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Wastewater Operator In Training Jobs in Riverside, CA

Job Brief Operate applicable drill equipment in a safe, reliable, timely and professional manner ... Train with trainer to operate drills. Other duties include, but are not limited to: * Ensure ...

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Wastewater Operator In Training information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$29

$46

How much do wastewater operator in training jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater operator in training in Riverside, CA is $29.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $35.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Wastewater Operator In Training?

A Wastewater Operator In Training is an entry-level professional who assists in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities under the supervision of certified operators. They learn to monitor, control, and troubleshoot processes that treat water to remove contaminants before it is released back into the environment. This role involves hands-on work with equipment, recording data, and following safety and regulatory procedures while gaining the experience required to become a certified wastewater operator.

What are some common challenges faced by a Wastewater Operator In Training, and how can they be overcome?

As a Wastewater Operator In Training, you may encounter challenges such as learning complex regulatory requirements, adapting to shift work, and mastering the operation of diverse treatment equipment. It's common to feel overwhelmed at first, but hands-on experience, mentorship from senior operators, and diligent study of standard operating procedures can ease the learning curve. Proactively asking questions and participating in safety and technical training sessions will also help you build confidence and competence in the role.

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

To thrive as a Wastewater Operator In Training, you need a solid understanding of basic math, science, and mechanical skills, usually supported by a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with water treatment equipment, SCADA systems, and an operator-in-training certification are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to safety help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient and safe treatment processes, compliance with regulations, and protection of public health and the environment.

What is the difference between Wastewater Operator In Training vs Wastewater Operator?

AspectWastewater Operator In TrainingWastewater Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma; may need state-specific training or certificationsRequires valid wastewater operator license or certification
Work EnvironmentSupervised, entry-level role in treatment plants or pumping stationsFull responsibilities in operating and maintaining wastewater treatment systems
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with routine tasks, learning operational proceduresPerforming daily operations, troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance

In summary, a Wastewater Operator In Training is an entry-level position focused on learning and assisting, while a Wastewater Operator has full certification and responsibility for plant operations.

What are popular job titles related to Wastewater Operator In Training jobs in Riverside, CA? For Wastewater Operator In Training jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wastewater Operator In Training jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Wastewater Operator In Training jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Wastewater Operator In Training jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Wastewater Operator In Training job openings:
Infographic showing various Wastewater Operator In Training job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,220 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

WASTEWATER PLANT ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN I or II

City of Riverside, CA

Riverside, CA โ€ข On-site

$80K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

New


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Water Quality Control Plant 5950 Acorn Street, Riverside, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-4421-02
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
The Position
The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of WASTEWATER PLANT ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN I or II to fill one (1) vacancy in the Sewer Electrical Instrument Division of the Public Works DepartmentThe eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months.
The ideal candidate(s) will have experience in process controls such as maintaining and repairing complex electrical and electronic operational controls, recording, alarm systems and variable speed pump control equipment. Additionally, the best candidate(s) will have experience in the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of PLCs throughout the plant and collections lift station system network. Finally, the top candidate will have experience in analytical equipment such as residual, D.O., PH, conductivity, and turbidity and like equipment.
The Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I or II performs skilled work on electrical and Instrumentation of all equipment in a wastewater treatment plant and collections system. Works on any day, swing, or graveyard shift or on standby and performs related work as required.
Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I
$80,160.00 - $97,452.00 Annually
This is the entry level class in the wastewater plant electrical & instrumentation technician series. For a full description of the Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I position, please click here.Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician II
$92,112.00 - $111,936.00 Annually
This is the advanced class in the Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician series. For a full description of the Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician II position, please click here.
***MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK ALL SHIFTS***
City Council Approved and scheduled COLA adjustments: 4.5% increase to base salary, effective the first pay period following July 1, 2027
Work Performed
Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Installs, maintains, and services, wire, relays, pull boxes, switchboards, and switches in making additions, extensions, or alterations in electrical systems.
  • Maintains, repairs, and replaces more complex and challenging electrical and electronic equipment, including motor, and pumps, generators, controllers, switchboards, switches and electronic boards, circuitry, analyzers, samplers, and other related components.
  • Performs technical troubleshooting, testing, locating, and repairing defects in electrical and electronic circuits, signals, fiber optics, and electrical gear up to 4160 volts.
  • Uses, operates, and applies a variety of electrical diagnostic and test equipment.
  • Troubleshoots, identifies, and addresses problems in electrical and electronic systems, reading and interpreting blueprints, wire diagrams and schematics, and utilizing a variety of test equipment.
  • Tests, cleans, repairs, rebuilds, and calibrates metering equipment; reprograms and maintains microprocessor and instrumentation systems and equipment.
  • Maintains and repairs the more complex electrical and electronic operational controls, recording, alarm systems and variable speed pump control equipment.
  • Maintains, repairs, and troubleshoots PLC's throughout the plant and collections lift station system network; troubleshoots analytical equipment such as residual, D.O., PH, conductivity, and turbidity and like equipment.
  • Participates and assists with other general plant and facility maintenance activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Recruitment Guidelines Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I:
Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED); supplemental education or certificate program in electronics preferred.
Experience: One (1) year experience in electrical and electronic instrumentation system installation, maintenance and repair involving water or wastewater plant treatment processes.
Necessary Special Requirement for Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I:
Licenses and Certifications:
  • Possession of a valid appropriate Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
  • Possession of a CWEA Wastewater Electrical & Instrumentation Grade I certification within 12 months of hire date.

Recruitment Guidelines for Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician II:
Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED), supplemented by completion of a certificate program in electronics.
Experience: Three (3) years of full-time experience in the more complex electrical and instrumentation systems in installation, maintenance, and repair, preferably involving water or wastewater plant treatment processes.
Necessary Special Requirement for Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician II:
Licenses and Certifications:
  • Possession of a valid appropriate Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
  • Possession of a CWEA Wastewater Electrical & Instrumentation Grade I certification.
  • Must have the ability to obtain a CWEA Electrical and Instrumentation Technician Grade II certification within 12 months of hire date or promotion.
Highly Desirable Qualification(s):
  • Experience in Process Controls
  • Experience in Analytical Equipment
Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Work is done inside and outside in the field with exposure to inclement weather, hazards, chemicals, equipment, construction materials, wastewater, electronic hazards, 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
PLEASE NOTE: THE CERTIFICATION REQUIRED MUST BE SCANNED AND ATTACHED TO THE ONLINE APPLICATION. THE SYSTEM WILL NOT ALLOW AN APPLICATION TO BE SUBMITTED WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ATTACHMENT. 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.
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:
  1. An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at
  2. 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.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - General Unit
The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:
  • Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
  • Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost and is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
  • Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,687 per month for HMO plans (family coverage).
  • Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $85 per month.
  • Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
  • Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance equal to $100,000. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employees and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
  • Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $50 a month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.
  • Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the SEIU MOU for specific details.
  • Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
  • State Disability Insurance - Automatic coverage administered by the Employee Development Department (EDD) of the State of California
  • Vacation Accrual - 0-4 yrs. = 80hrs, 5-9 yrs. = 120hrs, 10+ yrs. = 160 hrs.

For other special compensation, refer to the
For additional benefits information, please visit the following website:
For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on ยฝ or ยพ time status.
01
Instructions: The information on the application and your responses to the following supplemental questions will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum and/or highly desirable qualifications for the position in which you are applying. Detailed responses must be provided for each question in order to ensure qualifications are properly considered.
(*Do not refer to a resume in lieu of completing the supplemental questions).
Employers listed on this questionnaire must also be listed and fully detailed in the work experience section of your application.
  • I understand.

02
Please indicate the highest level of education that you have completed.
  • Less than a High School Diploma or GED
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Some college (up to 59 semester units or 89 quarter units)
  • Associate's degree or equivalent (60 semester or 90 quarter units)
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent (120 semester or 180 quarter units)
  • Master's degree
  • PhD

03
Have you completed a supplemental education or certificate program in electronics?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Please indicate the amount of experience you possess in electrical and electronic instrumentation system installation, maintenance and repair involving water or wastewater plant treatment processes.
  • One (1) year or more
  • Less than one (1) year
  • None

05
Please indicate the amount of full-time experience you possess in the more complex electrical and instrumentation systems in installation, maintenance, and repair, pr