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Wastewater Operator In Training Jobs in Riverside, CA

HDR

Senior Water/Wastewater Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

... training other engineering personnel, and supervising large project staffs. The Senior Water/Wastewater Project Manager will be viewed as a technical authority with recognized expertise in the areas ...

Ardurra

Electrical Engineer - Water/Wastewater

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Ardurra strongly believes in and understands the importance of balancing work and personal life ... Our collaborative work environment and inclusive operating philosophy allow us to maintain a ...

Dyno Nobel

Driller / Drill Operator

Corona, CA · On-site

$19/hr

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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All JobsWastewater Operator In Training JobsWastewater Operator In Training Jobs in Riverside, CA

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 Jun 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.

Where do wastewater operators make the most money?

Wastewater operators tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and more advanced treatment facilities, such as urban areas or states with strong environmental regulations. Experience, certifications, and the complexity of the treatment plant also influence earning potential. Generally, operators working in larger municipalities or specialized facilities tend to have higher wages.

Is being a wastewater operator difficult?

Wastewater operators in training often find the job challenging due to the technical skills required, such as understanding treatment processes and operating complex equipment. The role involves attention to safety protocols, troubleshooting, and sometimes working in confined or outdoor environments, but proper training and certification can help manage these challenges.

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.

Are wastewater operators in demand?

Wastewater operators are in demand due to ongoing needs for water treatment and environmental compliance. The job often requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of treatment processes, making qualified operators essential for maintaining public health and environmental standards.

How much do wastewater operators make?

In Oregon, wastewater operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $55,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific facility. Entry-level operators may start at lower wages, while experienced operators with advanced certifications can earn higher salaries. The job often requires knowledge of treatment processes, safety protocols, and equipment operation.
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:
Wastewater Operator In Training jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wastewater Operator In Training job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,220 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
Senior Water/Wastewater Project Manager

Senior Water/Wastewater Project Manager

HDR

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 352 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
The primary duties of the Senior Water/Wastewater Project Manager include planning, directing, and monitoring all aspects of medium or large multi-disciplinary water/wastewater pipeline, reservoir, pump station and infrastructure projects with high degrees of technical complexity. More specifically the Senior Water/Wastewater Project Manager will be expected to independently lead and supervise teams of engineers and CAD professionals to create detailed master plans, designs, plans, specifications, and estimates for water/wastewater projects and related systems. These responsibilities include establishing project teams; establishing project schedules and responsibility assignments; developing project design criteria schematics and methods; performing or overseeing process design sizing and hydraulic calculations; preparing preliminary design and other engineering reports; determining and writing engineering specifications: overseeing the production of design drawings; developing and executing QA/QC plans for each project; and working directly with the owner to ensure that the project meets or exceeds the owners expectation. The Senior Water/Wastewater Project Manager will also be responsible for mentoring less experienced Project Managers and Junior Engineers, training other engineering personnel, and supervising large project staffs. The Senior Water/Wastewater Project Manager will be viewed as a technical authority with recognized expertise in the areas of water/wastewater infrastructure projects, regulations, processes, equipment and operations. The Senior Project Manager will also assist in the marketing and management of major water/wastewater projects and clients. #Li-JF1
Keywords: Senior Water/Wastewater Project Manager, water/wastewater pipeline, reservoir, pump station
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree
  • PMP certification
  • Existing relationships with large water clients in the Los Angeles area (Metropolitan Water District, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Orange County Water District) a plus.
  • BS Engineering in Civil, Chemical, or Mechanical
  • California PE license with five or more years more responsible in charge
  • Project engineering and management experience in a consulting firm.
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience in the planning and design of municipal and/or industrial water/wastewater treatment systems.
  • Proven project leadership, project management (staffing schedule and budget), and mentoring skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Software knowledge: Microsoft Office, Excel, Microsoft Project, basic AutoCAD experience
  • Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
  • Broad knowledge of water/wastewater design processes and technologies.
  • Strong business development and strategic planning skills.
  • The Senior Project Manager should have existing relationships with local and statewide municipal and private clients.
  • Excellent team player with ability to function effectively in a variety of roles on integrated project teams.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • 10 years related experience
  • A minimum 5 years project management experience
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • MS Office and MS Project experience (Access experience would be plus)
  • Demonstrated leadership, business development and strategic planning skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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