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Plant Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Assists in the technical training of plant operators and technical staff; assists in planning, assigning and reviewing the work of plant operators * Inspects anaerobic digestions facility equipment ...

Plant Manager (Nights)

Perris, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Assists in the technical training of plant operators and technical staff; assists in planning, assigning and reviewing the work of plant operators * Inspects anaerobic digestions facility equipment ...

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Plant Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$23

$41

How much do plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant operator in Riverside, CA is $23.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $26.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, process control, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with control panels, SCADA systems, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring smooth operations and responding quickly to issues. These skills are vital for maintaining operational efficiency, safety, and compliance in industrial plant environments.

What jobs pay $250 an hour?

Plant operators in specialized industries such as oil and gas, nuclear, or chemical plants can earn around $250 an hour, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working in high-risk environments. These roles often require advanced technical skills, safety training, and sometimes shift work or overtime. Compensation varies based on location, industry, and level of expertise.

What are some common challenges faced by Plant Operators, and how can they be effectively managed?

Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as unexpected equipment malfunctions, maintaining safety protocols, and adapting to variable production demands. Managing these challenges typically involves staying vigilant during routine inspections, promptly reporting and addressing anomalies, and collaborating closely with maintenance teams. Continuous training on updated safety procedures and clear communication with supervisors and co-workers are also crucial for effective problem-solving and ensuring smooth plant operations.

What are plant operators?

Plant operators are professionals responsible for controlling and overseeing industrial machinery and equipment in facilities such as power plants, water treatment plants, or manufacturing sites. Their main duties include monitoring systems, maintaining equipment, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that operations run smoothly and safely. Plant operators must follow strict safety protocols, respond to emergencies, and perform routine inspections to keep the plant functioning efficiently. They often work in shifts and may be required to handle complex technical systems. This role typically requires technical training and a strong attention to detail.

What is the difference between Plant Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectPlant OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a certification or license specific to plant operationsOften requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) or equipment-specific training
Work EnvironmentOperates machinery within industrial plants, power plants, or manufacturing facilitiesOperates heavy machinery outdoors, such as bulldozers, cranes, or forklifts
Industry UsageCommon in energy, manufacturing, and utility industriesCommon in construction, mining, and logistics industries

While both roles involve operating machinery, Plant Operators focus on managing and controlling plant systems within industrial facilities, often requiring specialized certifications. Equipment Operators typically handle heavy machinery outdoors, with a focus on construction or transportation tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and certifications.

What Does a Plant Operator Do?

A plant operator oversees the day-to-day operations of an industrial plant. As a plant operator, you operate different types of machinery and equipment from a control room. You might specialize in a specific type of machinery and work on one part of the process, or you might be a generalist who works on different machines in all parts of the process. Plant operators work in many industries such as the oil and gas industry, manufacturing, utilities and power plants.

What is the work of a plant operator?

A plant operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring machinery and equipment in industrial plants such as power plants, water treatment facilities, or manufacturing plants. They operate control panels, perform routine inspections, and ensure safety and efficiency of operations, often requiring technical skills and certifications. Their work environment can involve shift work and adherence to safety protocols.

How much do plant operators make?

Plant operators in Louisiana typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific industry. They often require knowledge of control systems, safety protocols, and equipment operation, with some positions offering overtime or shift differentials.

How do I become a plant operator?

To become a plant operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or technical schooling in plant operations or process technology. Many employers require certification or licensing, such as a state-issued license or operator certification, and strong mechanical and technical skills are essential for managing equipment and safety protocols.
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA? For Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Plant Operator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Plant Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Plant Operator job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,534 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR I or WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR I TRAINEE

WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR I or WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR I TRAINEE

City of Riverside

Riverside, CA

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


City Of Riverside (California) rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Position The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Wastewater Plant Operator I or Wastewater Plant Operator I Trainee to fill one (1) vacancy in the Sewer Division of the Public Works Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months. The Riverside Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) is located at 5950 Acorn Street Riverside, CA 92504.

The plant was recently expanded and retrofitted to meet the needs of future generations. This plant expansion introduced several new technologies designed to produce high quality effluent water and increase the plant's efficiency. As currently constructed, the RWQCP consists of two separate treatment plants with a common chlorine contact basin, de-chlorination and outfall structures.

These provide preliminary, primary, secondary and tertiary treatment for a rated capacity of 46 million gallons per day (MGD) or enough to fill up 70 Olympic size pools. The Wastewater Plant Operator I or Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee will perform skilled and routine work in the operation of all equipment in a wastewater treatment plant on an assigned or determined shift (day, swing or graveyard) and to do related work as required. ***MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK ALL SHIFTS*** Wastewater Plant Operator I $68,364.00 - $83,100.00 Annually This is the entry class in the wastewater plant operation series

Wastewater Plant Operator I Trainee $59,040.00 - $65,100.00 Annually Work Performed Typical duties may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Participate and operate wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater, sludge, and effluent; provide labor and support in the monitoring and regulation of flow and chemical additions. Evaluate gauges, meters, and control panels; perform maintenance, repair, or related work. Observe variations in operating conditions; assist in identifying functional and operational hazards, address issues, and ensure corrections are made for efficient continuance of activities

Read, process, and interpret observations, meter readings, and test results to determine processing requirements; recognize and respond to wastewater detriments and perform necessary actions to ensure appropriate treatment. Check, inspect, and monitor the operation of valves, gates, boilers, compressors, pumps, engines, and electric motors to control treatment processes. Follow and adhere to safe work practices; assist other personnel in proper work procedures and use of safety equipment; may use self-contained breathing apparatus.

Monitor and participate in activities to ensure the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of facility areas. Maintain logs and record meter and gauge readings; collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses. Apply and operate wastewater processes and equipment utilizing a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).

Perform general operational tasks and trouble-shoot process problems; communicate, engage, and collaborate with other operators to ensure transparency in plant operations. Assist Maintenance in the identification, isolation, and removal of malfunctioning process equipment. Assist in the supervision and training of less experienced operators.

Perform other duties as assigned Qualifications Recruitment Guidelines: Wastewater Plant Operator I Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED). Experience: One-year of full-time qualifying experience operating a wastewater treatment plant. Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED).

Experience: 250 hours to one-year of full-time qualifying experience operating a wastewater treatment plant. Licenses and Certifications: Possession of an appropriate, valid class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. May require possession of or the ability to obtain an appropriate valid California Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator's License based upon operational need and the duties assigned.

Will be required to operate a forklift or other equipment. When assigned to Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a current, valid, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in Training Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board. Proof of hours worked must be verified through the State Water Board's Operator Certification Information System (OCIS) or a letter from the Chief Plant Operator.

Wastewater Plant Operator Trainees must meet the minimum requirements of a Wastewater Plant Operator I within 12 months of appointment. When assigned to Wastewater Plant Operator I: Possession of a current, valid, Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board. Possession of a current, valid Grade II, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board within 24 months of employment.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Work is done inside a plant and outside in the field with exposure to inclement weather, hazards, chemicals, equipment, construction materials, wastewater, and fumes. Employees may interact with staff and/or public and private representatives and will provide professional customer service. Selection Process DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION: 1) Completed Employment Application 2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire 3) Current Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (must be scanned and attached to the online application).

4) Document of proof of hours worked verified through the State Water Board's Operator Certification Information System (OCIS) or a letter from the Chief Plant Operator. Candidates who cannot verify their work experience at the time of application must provide proof of hours worked upon selection for the position. PLEASE NOTE: FOR DIRECTIONS ON ATTACHING A DOCUMENT TO AN ON-LINE APPLICATION, OR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS: If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

Positions that require, or may require, a California Commercial Driver's License are considered Safety Sensitive and are monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Any candidate being considered for a Safety Sensitive position must submit authorization forms to the City immediately upon request to begin the pre-employment process

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment. Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination. NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards.

Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S

college or university. Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options: An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at Members - NACES or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/

An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university. All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.


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