Entry Level Water Treatment Jobs in Riverside, CA

VACANCY APPLY IMMEDIATELY The first review of applications will take place on July 13, 2026. Applications submitted on or after July 13, 2026 may still be considered if an insufficient number of qualified candidates are received. The City of Pomona invites qualified candidates to apply for the Water Treatment Plant Operator I position in the Water Resources Department.

This entry-level position plays a critical role in producing and delivering safe, high-quality drinking water to the community. Under immediate supervision, the incumbent monitors and operates water treatment facilities, conducts water quality sampling and testing, adjusts chemical feed systems, operates SCADA and plant equipment, and performs preventive and corrective maintenance on pumps, motors, valves, filters, and related systems. The Water Treatment Plant Operator I helps ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local drinking water regulations while supporting the reliable operation of the City's treatment facilities and distribution system.

The City is currently seeking to fill one (1) vacancy for Water Treatment Plant Operator I. An eligibility list will be established and may be used to fill future vacancies in this classification that occur during the twelve (12) months following the list's establishment. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a dependable and detail-oriented individual with a strong interest in water treatment operations and public service.

They possess mechanical aptitude, a commitment to safety, and the ability to learn complex treatment processes and regulatory requirements. Successful candidates are proactive problem-solvers who can recognize changing operating conditions, maintain accurate records, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively as part of a team. Why Pomona The City of Pomona offers a rewarding opportunity to help protect public health by producing and delivering clean, reliable drinking water to more than 145,000 residents.

This position provides hands-on experience with advanced treatment technologies, water quality monitoring, SCADA systems, and regulatory compliance, making it an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking a long-term career in the water industry. The City offers an excellent benefits package featuring a 4/10 work schedule with Fridays off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, CalPERS retirement, deferred compensation options, tuition reimbursement, and optional participation in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). This position also provides opportunities for career growth within the Water Treatment Plant Operator series and includes a 5% scheduled salary increase on October 1, 2026.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO APPLY Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be: Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED supplemented by specialized training in water maintenance and/or operations. One year of water treatment experience or two years of water maintenance experience is desirable.

License or Certificate: Possession of a valid driver's license with good driving record. Possession of a Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate. Possession of, or must obtain, CPR, First Aid, Respirator, Confined Space and Hazwoper certificates wiithin 11 months of employment.

Knowledge of: Basic mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles. Hand and power tools used in routine plant maintenance. Safety precautions pertaining to the work.

Safety precautions pertaining to work with hazardous materials. Characteristics of treatment chemicals. Basic arithmetic, including fractions, decimals, and proportions.

Safe driving principles and practices. Confined space work practices. Skill to: Learn to operate a wide variety of equipment and tools used in water treatment and maintenance.

Learn to operate the City's SCADA system. Learn to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software. Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time.

Operate a motor vehicle safely. Operate a wide variety of equipment including, dump trucks, skip loaders, and fork lift as well as tools used in water treatment and maintenance. Learn to make accurate physical and chemical tests.

Learn to diagnose complex operating problems. Ability to: Read and record meters and gages accurately. Recognize unusual or dangerous operating conditions.

Perform maintenance and repair to plant equipment including pumps, valves, and electronic monitoring devices. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships, teamwork, and cooperation with those contacted in the course of work.

Work in a confined spaced environment. Handle hazardous material in a safe manner. Use respirators for extended periods of time.

Learn to read, interpret, and apply a technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, blue prints, and schematics. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Operate water treatment plants using electronic and SCADA systems; interpret gages, meters, charts, and graphs; operate pumps, valves, motors, and related equipment; inspect plant equipment. Calculate and adjust chemical dosages based on test results, plant flows, and plant performance; maintain predetermined water quality parameters; apply mathematical formula to calculate chemical dosages, chemical usage, pump rates, and flow changes.

Validate on-line analyzers with handheld analyzers. Calibrate and/or repair water analyzing instrumentation to ensure proper operation. Monitor the transmission and distribution systems; coordinate, advise, and communicate to other Water Sections potential problems and alarms.

Repair and/or replace equipment throughout the water treatment plant including pumps, valves, motors, mixers, wires, and analyzers. Assist in determining chemicals, laboratory reagents, and equipment needed for operation and/or budget purposes. Analyze and measure filter media; replace and/or add as needed.

Repair, clean, and maintain facilities and equipment associated with the operation of water treatment plants. Report equipment failures and complete minor repairs to equipment on sites; requisition materials, equipment, and supplies. Compile data and maintain records for governmental regulatory monthly and quarterly reports.

Perform daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual general and preventive maintenance including keeping and preparing accurate and complete records, logs, checklists, and reports. Inspect and repair water treatment filters. Perform flow changes at remote stations and coordinate those changes on the SCADA system.

Assist in the training of new water treatment plant employees. Assist in design changes of current and future treatment plants. Participate in safety training and exercises.

May occasionally assist Water Quality Control Technicians. Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned. Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, push, pull, lift up to 50 lbs., and wear protective apparel; exposure to heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and traffic hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations; availability for on-call, stand-by, emergency call, and irregular work schedules including week-ends and holidays

SELECTION PROCESS Open & Promotional Recruitment This recruitment is open to external candidates as well as any City of Pomona employee not serving an initial probationary period and any other hourly City employee. Examination Procedure Screening of qualifications and "most qualified" is based on the information provided on the official City Application. A resume may be attached to your application, but will not substitute for the completion of your application.

Applications that are not entirely completed may be rejected. This recruitment may also establish a list for future vacancies. Supplemental Questions To complete your application for this position you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions.

Incomplete responses, false statements, omission, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application. The information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position.

This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed and scored by a panel of raters familiar with this position.