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Water Distribution Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA

Water Treatment Engineering Lead

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Our collaborative work environment and inclusive operating philosophy allow us to maintain a ... and distribution. * Experience with California water regulations and permitting processes.

Forklift Operator

Fontana, CA ยท On-site

$25.80/hr

... water, energy, and communications markets throughout North America ... We're a trusted and strategic partner to engineers, contractors, distributors, specifiers ...

... water, energy, and communications markets throughout North America ... We're a trusted and strategic partner to engineers, contractors, distributors, specifiers ...

Forklift Operator

Fontana, CA ยท On-site

$25.80/hr

... water, energy, and communications markets throughout North America ... We're a trusted and strategic partner to engineers, contractors, distributors, specifiers ...

General Sales Manager

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... for Water, Wastewater, & Industrial treatment in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana ... distributed sales organization. It is an operator-first role, not a traditional sales leader ...

... operating procedures for mail, packages, reception, office supplies, water service, visitor management, warehouse requests, asset movement, marketing materials distribution, and service escalation

Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve ... water and/or wastewater infrastructure (i.e. treatment and collection/distribution projects)

Controls Technician II

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$32.50 - $43/hr

Job Details This role is in support of Cencora's distribution services in the US operating through ... Ability to operate and diagnose all chill water plant systems including chillers, cooling towers ...

Facilities Technician

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$36 - $40/hr

... water generation and distribution. Location: Irvine, CA Shift: Weekend 12-Hour Day Shift Key ... management systems operator * Ability to work non-standard schedules as needed Preferred ...

... water features. * Determines wet and dry areas for adjustments of sprinkler heads. * Properly ... Operates, maintains and repairs a complex irrigation system, including leaks on the distribution ...

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Water Distribution Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$13

$27

$42

How much do water distribution operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution operator in Riverside, CA is $27.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $31.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Water Distribution Operators?

Water Distribution Operators are professionals responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of clean drinking water to homes, businesses, and other facilities. They monitor water distribution systems, maintain equipment such as pipes, pumps, and valves, and test water quality to comply with health and safety regulations. These operators also respond to emergencies like leaks or contamination and keep detailed records of system performance. Their work is essential for public health and the reliable operation of municipal water systems.

What is the difference between Water Distribution Operator vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater Distribution OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater Distribution Certification, State LicensingWater Treatment Certification, State Licensing
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, maintaining pipelines, valves, and metersPlant environment, operating treatment equipment
Job FocusDistributing potable water, repairing infrastructureTreating water to meet safety standards
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal water departments, utility companiesWater treatment facilities, municipal agencies

While both roles involve working with water systems, the Water Distribution Operator primarily manages the distribution network, ensuring safe water delivery, whereas the Water Treatment Plant Operator focuses on treating water to meet health standards. Certifications and work environments differ, but both are essential for maintaining safe and reliable water services.

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

Water Distribution Operators often encounter challenges such as responding to emergency repairs, maintaining water quality standards, and managing aging infrastructure. These situations require quick problem-solving, clear communication with team members, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Staying up-to-date with training and industry regulations can help operators handle these challenges efficiently, while strong teamwork ensures that issues are resolved promptly to maintain uninterrupted water service.

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

To thrive as a Water Distribution Operator, you need a solid understanding of water distribution systems, hydraulics, and basic math, typically supported by a high school diploma and state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance tools is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help operators quickly identify and resolve issues while coordinating with team members. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safe, reliable delivery of potable water and compliance with regulatory standards.
What are popular job titles related to Water Distribution Operator jobs in Riverside, CA? For Water Distribution Operator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Water Distribution Operator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Water Distribution Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Distribution Operator job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,647 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Water Treatment Engineering Lead

Ardurra

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Ardurra is seeking a Water Treatment Lead to join our team ideally in Irvine, CA., but could be based out of any of our California offices.

We are a team-oriented and highly motivated group who strongly believe in and understands the importance of balancing work and personal life. Our recent awards, from Great Place to Work and Zweig Top Firms, are a testament to this value and the support we provide to our fellow team members. Our collaborative work environment and inclusive operating philosophy allow us to maintain a positive work culture while providing excellent service to our clients.

Primary Function:ย 

To work closely with Operations Managers, Principals, and other staff to drive business within the California market. This role will involve collaborating with local water professionals to develop and implement an innovative business strategy, identifying and leading key regional pursuits, managing large multidisciplinary projects in advanced water treatment and building strategic relationships with clients and teaming partners.

Primary Duties:ย 

  • Serve as a technical lead and/or project manager on water treatment infrastructure projects
  • Lead and mentor a team of engineers, designers, and support staff to deliver high-quality, on-time, and within-budget solutions.
  • Develop process designs for advanced and conventional drinking water treatment systems, including pilot testing, bench-scale studies, and process optimization.
  • Oversee and participate in the preparation of engineering reports, technical memoranda, cost estimates, specifications, and construction drawings.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with clients, regulatory agencies, and internal teams throughout all project phases.
  • Support business development activities, including client engagement, proposal writing, and presentations.
  • Stay current on emerging technologies, regulations, and industry trends impacting drinking water treatment and distribution.
  • Experience with California water regulations and permitting processes.ย 
  • Experience with physical-chemical modeling processes (RTW Software, Membrane Water Quality/Hydraulic Modeling Software, Excel-based process equipment sizing tools).ย 
  • Experience in executing- and managing- the development of detailed mechanical process plans, specifications, and cost estimates as the Engineer-of-Record for both small- and large projects.ย 
  • Business development or client management experience in California.ย 

Education and Experience Requirements:ย 

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering (Masterโ€™s preferred).ย 
  • Professional Civil Engineer (PE) license (California PE preferred)
  • Minimum 8 to 12 years of relevant experience in drinking water treatment and infrastructure design and delivery as a lead designer and/or project technical leader, and engineer-of-record.ย 
  • Proven record leading multi-disciplinary teams on water treatment and infrastructure projects.ย 
  • Strong knowledge of drinking water treatment processes (e.g., conventional coagulation/ filtration processes, disinfection processes, chemical systems, groundwater treatment technologies, and membrane systems).ย 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.ย 
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.ย 

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation is based on experience and qualifications. The salary range for this position is $140,000 โ€“ $200,000. The firm offers a competitive salary and benefits, and most importantly, an opportunity for engagement and support from an engineering team that has led major regional and national water resource projects.

Why Ardurra?

While Ardurra offers competitive compensation and rich benefits programs, it is our culture that truly sets us apart from our peers.ย We nurture a family-like culture, striving to create a work environment that is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding but also fun.ย  We are acutely focused on developing our staff, whether through our internal Ardurra Academy or through our industry-leading Leadership program. We have made a deliberate and focused commitment to nurture a people-centric culture where people are: valued as individuals; supported in their professional and career development with multiple, varied career paths; provided the tools and resources to be successful, engaged, and satisfied in their work; and positive benefits, time-off programs, and flexibility to help maintain a healthy balance between work and home.ย 

Ardurra is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

Ardurra does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Agency Agreement, Ardurra will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. If a resume or candidate is submitted to any hiring manager without a previously signed agreement, Ardurra reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. These candidates will be considered property of Ardurra. Weโ€™re not currently looking to add any more agencies to our list of approved vendors, so please do not contact any of our managers or recruitment team with sales calls or details of your candidates.

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