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Cwea Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wastewater Operator

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Minimally, must have Grade 1 California Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate (RWQCB) or a Grade 1 CWEA Certificate in Collection System Maintenance, Environmental Compliance Inspection, Plant ...

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Cwea information

See California salary details

$8

$25

$60

How much do cwea jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cwea in California is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.83 and $30.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CWEA?

CWEA professionals are members of the California Water Environment Association, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals who work in the wastewater and water environment fields. These professionals include engineers, operators, laboratory technicians, and other specialists responsible for protecting and improving California's water quality. Their roles often involve operating and maintaining wastewater treatment plants, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting environmental sustainability. Through training, certification, and networking, CWEA helps its members advance their careers and stay updated on best practices in water and wastewater management.

What is the difference between Cwea vs Water Treatment Operator?

AspectCweaWater Treatment Operator
CertificationsOften requires certifications like CWEA certifications or state licensesTypically requires state-specific water treatment operator licenses
Work EnvironmentWorks in water treatment plants, laboratories, and field sitesOperates and maintains water treatment equipment in treatment facilities
Industry UsageUsed across municipal, industrial, and environmental sectorsPrimarily employed in municipal water treatment facilities

The CWEA (California Water Environment Association) is a professional organization that certifies and supports water and wastewater professionals, including Water Treatment Operators. A Water Treatment Operator is a job role that often requires CWEA certifications. While CWEA provides certification and professional development, the Water Treatment Operator is the role performing the operational tasks in water treatment facilities. Understanding the relationship helps clarify career pathways and certification requirements in the water industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CWEA, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CWEA-certified professional, you need a solid understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes, environmental regulations, and related technical knowledge, often supported by relevant certifications from the California Water Environment Association. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory analysis tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help professionals excel in managing operations and collaborating with regulatory agencies. These skills and qualifications are essential for maintaining compliance, ensuring public health, and optimizing facility performance.

What are some common challenges faced by CWEA-certified professionals in the water environment industry?

CWEA-certified professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to evolving environmental regulations, managing complex treatment technologies, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of water and wastewater systems. They may also need to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, respond to emergency situations, and balance routine maintenance with unexpected operational issues. Staying current with industry best practices and ongoing training is essential for addressing these challenges and advancing in the field.
What cities in California are hiring for Cwea jobs? Cities in California with the most Cwea job openings:
Infographic showing various Cwea job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,653 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Collections System Lead Worker (1st 25 Qualified Applicants)

City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department

San Bernardino, CA

$78K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


City Of San Bernardino rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Summary Are you looking for an opportunity for professional growth and development. Consider joining the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department as a Collections System Lead Worker The City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department is seeking a self-starter able to work in a fast-paced environment responsible for directing, leading, guiding, training, instructing, correcting, and participating in/performing fully the work of an assigned crew engaged in a variety of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled duties related to wastewater system cleaning and blockage clearing work, participating in the construction, assessment, maintenance, and repair of the Department's wastewater (sanitary sewer) collection system, operating closed-circuit television (CCTV) and global positioning system (GPS) equipment to inspect or document sanitary sewer lines and related facilities, operating a variety of light, medium, and heavy-duty motorized equipment and power/hand tools, and ensuring compliance with the general waste discharge orders issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the Department's Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). The Collections System Lead Worker is the working crew leader level over Collections System Workers in the field and typically performs the most difficult/complex tasks.

Incumbents routinely assign specific tasks to crew members at the job site and train, instruct, and correct the work of crew members insuring that accepted safety methods are practiced. Incumbents lead and perform a broad range of routine to very complex level duties requiring advanced journey level expertise and interface with the Collections System Supervisor regarding sewer system issues and staff assignments, provide significant input regarding performance evaluations of field workers, and report any issues of poor or negligent performance. Incumbents are expected to use sound and independent judgment in carrying out job assignments and may serve in the absence of the Collections System Supervisor.

The ideal candidate will have graduated from high school, at least 4 years of experience in sanitary sewer collection system field work, a valid California Class "B" driver's license with airbrake and tank endorsements and valid Medical Examiner's Certificate appropriate for the equipment to be operated, and a valid California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Collection System Maintenance Grade I certificate. Click here to view the Collections System Lead Worker job description. Minimum Qualifications Education: Graduation from high school, or equivalent, Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in sanitary sewer collection system field work.

Certificates: A valid California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Collection System Maintenance Grade I certificate is required at the time of application. A valid California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Collection System Maintenance Grade II certificate is required within 18 months of appointment. Certifications in first aid and CPR are required at the time of appointment.

Ability to pass Department-provided Confined Space Entry Training within sic (6) months of appointment. Necessary Special Requirements Must possess a valid California Class "B" driver's license with airbrake and tank endorsements and valid Medical Examiner's Certificate appropriate for the equipment to be operated at the time of application. For out of state applicants, a valid driver's license is required and a valid California Class "B" driver's license with airbrake tank endorsements must be obtained within ten (10) days of appointment (CA Vehicle Code 12505c).

Possession of a California Class "A" driver's license with airbrake and tank endorsements is highly desirable. Employees in this classification will be required to participate in call back or standby duty and are subject to being on-call, which may include a rotating schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays; must be able to respond to emergency calls within the time period specified within the current Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) when performing on-call service.. Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions Work is primarily performed in a field environment that is frequently loud and prolonged, in a variety of environmental and extreme weather conditions (both indoors and out), and in or near street traffic with significant exposure to hazardous drivers

Incumbents regularly work near moving mechanical parts, are exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, exposed to electrical hazards, heavy vibration, and in precarious places. Incumbents frequently work on slippery or uneven surfaces and work occasionally involves exposure to potential physical harm, infectious disease and hazardous chemicals including smoke, fumes or airborne particles, gas, untreated wastewater, dirt, dust, grease, oil, caustic chemicals, solvents, and toxic agents, and fumes in various states (gaseous, liquid, or solid). Incumbents need to be able to tolerate unpleasant odors, wet conditions and uncomfortable climate conditions.

Incumbents are regularly required to sit, walk, and stand on a variety of surfaces, use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, and controls, use hands and arms at any height (including above the shoulder), perform repetitive movements of hand and/or wrists climb or balance on ladders or stairs, and traverse or stand on uneven surfaces. There is frequent need to stand, stoop, bend at the waist, walk, crawl, crouch, climb and perform other similar actions during the course of the workday. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Incumbents require sufficient mobility to work in a field setting in varying weather conditions, to operate various equipment, regularly lift and/or move in any direction materials and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds and to travel to various locations. Must be able to work in enclosed spaces while wearing protective clothing. Must be clean shaven or have trimmed facial and head hair to properly use personal respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus equipment.

Must be able to see in the normal visual range with or without correction with both eyes and depth perception with vision sufficient to see colors, adjust focus, read small print, computer screens and other printed documents. Must be able to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.


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