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Power Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

BESS Field Technician

Grand Terrace, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Experience in operating and maintaining power plant electrical systems, SCADA and controls systems operation, troubleshooting advanced electrical components, and using procedures to perform equipment ...

Assembly Technician I

Fontana, CA

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

... The Plant Operator vacancy is an ENTRY LEVEL, non-exempt position. QUALIFICATIONS High School ... and power industry facilities. May require the occasional site assignments for customer ...

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Power Plant Operator Trainee information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$21

$46

$66

How much do power plant operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator trainee in Riverside, CA is $46.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.35 and $61.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Power Plant Operator Trainee job?

A Power Plant Operator Trainee is an entry-level position where individuals learn how to monitor and control power-generating equipment under the supervision of experienced operators. Trainees receive hands-on training in operating turbines, boilers, generators, and other systems to ensure safe and efficient power production. Responsibilities typically include reading gauges, recording data, and responding to system alerts. Over time, trainees gain the knowledge and skills needed to become fully qualified power plant operators.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Power Plant Operator Trainee?

As a Power Plant Operator Trainee, your daily tasks typically involve shadowing experienced operators, monitoring equipment gauges and control panels, recording operational data, and assisting with routine maintenance. You may also learn to adjust controls to regulate output, respond to alarms or abnormal indicators, and participate in safety drills. Over time, you'll gain experience analyzing system performance and troubleshooting issues under supervision. The role offers hands-on training in a highly structured team setting, preparing you for increased responsibility and possible advancement to full operator roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Power Plant Operator Trainee position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Plant Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring technical training or coursework. Familiarity with control systems, monitoring equipment, and safety protocols is crucial, and completion of relevant safety training or industry certifications can be beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to follow instructions make a candidate stand out in this position. These competencies ensure safe and efficient plant operations while supporting learning and advancement in a highly regulated environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,028 per year, or $46.6 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 2 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

15th of 649 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 http://www.naces.org/members.html 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.