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Water Operator Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Ability to acquire TCEQ water operator license (Texas) * Ability to acquire CA D1 and T1 license (California) * Ability to lift up to 60 lbs. * Potable wastewater systems experience- individual ...

CUP Operator

Jamestown, CA ยท On-site

$28.25/hr

CUP Operator Position Summary As a Team Member of the Engineering team, the CUP Operator is a CRCR ... water softeners, & water recirculation pump operations. * Monitor, inspect, troubleshoot, and ...

Water Mitigation Technician

Atwater, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Vision insurance Provide Mitigation services for water damaged structures and/or contents as well ... This franchise is independently owned and operated by a ServiceMaster Clean ยฎ franchisee. Your ...

RO supervisor, lead person, maintenance personnel, RO crew, RO operator and QC External Contacts ... RO filler machine, high pressure wash station, hot water station, pallet jack, scale and printer ...

RO supervisor, lead person, maintenance personnel, RO crew, RO operator and QC External Contacts ... RO filler machine, high pressure wash station, hot water station, pallet jack, scale and printer ...

RO supervisor, lead person, maintenance personnel, RO crew, RO operator and QC External Contacts ... RO filler machine, high pressure wash station, hot water station, pallet jack, scale and printer ...

RO supervisor, lead person, maintenance personnel, RO crew, RO operator and QC External Contacts ... RO filler machine, high pressure wash station, hot water station, pallet jack, scale and printer ...

RO supervisor, lead person, maintenance personnel, RO crew, RO operator and QC External Contacts ... RO filler machine, high pressure wash station, hot water station, pallet jack, scale and printer ...

Biogas Plant Operator

Hilmar, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Biogas Plant Operator Department: Operations Reports To: Operations Supervisor Location: Turlock ... These projects also help protect local air and water quality, create jobs, and provide new revenue ...

Hot Plant/Crusher Operator

Winton, CA ยท On-site

$31.65 - $37.98/hr

Rock plant operator - Includes operating various controls within the rock plant to control the ... Truck, Water Truck, Welder, Torch, Hand Tools, Computer and CB Radio. Physical Demands & Work ...

Hot Plant/Crusher Operator

Winton, CA ยท On-site

$31.65 - $37.98/hr

Rock plant operator - Includes operating various controls within the rock plant to control the ... Truck, Water Truck, Welder, Torch, Hand Tools, Computer and CB Radio. Physical Demands & Work ...

RO Operator

Los Banos, CA ยท On-site

$21.61 - $30.25/hr

... forklift operator with staging drums when not busy. TOTAL 100% POSITION DIMENSIONS AND ... water station. Cell phone.

... forklift operator with staging drums when not busy. _____ TOTAL 100% POSITION DIMENSIONS AND ... water station. Cell phone.

Utilities Maintenance I/II

Los Banos, CA ยท On-site

$48K - $69K/yr

Possession of a Grade I Water Treatment Operator's Certificate and Grade II Water Distribution Operator's certificate. Two (2) years of experience equivalent to Utilities Maintenance I or similar ...

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Water Operator information

See Merced, CA salary details

$13

$27

$42

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Merced, CA is $27.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water operator?

As a water treatment plant operator, also called a water operator, you measure water quality and quantity using computerized equipment. Your job duties include the maintenance and repair of water treatment equipment and water delivery systems. As a water and wastewater treatment plant operator, you collaborate with engineers, chemists, and lab assistants to test water samples to inform your decisions about water treatment systems. Your primary responsibility is to make sure that water is safe for people to drink and use in their daily lives.

What are some common challenges faced by water operators in maintaining treatment plant operations?

Water Operators often encounter challenges such as fluctuating water quality, unexpected equipment malfunctions, and strict regulatory compliance requirements. These professionals must quickly troubleshoot mechanical or chemical issues, adapt to changes in source water conditions, and ensure all processes meet local and federal safety standards. Effective communication with other team members and departments is also essential, as operators frequently coordinate with maintenance staff, engineers, and regulatory agencies to resolve issues and maintain smooth plant operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, basic chemistry, mechanical aptitude, and typically a state-issued water operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and regulatory compliance software is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set exceptional operators apart in this field. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, reliable water quality and compliance with public health standards.

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

AspectWater OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater operator licenses, state-specific certificationsWater treatment operator licenses, state certifications
Work EnvironmentWater distribution systems, pipelines, reservoirsWater treatment facilities, filtration systems
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, water districts, private water companiesMunicipal water plants, treatment facilities

Both roles require similar certifications and work in water-related environments, often within municipal or private water systems. The main difference is that Water Operators focus more on maintaining water distribution systems, while Water Treatment Plant Operators specialize in operating and maintaining water treatment processes. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path in the water industry.

How much do water operators make?

Water operators in Michigan typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the size of the water system. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher wages and additional benefits.

Is being a water operator worth it?

A water operator manages and maintains water treatment and distribution systems, ensuring safe and clean water supply. The job offers stable employment, requires technical skills and certifications, and often involves working outdoors or in water treatment facilities. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in public health and infrastructure maintenance.

What does it take to be a water operator?

A water operator is responsible for operating and maintaining water treatment and distribution systems. Requirements typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant certifications such as a state-issued water treatment operator license, and knowledge of water quality standards, safety procedures, and equipment operation. On-the-job training and technical skills are also important for ensuring safe and efficient water service.

What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in Merced, CA?

For Water Operator jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Operator jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Operator jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Water Operator jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Water Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,339 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Facilities Mechanic

Hilmar, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

At Hilmar Cheese Company we improve lives around the world through wholesome dairy products. Since our founding in 1984, Hilmar Cheese Company has been committed to innovation and sustainability. Our state-of-the art production facilities convert an abundance of locally sourced high-quality milk into a variety of nutritious cheeses, whey protein and lactose. The Cheese and Ingredients that we produce create a wide variety of retail and food service products from sliced and shredded cheeses, to protein supplements and infant formula. We are a trusted partner to premier food and beverage brands in more than fifty countries helping bring their vision into reality.

Throughout our decades of success and growth we have remained committed to our mission and values and these principles unite our people and guide all that we do.

A Typical Day

The Facilities Mechanic is responsible for safe and effective operation and maintenance of Facilities Equipment, e.g., Ammonia Refrigeration Plants, Cold Storage Facility, Steam Boilers, Well Water Systems, Potable Water Systems, Compressed Air Systems, HVAC's, etc. ย  ย 

Job Responsibilities
  • Operation of Facilities Equipment
  • Ensure that daily analysis of chemical treatment of facilities equipment and deviation corrections are completed in a timely manner
  • Preventative maintenance of Facilities Equipment.
  • Basic fabrication skills, e.g., welding, shop tools, print reading.
  • Create and Close Work Orders and check Equipment History and Parts from Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).ย 
  • Member of A/ERT and Hazmat Team (Ammonia Emergency Response Team)
  • Ability to effectively communicate and work in teams.
  • Ability to perform tasks unsupervised.
  • Active participation and ownership in your training and development program and associated activities, classes, and events, which will be held before, during, after shifts and during scheduled days off. ย 
  • Help coach and train teammates and participate in on the job, buddy training.
  • Place high priority on food safety and sanitation by understanding and executing HCC's food safety and sanitation policies and procedures.ย 
  • Hold self and others accountable to HCC's food safety & sanitation guidelines and policies by communicating any food safety incident, observation, or opportunity to your leadership team or teammates.ย 
  • Participate in food safety and sanitation root cause analysis and improvement activities when required. ย 
  • Prioritize safety above all other job duties by always having a safety-first approach.ย 
  • Report any safety issues, observations, opportunities to your teams and follow up. ย 
  • Participate in departmental safety teams.
  • Promote Company Culture
  • Achieve common business goals through cooperative alignment with all departments.
  • Be able to read and understand Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID's).
  • Follow OSHA guidelines for the use of an Air Purifying Respirator (APR) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
What You Will Need
  • English skills must be proficient to understand, read, write, and speak English ย 
  • 1-year industrial maintenance experienceย 
  • Ammonia Refrigeration Systems Experience -Ability to obtain RETA CARO or CIRO certification (obtain within 18 months of employment)
  • Be able to pass a Pulmonary Function Test and Fit Test for respirator use.ย 
  • Remain clean-shaven at all times.
  • Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts (day/swing/graveyard)
  • Ability to acquire TCEQ water operator license (Texas)ย 
  • Ability to acquire CA D1 and T1 license (California)ย 
  • Ability to lift up to 60 lbs. ย 
  • Potable wastewater systems experience- individual's responsibility to acquire certification within 18 months in position ย 
  • Remain on-call status for emergency response and operational system needsย 
  • Some understanding of Building Maintenance including but not limited to: (Construction, Plumbing, Basic Electric, Painting, House Keeping.)
  • Mathematically inclined
What Will Put You Ahead
  • High School diploma or GED from an accredited institution ย 
  • Dairy industry experience ย 
  • Experience working with Microsoft Office Software such as Word, Excel, and Outlookย 
  • SAP knowledge ย 
  • Ammonia Refrigeration Maintenance and Troubleshooting.
  • Previous HAZ-MAT Technician Level Training.
  • Boiler Operation and Maintenance and Troubleshooting.
  • Air Compressor and Pneumatic Maintenance and Troubleshooting.ย 
Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. ย Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to:

  • Stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and talk or hear.
  • Stand and walk almost the entire workday.
  • Employees must be physically capable of working in any of the job tasks within the cheese plant.
  • Required to work at heights and in fairly small areas.
  • Pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, handling and grasping, twisting/turning, repetitive bending.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. ย Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to the following:ย 

  • Exposure to dust, fumes, smoke, gases, or other irritating substances.
  • Exposure to solvents or chemicals.
  • Exposure to slippery walking surfaces: water.
  • Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity depending on time of year.

Working surface is primarily concrete. Where standing is required, there are rubber mats which are one-half inch thick.

Safety and Food Safety is a companywide responsibility and each employee must know their role in the manufacturing and distribution of safe, wholesome, and high-quality products and expected safe behavior in our work environment.ย 

This description is a general statement of the role, is subject to change, and does not include other duties as assigned.

Food safety is a companywide responsibility and each employee must know their role in the manufacture and distribution of safe, wholesome, and high quality products.

This description is a general statement and does not include other duties as assigned

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/EEO. We participate in E-Verify.

English Informationย |ย Spanish Information

Salary Range: USD ($32.77 - $48.67) ANNย 

The final compensation offered within this range will depend on factors including the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.