Salary: See Position Description
Location : Water Quality Control Plant 5950 Acorn Street, Riverside, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-4101-01
Department: Public Works
Division: Public Works-Sewer-Treatment
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 7/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
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 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 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 TraineeEducation: 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 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 or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at
- 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 ½ or ¾ time status.
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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.
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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
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Please indicate the amount of experience you possess in operating a wastewater treatment plant.
- None
- Less than 250 hours
- More than 250 hours, but less than one (1) year of full time experience
- More than one (1) year of full time experience
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