operations Supervisor
The Wastewater Operations Supervisor oversees a crew responsible for operating wastewater treatment or pump station equipment, ensuring treatment standards and regulatory compliance, and maintaining safety procedures. Minimum qualifications include one year as a Senior Wastewater Plant Operator or two years as a Wastewater Plant Operator with the City of San Diego, or two years as an operator in a wastewater treatment facility, along with a valid Grade III or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate from the State of California Water Resources Control Board and a valid California Class C Driver's License.
Wastewater Plant Operator
The Wastewater Plant Operator operates and checks equipment at a wastewater treatment plant or pump station, performs chemical and biological analyses, maintains operating logs, and ensures equipment cleanliness and safety. Minimum qualifications include possession of a valid Grade II or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board and a valid California Class C Driver's License.
Wastewater Pretreatment Inspector I
The Wastewater Pretreatment Inspector I performs less complex inspections, permitting, investigation, and enforcement of wastewater pretreatment systems under supervision. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical or Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related field, and one year of relevant professional-level industrial waste pretreatment inspection experience, or equivalent experience in related fields. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.
Wastewater Pretreatment Inspector II
The Wastewater Pretreatment Inspector II performs journey-level inspections, permitting, investigation, and enforcement of wastewater pretreatment systems. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical or Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field, and two years of relevant professional-level industrial waste pretreatment inspection experience, or equivalent experience in related fields. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.
CONNECT with the City