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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.
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 cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Water Operator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Water Operator job openings:
Waste Water Treatment Operator, 2nd Shift

Waste Water Treatment Operator, 2nd Shift

Masco Corporation

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$22 - $29.92/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Masco rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Summary
The Wastewater Treatment Operator I will perform a variety of duties in support of the wastewater treatment operation in the designated facility, to include the inspection, monitoring, and maintenance for the pump stations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
  • Responsible for the general operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment facilities including batch treatment of plating wastewater, operation of a filter press and calibration of pH meters.
    • Initiates corrective actions for equipment deficiencies as necessary.
    • Maintains records per prescribed guidelines.
    • Ability to use the AA for frequent analysis of treated wastewater.
    • Maintains inventory of wastewater process supplies.
    • Maintains the wastewater treatment area in good housekeeping order according to OSHA and environmental guidelines.
    • Adheres to and promotes all company safety rules and requirements.
  • Must be able to work independently with minimum supervision.
  • Inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair equipment and systems involved in the wastewater treatment and associated processes.
  • Perform scheduled lubrications, cleaning of channels, tanks, sumps, repacking of pumps.
  • Return plant equipment and processes to operating status following shutdowns, power outages, etc.
  • Calibrate chemical analyzers.
  • Keep work records and prepare reports.
  • Operate equipment's such as forklifts, when necessary.
  • Performs general cleanup of tools, equipment, and areas, such as spills, plating lines, hazardous waste, scrubbers, and waste water.
  • Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Educations and/or Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Certification in Industrial Wastewater Treatment.
  • 1 year experience working with industrial chemicals, or in metal plating environment
  • 1 year experience in Wastewater treatment operations

Certificates, License, Registrations or Professional Designations
  • Valid CAD license

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of wastewater, water reclamation, and related treatment processes
  • Knowledge of methods, tools, materials, and equipment used in the inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance repair and operation of pumps
  • Knowledge of safety regulations, practices, and procedures
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions
  • Ability to troubleshoot a problem or situation

Computer Skills
  • Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Language Skills
  • English (reading, writing, verbal)
  • Bilingual (English Spanish) is a plus

Mathematical Skills
  • Intermediate math skills (add, subtract, divide, multiply)

Other Skills
  • Must be able to work all shifts, including weekends and holiday hours.
  • Ability to legally work without sponsorship for employment visa status.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will have occasional bending, climbing, and twisting. There will be occasional usage of his/her hands to grasp and manipulate objects, tools or controls. The position requires frequent squatting, power grasping, pushing and pulling and reaching with hands and arms. The position requires constant walking and standing. Additionally, this position requires the ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Required to wear PPE (ie. Face, foot, eye, hand, and/or hearing protection on plant floor).
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a manufacturing warehouse environment. The ambient conditions are moderate, and the noise level in the work environment is moderate. Working in manufacturing environment which includes, dust, fumes, cold, and heat, humidity from plating and chemical solutions.
OTHER INFORMATION
Masco is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer
Masco is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States. Please click on the following links for more information.
Masco is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, protected status as a veteran, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other legally protected status under federal, state or local law.
Company: Brasstech
Shift 1 (United States of America)
Full time
Hiring Range: $22.00 - $29.92
Actual compensation may vary based on various factors including experience, education, geographic location, and/or skills.
Brasstech (the "Company") is an equal opportunity employer and we strive to employ the most qualified individuals for every position. The Company makes employment decisions only based on merit. It is the Company's policy to prohibit discrimination in any employment opportunity (including but not limited to recruitment, employment, promotion, salary increases, benefits, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment) based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability, medical condition, marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, height, weight or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. The Company is committed to complying with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all people involved in the operations of the Company regardless of where the employee is located and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of the Company.
Brasstech is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States. Please click on the following links for more information.
E-Verify Participation Poster: English & Spanish
E-verify Right to Work Poster: English, Spanish

What Masco employees say

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About Masco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our founder, Alex Manoogian, arrived in the United States in 1920 with $50 in his pocket and a relentless drive to make a better life for himself and his family. Decades later, that drive continues to permeate every aspect of our business. We believe in better living possibilities—for our homes, our environment and our community. Across our businesses and geographies, we seek out these possibilities to grow ourselves, enhance our consumers’ lives, create long-term value for our shareholders and improve the world around us. As a family of companies, we share a strong ethical culture and continuous improvement mindset driven by people and backed by an operating system designed to leverage our scale.

Industry

Building materials and garden equipment dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Livonia, MI, US

Year founded

1929

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