Water Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $72,264.00 - $92,504.03 Annually
Location : City of Brea-Public Works Yard
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00019
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 06/22/2026
Description
Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical tasks to implement and administer the City's water quality monitoring plan and cross-connection control plan; conducts field inspections to ensure compliance with regulations related to backflow, cross-connection prevention, and water quality; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to conducting and interpreting standard to complex laboratory analysis; and perform related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a journey level classification in the Utility Division of the Public Works Department and is responsible for performing a variety of general and technical tasks specifically related to water quality, cross connection, backflow prevention and other water related issues. This single incumbent class works independently and is responsible for maintaining records and submitting reports to the various regulatory agencies and for assisting water operations and Public Works staff in maintaining water quality standards.
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: (These functions may not be present in all positions in this classification. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.)
Oversees water sampling programs and monitors results to insure compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies.
Collects bacteriological samples at sampling stations throughout the distribution system; collects water samples at all City sources including, reservoirs and import connections; compiles and reports all monitoring data to various regulatory agencies.
Reviews the results of test samples and produces various public reports; reads, interprets and implements changes in state and federal water regulations.
Reviews and updates the City's Title 22 Drinking Water Quality Plan
Assist with preparation of water quality reports and conservation.
Oversees the City's cross connection program, including coordinating cross connection control activities and inspections for unauthorized cross connections and potential inter-connections.
Coordinates water production and cross connection activities with other divisions, outside agencies and organizations.
Reviews construction plans to determine compliance with cross connection program regulations. Issues shutdown orders for non-compliance with City's cross connection control ordinances.
Drives a City vehicle on City business; travels to offsite locations within and outside the City.
Perform related duties, as assigned.
Click for additional information on the Water Quality Specialist job description.
Typical Qualifications
Experience and Education
To qualify for this classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities, and enable the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
A typical combination is:
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience in water systems.
Experience in water quality or maintaining, coordinating, and administering a cross connection program is preferred.
Education:
Equivalent to an Associate's degree in chemistry, biology, natural science or a related field
OR
An additional two (2) years of experience in water systems can supplement for the Associate's degree.
License and Certificates
Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Possession of an American Water Works Association (AWWA) Cross Connection Control Program Specialist Certificate.
Possession of a Grade 2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
Possession of a Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
Possession of a Backflow Prevention Device Tester Certification issued by the Orange County Health Care Agency or equivalent must be acquired prior to the completion of one year of employment.
Supplemental Information
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/brea/to submit a City of Brea electronic employment application.
Electronic applications will be accepted until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Resumes cannot be accepted in lieu of a City of Brea employment application. The City of Brea cannot accept responsibility for notifying candidates of incomplete applications. It is the candidate's responsibility to make sure the application is properly submitted.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Shall consist of three phases: (If you should need assistance in completing the employment application, or in participating in the selection process, please notify Human Resources prior to the filing deadline.)
Phase One - Application Review: The first phase of the selection process shall be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidate's application. Those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of education and experience, as submitted, may be invited to participate in the next phase of the selection process. No weight shall be assigned to this phase of the selection process.
Applicants MUST include electronic copies of ALL required documents as outlined below.
Documents to be ProvidedRequirement of DocumentsPlease name and upload required documents as follows:American Water Works Association (AWWA) Cross Connection Control Program Specialist Certificate
AWWAGrade 2 Water Treatment Operator CertificateMust be issued by the California State Water Resources Control BoardGrade T2Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator CertificateMust be issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board
Grade D2
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City of Brea employment application. Faxes, emails, postmarks hand deliveries will not be accepted.
Phase Two- Oral Appraisal Interview: Candidates who receive a minimum score of 70% on this phase shall have their name placed on the Eligibility List for Water Quality Specialist. Eligibility Lists are generally valid for one year. Once the list is established, the hiring department may conduct follow-up assessments.
Prospective candidates must successfully complete a thorough background review. Upon a contingent offer of employment, prospective candidates must successfully complete a medical examination and provide proof of legal work status. All new employees will be fingerprinted as a part of the employment process and a criminal history check will be conducted with the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, in the event of a disaster, City employees are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
THE CITY OF BREA RECRUITS, HIRES AND PROMOTES WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, PHYSICAL DISABILITY OR CONDITION, GENETIC INFORMATION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AGE, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN, EXCEPT IN THOSE SPECIFIC INSTANCES WHEREBY A BONA FIDE OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION DEMANDS OTHERWISE. THE CITY OF BREA HIRES ONLY UNITED STATES CITIZENS OR LAWFULLY AUTHORIZED ALIENS.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Brea offers a comprehensive benefit package for eligible employees and their dependents for the Brea City Employees' Association (BCEA) members, including:
SALARY RANGE: Composed of eleven (11) steps. Merit step increases are based on satisfactory performance.
RETIREMENT: Membership in CalPERS. Classic CalPERS members will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 retirement formula and pay the employee's 7% share. New CalPERS members, or returning CalPERS members with a break in service greater than six months, will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 retirement formula and will be required to pay 50% of the normal CalPERS cost (currently 6.25%). The City does not participate in Social Security; however, employees pay the cost to participate in Medicare.
HEALTH INSURANCE: The City provides up to $1,550 per month towards health insurance for employee and dependents through the CalPERS Health Benefit program. Alternatively, there is a $325 medical opt out payment for employees who are insured outside the City's insurance coverage.
GROUP INSURANCE PROGRAMS: Available to eligible City employees and qualified dependents. These programs include dental, vision, supplemental life and accidental death and dismemberment insurances.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Available where employees use pre-tax salary to pay for regular child care, adult dependent care and/or medical expenses.
RETIRMENT SAVINGS ACCOUNT: The City offers a voluntary 457 (b) Deferred Compensation Plan for an additional tax-deferred savings option.
WELLNESS REIMBURSEMENT: Up to $500 per fiscal year to be paid out second pay in July for employees who are on payroll on July 1.
BILINGUAL PAY: $100 per month for eligible languages in addition to English.
TUITION/CERTIFICATE REIMBURSEMENT: Employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement/certificate reimbursement based on their bargaining group.
HOLIDAYS: Twelve (12) designated holidays provided per year.
GENERAL LEAVE: Employees shall earn and accrue vacation and sick leave time based on their bargaining group.
UNIFORM ALLOWANCE: Employees under the eligible classifications shall earn a lump sum uniform allowance up to $700 per fiscal year.
For a more detailed overview of the benefits, review the Memorandum of Understanding at: Click on the links under "General Employees Unit".
01
Did you retire from an agency under the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)?

• Yes
• No

02
Applications will be accepted on a continual basis until a sufficient number of qualified candidate applications are received. Do you understand that this recruitment can close at any time without notice?

• Yes
• No

03
Please check your highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

04
Please select all of the certifications you currently possess.

• American Water Works Association (AWWA) Cross Connection Control Program Specialist Certificate.
• Grade 2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Backflow Prevention Device Tester Certification issued by the Orange County Health Care Agency or equivalent.
• None of the above.

05
Please list any additional certificates that you currently possess. If you do not have any additional certificates, please type "N/A."
06
How many years of experience do you have working with water systems? Please ensure that the work history provided in your application accurately reflects the number of years of experience indicated below.

• Not Applicable
• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 2 years
• 2 -3 years
• 3 - 4 years
• 4 -5 years
• 5 + years

07
In order to be considered for this recruitment, you must meet the minimum requirements outlines in the job description AND you must attached the following active certificates to your application: American Water Works Association (AWWA) Cross Connection Control Program Specialist Certificate, Grade 2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board and a Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board. Have you attached these certificates to your application?

• Yes
• No

Required Question