Septic Service Technician Job Description [With Template]

A septic tank technician handles septic system maintenance, inspection, and repair. These systems control the wastewater from our bathrooms, toilers, and laundry on premises where sewer lines aren’t centrally connected.

Creating an effective job description for this position is key to finding appropriately skilled professionals to work on septic systems.

This guide breaks down what to include in your listing and offers a comprehensive template. By the end of the article, you’ll have the knowledge needed to create a detailed job description that attracts top-tier candidates for your septic service technician openings. 

First, we’ll examine the specific duties and responsibilities involved in being a successful septic service technician.

What Does a Septic Service Technician Do?

Septic technicians are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and servicing septic systems. This role is an important element in the life cycle of waste management and is a lifeline for homeowners in remote regions without a central sewage service.

Septic tank servicers handle a range of activities daily and require specialized tools and systems to conduct their tasks effectively.

• Inspection of septic systems: Like all waste management systems, septic infrastructure requires regular inspections. Technicians check septic tanks, underground piping, and drain fields to ensure proper operation.

• Cleaning and pumping: Septic systems fill up and require ‘pumping down’ or waste removal for proper disposal. A team will typically use shovels for uncovering manhole access, sewer pipe cleaners for dislodging blockages, and Vacalls and pump trucks to suck up accumulated waste.

• Repairs and maintenance: Repairing decaying septic infrastructure and components such as containment tanks, baffles, septic pumps, filters, and clearing inlets and outlets.

• Troubleshooting and assessment: If a septic system is not operating correctly, it can quickly lead to an unpleasant situation. Technicians typically inspect the entire system and diagnose issues or detect potential problems.

Common Septic Technician Responsibilities

The key septic technician responsibilities are listed below:

• Operating industry equipment: Operate equipment such as wayne balls, sewer flushers, Vacalls, water jets, and power rodders to get septic tanks and systems clean.

• Locate hidden septic systems: Use specialized flushable trackers to locate septic tanks where manhole access is covered.

• Inspect and assess systems: Perform on-premises septic system inspections, including the tank, sewer system, and drain field. Decision-making is also required for the best course of action after an assessment.

• Communication with company and supervisors: Relaying information to supervisors regarding additional team members and equipment needed to complete the job.

• Cleaning septic tanks: Pumping down and cleaning client’s septic tanks. This involves pumping them free of the waste material, sludge, and effluent using Vacalls and suction hoses.

• Removal of damaged tanks: Remove tanks damaged beyond repair, including breaking concrete and asphalt, to gain enough access to remove tanks safely.

• Repair sewer lines: Cut out damaged portions of sewage lines from septic tanks and replace them with new piping.

• Verification of repairs: Thorough testing to verify that repairs and maintenance have resolved any issues and the system works optimally before leaving a work site.

• Communication with the client: Speaking directly to clients about maintenance they can undertake and communicating any diagnosis issues to the homeowner.

A good understanding of these responsibilities is key if you’re looking to start your own septic tank business or hire team members. When hiring new team members, ensure they have all the skills listed in the next section.

Common Septic Technician Requirements and Skills

• Plumbing knowledge: Septic technicians must understand how plumbing systems work and how they integrate with septic systems.

• Driver’s license: A valid driver’s license and spotless driving record are required as technicians need to travel long distances to work sites. Holding a CDL Class B license is preferred.

• Problem-solving skills: Diagnosing and repairing septic tank issues requires technicians to be able to identify and repair issues on site.

• Physical stamina: The job requires extensive manual labor, including lifting heavy hoses and fittings and working in hazardous environmental conditions.

• Educational background: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Additional industry certifications are a bonus and are looked upon favorably.

• Adaptability: Technicians should be comfortable working in various work conditions, including outdoors, confined spaces, and varying weather conditions—especially during emergency repairs.

• Communication skills: Clear communication with clients and supervisors is essential for coordinating tasks, relaying information to customers, and ensuring their satisfaction.

ServiceTitan’s Field Service App supports technicians by offering customer information, such as job histories and property specifics. This tool enables technicians to be well prepared upon arrival, create estimates effortlessly, and process payments on the spot. 

Courtney Van Delden, the fourth-generation owner of Van Delden Wastewater Systems has transformed her family business by adopting ServiceTitan Septic Business Software. 

“ServiceTitan makes you efficient in so many ways. Honestly, I can't see how we lived without it before,” Van Delden says. Since integrating the software, the company has streamlined operations, increased revenue, and improved customer satisfaction.

If you’re in the septic servicing and repair trade, ServiceTitan allows your technicians and business to boost productivity, increase sales opportunities, and deliver a customer experience that ensures repeat business.

Septic Tank Technician Job Description Template

Now that you have a better understanding of the core duties of a septic system technician, it’s time to review a sample job description template to attract the best talent for your business.

The following job description for a septic tank technician can form the basis of your hiring process. Customize it to incorporate requirements or values specific to your company and employees.

Septic Tank Technician – Full-time

At [Your Company Name], a leading provider of septic services with over [X] years of industry experience, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest quality and customer satisfaction standards. 

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated septic tank technician to join our team full-time. 

The ideal candidate will be proficient in maintaining and repairing septic systems, delivering exceptional customer service, and educating clients on maintenance and repair options during service appointments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and repairs: Conduct routine maintenance and repairs on septic tanks and sewer lines to ensure they are operating efficiently and safely.

• Diagnose and troubleshoot: Identify and troubleshoot issues with septic systems, using specialized tools and equipment to adapt and resolve problems.

• System testing: Test septic systems after repairs to ensure they function correctly and comply with all safety and regulatory standards.

• Detailed inspections: Perform thorough inspections of septic systems to detect potential problems and recommend preventive measures.

• Customer interaction: Communicate clearly with customers about the services performed, explaining the nature of repairs and maintenance required.

• Educate clients: Provide clients with information on maintaining their septic systems and help them understand the cost and benefits of repairs or replacements.

• Accurate documentation: Keep detailed records of work performed, including system components, services completed, and interactions with customers.

• Daily reporting: Debrief with dispatch after each service call, submitting all necessary documentation such as receipts, contracts, and invoices.

• Maintain worksite cleanliness: Ensure the work area is clean and orderly, and wear appropriate protective gear while working in client homes.

• Vehicle upkeep: Maintain company vehicles, ensuring they are clean, organized, and in good working condition.

• Professional conduct: Maintain a professional appearance and behavior by wearing company-approved attire, following safety protocols, and respecting customer property.

• Training and mentorship: Participate in ongoing training programs and mentor junior technicians to develop their skills and maintain service quality.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience: At least five years of experience as a septic service technician in residential or commercial septic service, demonstrating proficiency in maintaining and repairing septic systems.

• Technical expertise: In-depth knowledge of septic systems, including their components and operational functionality, to effectively diagnose and resolve issues.

• Mentorship skills: Ability to mentor and train less-experienced team members, fostering a collaborative and skilled workforce.

• Communication skills: Excellent communication skills to interact professionally with customers and team members, providing clear explanations and high-quality customer service.

• Tool proficiency: Proficient in using all necessary trade tools required for septic system maintenance and repair.

• Driver’s license: Valid CDL class B driver’s license with a clean driving record, necessary for operating company vehicles and transporting equipment.

• Compliance: Ability to pass a background check and drug screen, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory standards.

Educational/Certification Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED: Basic educational requirement for all applicants.

• Certifications: Preferred certifications and licensing from recognized bodies related to septic services.

• Preferred education: An associate degree in a related field is advantageous.

• Language proficiency: Native or C1 proficiency in English is required; Spanish fluency is beneficial but not mandatory.

Work Environment Conditions:

• Varied conditions: Work in extreme temperatures, outdoor environments, and confined spaces.

• Physical demands: Climbing, heavy lifting, loud noise, crawling, pushing/pulling, carrying equipment, bending, turning, and kneeling.

Physical Requirements:

• Stamina and mobility: The ideal candidate should be able to stand, walk, and climb ladders and stairs for extended periods.

• Confined spaces: Must be comfortable working in confined spaces and maneuvering into various positions as required.

• Physical activity: Continual physical activity, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, is necessary.

• Vision: Requires natural or corrected vision to accurately see and focus on close, distant, and peripheral objects with normal depth perception.

Once the applications start rolling in, you can use the ServiceTitan labor cost estimation tool to calculate overhead and employee starting rates for potential applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the average salary of a septic tank technician?

Glassdoor.com states that the average yearly salary of a septic tank technician is $47,222. However, this salary can vary depending on the business's location, the technician's experience, and the additional responsibilities of the role.

What are the key qualifications for septic technicians?

Although there are no specific qualification requirements, according to O*Net Online, the desirable qualities for septic technicians include:

• Plumbing Technology Qualification

• Plumber License

• Ability to Drive a Truck or Willingness to Obtain a Truck Driver License

A High School or GED certificate is generally considered a minimum educational requirement.

These qualifications ensure technicians are well-prepared to handle the various aspects of septic tank installation, repair, and maintenance.