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Water Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Water Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$13

$27

$42

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for water 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 operators?

Water operators are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining water treatment plants and distribution systems. Their main duties include monitoring water quality, ensuring safe and efficient operation of water treatment processes, performing routine maintenance, and complying with environmental and public health regulations. Water operators play a crucial role in providing safe, clean drinking water to communities and may work for municipal utilities, private companies, or industrial facilities.

What is the hardest part of being a water operator?

The hardest part of being a water operator is often managing emergency situations, such as equipment failures or water quality issues, which require quick decision-making and technical skills. Additionally, working in sometimes challenging environments and maintaining compliance with strict regulations can be demanding. Certification and ongoing training are essential to handle these responsibilities effectively.

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 jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

Certain skilled trades and specialized roles such as water operators, commercial pilots, real estate brokers, and sales managers can earn $10,000 or more per month without a college degree, often requiring certifications, experience, or licensing. These jobs typically involve hands-on work, technical knowledge, or sales expertise and may require on-the-job training or industry-specific certifications.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Water operators typically do not earn $2,000 a day; their salaries usually range from moderate to high, depending on experience and location. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2,000 daily often include specialized roles such as executive positions, certain medical professionals, or highly skilled contractors, but these are not typical for water operators. Most water operators earn annual salaries that are significantly lower than this daily rate.

Is it hard to become a water treatment operator?

Becoming a water treatment operator typically requires completing relevant training, obtaining a state certification, and gaining practical experience. The difficulty varies depending on local regulations and the level of certification required, but it generally involves passing exams and demonstrating knowledge of water treatment processes and safety protocols.

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.

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 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.
More about Water Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Operator jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Water Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in Riverside, CA? For Water Operator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Water Operator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Water Operator job openings:
Water Operator jobs near you

Water Systems Maintenance Worker I/II - CM

Water Employee Services Authority

Lake Elsinore, CA • On-site

$5.9K - $8.6K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Position:
Summary:
Job descriptions are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in this job. Specifications are NOT intended to reflect all duties performed with the job.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under immediate (Water Systems Maintenance Worker I) to general (Water Systems Maintenance Worker II) supervision, independently and/or as part of a crew, performs a variety of manual, semi-skilled and skilled duties involved in the construction, installation, maintenance, repair, inspection, testing upgrading and servicing of water distribution systems and other appurtenances common to a municipal waterworks systems; repairs and replaces water mains, service lines, streets/sidewalks, and fire hydrants, meters and meter boxes; performs water utility shut off/turn on services and provides customer notification of such activities; and performs related duties as assigned.
Immediate Impact: The successful candidate will be given the following objectives upon hire:
  • Within the first 6 months, demonstrate the ability to understand and acquire all required material for assigned construction projects per departmental/organizational standards as well as make decisive decisions on the job.
  • Within the first 9 months, demonstrate the ability to independently install a new water service lateral per EVMWD standards and demonstrate competencies such as main line repairs and traffic control.
  • Within the first 12 months, demonstrate proficiency and understanding of computer applications to be used in the course of work, to include NexGen, Infor, Mapplet, GIS, and Office 365.

The Ideal Candidate:
  • Possesses the equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
  • Is an effective communicator, with the ability to interact professionally with a wide range of audiences.
  • Will act with integrity and in accordance with the accepted ethical standards of the District and applicable laws and regulations.
  • Must have a desire to learn new skills and immediately become a productive member of a high performing team.
  • Is willing to volunteer for overtime outside of regular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Water Systems Maintenance Worker I
  • One (1) year of construction and maintenance work experience.
  • Possession of, and ability to maintain throughout the course of employment, a California Class A driver's license with tank and air brake endorsements, or the ability to obtain one within 12 months of hire.
  • Possession of a valid Water Distribution Operator Grade 1 (D1) Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, or the ability to obtain one within 12 months of hire.

Water Systems Maintenance Worker II
  • Two (2) years of work experience in general operations, maintenance, installation, and repair of water utility systems, one (1) year which must have included experience in one of the identified areas of specialization.
  • Possession of, and ability to maintain throughout the course of employment, appropriate California Class A driver's license with tank and air brake endorsements.
  • Possession of a valid Water Distribution Operator Grade 2 (D2) certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Responsibilities:
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
  • Performs a variety of preventive and predictive duties, and/or assists and participates in the work of a water systems utility crew engaged in a wide variety of manual, semi-skilled and skilled duties involved in the installation, maintenance, construction, repair, inspection, testing, upgrading and servicing of the water distribution system appurtenances associated with the potable, agricultural, and reclaimed water distribution system and other appurtenances common to a municipal waterworks system.
  • Performs inspection and repair work in confined spaces, such as vaults, tanks, and reservoirs.
  • Sets and/or participates in traffic control activities, including safety devices, signs, and barricades; ensures safety of public and work crew.
  • Observes safe work methods and uses appropriate safety equipment; secures worksites from safety hazards as necessary; attends safety meetings.
  • Operates and maintains a variety of equipment and power tools used in domestic, reclaimed, and agricultural water system maintenance and construction work, including but not limited to, vehicles, forklifts, loaders, generators, compressors, pressure washers, pneumatic, electric, rigging, hydraulic, and gasoline powered construction equipment, as assigned.
  • Performs routine maintenance work in and around water meter boxes, fire hydrants, and other appurtenances as needed; performs minor repairs and weed control at District facilities.
  • Completes site inspections and equipment monitoring associated with the water systems maintenance operations; reports unsafe conditions observed in the field and provides recommendations for resolving unsafe conditions.
  • Maintains accurate, up to date records on all maintenance, repair and service activities conducted or planned; maintains inventory of replacement parts and equipment, as assigned.
  • Provides maintenance assistance, and coordinates work assignments across functional areas, such as those involved in facilities and water systems maintenance and repair, construction/reconstruction, plant, and dam maintenance operations, as assigned.
  • Operates a variety of standard office equipment and technologies, including specialized software.
  • Responds to emergency call out situations and perform standby duty for emergency response on weekends and holidays, as assigned. Must be able to respond within a forty-five (45) minute time period to the District's Corporate Yard while on standby duty; must be able to communicate by telephone while on standby duty.
  • Performs street teardowns, repairs, trenching, and installation/removal and repair of large water pipes and other appurtenances.
  • Participates in various activities associated with the cutting, fitting, laying, installation, and repairing of domestic, reclaimed, and agricultural water pipelines, service lines, pumping equipment, and open canals.
  • Performs a variety of water facilities maintenance work, including main line repair; service line installation, replacement, and repair; pipe cutting; line tapping; cleaning and flushing of pipelines; repairs, replaces, and installs mainline control valves, air vac/air release valves; installs and repairs pressure reducing valves and vaults; and installation and repair of meters, valves, hydrants, and other appurtenant domestic, reclaimed, and agricultural water facilities.
  • Performs minor road repairs and pavement patching.
  • May assist in orienting or training new personnel, as assigned.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Compensation:
  • Medical, dental, vision, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, a life insurance policy equal to two times the annual salary for the employee and a $1,000.00 policy for eligible dependents. Benefits become effective on the first of the month following a 30-day waiting period and the Authority contributes 90% of the cost of such insurance.
  • CalPERS Retirement is provided using the 2.7 at age 55 formula for "Classic" Members. Retirement is provided using the 2% at age 62 formula for "New/PEPRA" Members.
  • Three deferred compensation plans to which an employee may voluntarily contribute up to $24,500 per year. The Authority does not contribute to these plans.
  • Employees accrue vacation at the rate of 3.08 hours pert wo-week pay period for the first 1 year of employment; 3.38 hours for years 1-2; 4.62 hours for years 3-4; 6.16 hours for years 5-9; 6.47 hours for years 10-12, 6.77 hours for years 13-19, and 7.0 for 20+ years of service.
  • Twelve (12) paid holidays per year. Upon employment with WESA for one (1) year, employees also receive two (2) floating holidays annually.
  • Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 3.70 hours per bi-weekly pay period for a total of 96.20 hours per year with unlimited accumulation.
  • Additional benefits available include: 9/80 work schedule, Direct Deposit, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance, Certification Reimbursement Program, Certification Bonus Program, Onsite Wellness Center, and two credit unions.

Our Mission:To manage our natural resources to provide reliable, cost efficient and high quality water and wastewater services for the communities we serve, while promoting conservation, environmental responsibility, educations, community interaction, ethical behavior and recognizing employees as highly valuable assets.
The Water Employee Services Authority: WESA was established as a joint powers authority between the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and Meeks & Daley Water Company. As a joint powers authority, WESA provides professional water and wastewater services to both agencies. WESA is committed to:
  • Professionalism-Demonstrating competency while maintaining a professional demeanor and upholding a reputation for expertise, efficiency, and high quality through delivery of information, services, and products.
  • Enthusiasm-Possessing a strong drive for learning, innovation, forward thinking, and the overall desire to do your job well.
  • Transparency-Demonstrating high moral standards in principles, intentions and actions; conduct that encourages loyalty, integrity, and trust.
  • Inclusiveness-Promoting respect and teamwork through communication and appreciation for all.
  • Stewardship-Taking ownership and responsibility for assigned responsibilities, while demonstrating a proactive, positive willingness to serve.

The Application Process: If you are interested in this opportunity, submit a completed WESA employment application online at www.wesawater.com. Resumes and certifications may be included, but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application. In order to be considered, applications must be received no later than 5:30 PM on Monday, June 29, 2026.
For questions and inquiries, please contact: Skyler Munson: smunson@evmwd.net or (951) 674-3146 ext. 8224.

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