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System Operator Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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System Operator Trainee information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$28

$46

How much do system operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for system operator trainee in Riverside, CA is $28.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.10 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a System Operator Trainee, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, power grid fundamentals, and typically an associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology or a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, energy management software, and NERC certification is often required or preferred. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help trainees excel in high-pressure, team-oriented environments. These competencies are crucial for maintaining grid reliability, ensuring safety, and responding rapidly to system disturbances.

What are some common challenges faced by System Operator Trainees in their first year on the job?

As a System Operator Trainee, one of the main challenges is mastering complex monitoring systems and learning to respond quickly and accurately to real-time changes in the power grid. Trainees must also adapt to rotating shift schedules, which can impact work-life balance. Collaborating with experienced operators and staying updated on protocols is key, as the role involves both independent decision-making and close teamwork under pressure. Building confidence in handling emergency scenarios and communicating effectively with field crews are also essential skills developed during the first year.

What is the difference between System Operator Trainee vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectSystem Operator TraineePower Plant Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, training facilitiesPower plant facilities, control rooms
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, energy companies, training programsPower generation plants, energy sector
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a System Operator Trainee is in a training phase, learning to monitor and control systems, while a Power Plant Operator is a fully qualified professional responsible for operating power plant equipment. The trainee role focuses on gaining experience, whereas the power plant operator role involves hands-on operational duties.

What are system operator trainees?

System operator trainees are entry-level professionals who are undergoing training to manage and monitor the operations of systems such as electrical power grids, water treatment plants, or other critical infrastructure. They work under the supervision of experienced operators, learning how to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of these systems. Their responsibilities typically include observing control panels, responding to alarms, recording data, and assisting with routine maintenance. The goal of the training is to prepare them for full operator roles by providing both hands-on experience and classroom instruction.
What are popular job titles related to System Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA? For System Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching System Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for System Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for System Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most System Operator Trainee job openings:
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 21 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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