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Water Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview Monitors, inspects and completes tasks for Water Restoration jobs to ensure ... This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go ...

Lab Pack Chemist I

Pomona, CA ยท On-site

$30/hr

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as ...

Equipment Operator

San Bernardino, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

... water-sewer-storm drain pipelines, dry utilities, pump stations, pipeline assessment, water and ... Operator: 2 years (Preferred) EOE/Disabilities/Veterans

Lab Pack Chemist I

Pomona, CA ยท On-site

$30/hr

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as ...

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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 Jul 15, 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 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 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:
Water Restoration Technician

Water Restoration Technician

ServiceMaster

Lake Elsinore, CA โ€ข On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Company car
  • Company parties
  • Competitive salary
  • Free uniforms
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave

Position Overview
Monitors, inspects and completes tasks for Water Restoration jobs to ensure completion of drying, demolition and various restoration activities. Prepare and review documentation to include notes, photos and documents according to company policies and procedures to ensure reimbursement from insurance companies. Explains processes used to complete active jobs and next steps to resolution in person to customers.
Job Responsibilities
  • Retrieves work orders, checks route for travel, ensures appropriate equipment and supplies are loaded on truck needed for job, arrives to work site.
  • Explain processes used to complete active jobs and next steps to resolution in person to customers using printed materials as a guide with or without supervisor
  • Completes assigned jobs according to company processes while maintaining quality control on each job
  • Performs water damage repair to include water extraction, pack-out of contents, removing/disposing of non-salvageable materials, light construction and demolition as directed by supervisor
  • Ensures equipment, supplies, vehicles, and products are properly handled. Reports any equipment malfunction and or damage to supervisor
  • Inspects jobs after completion and obtains customer signatures for approval purposes, and requests payments when necessary
  • Performs daily monitoring and tasks on assigned water jobs to residential and/or commercial customers with urgency
  • Responsible for making daily adjustments to the drying plan based on meter readings
  • Inspects jobs after completion and obtains customer signatures for approval purposes, and requests payments when necessary
  • Resolves issues with customers, communicates customer issues, daily job activities with supervisor and key company staff
  • Prepares documentation and pictures according to company policies and procedures to ensure reimbursement from insurance companies

Job Requirements
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • Experience in the restoration or construction industry not required but preferred
  • Valid Drivers' License and satisfactory driving record
  • Good verbal and written and communication skills
  • Good customer service skills
  • Experience with using mobile software to enter data
  • Can read and follow product label usage instructions
  • Reports to work on time in a clean, complete uniform
  • Must be able to prioritize activities and meet deadlines
  • Certifications are not required but preferred:
    • WTR - Water Damage Restoration Technician
    • ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Incumbent must be prepared to:
  • Move up to 70 pounds often, by lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise repositioning objects.
  • Stand and walk for extended periods of time. Lifting, squatting, crawling and crouching is required.
  • Express or exchange ideas with others quickly, receive and act on detailed information given.
  • For safety reasons, respirators, which are used in certain situations, must be able to seal to your face
  • Use visual acuity to perform detail-oriented activities
  • Be exposed to various inside and outside working conditions: The change of environment such as with or without air conditioning and heating.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. The Company reserves the right to modify this description in the future, with or without notice to the employee. This Job Description does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, and employment with the Company remains at will. These responsibilities are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Compensation: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour
Built on a foundation of great brands and employees with a passion for service, our vision is to be the leading provider of essential services through empowered people, world-class customer service and convenient access. By joining ServiceMaster, you'll be part of a talented network of employees with a shared vision.
Our environment is a diverse community where successful people work together to achieve common goals.
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to The ServiceMaster Company, LLC.