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Water Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

Essel

Water Supply Operator I

Pomona, CA · On-site

The Water Supply Operator I is an entry-level position requiring immediate to general supervision ... Assists with the maintenance of plant equipment and facilities * Performs water level measurements ...

Essel

Water Supply Operator I

Pomona, CA

The Water Supply Operator I is an entry-level position requiring immediate to general supervision ... Assists with the maintenance of plant equipment and facilities * Performs water level measurements ...

Essel

Water Supply Operator I

Pomona, CA · On-site

The Water Supply Operator I is an entry-level position requiring immediate to general supervision ... Assists with the maintenance of plant equipment and facilities * Performs water level measurements ...

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All JobsWater Plant Operator JobsWater Plant Operator Trainee JobsWater Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

Water Plant Operator Trainee information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$31.3K

$59.8K

$97.5K

How much do water plant operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator trainee in Riverside, CA is $59,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $68,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by water plant operator trainees during their initial training period?

Water Plant Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to rotating shifts, learning complex technical procedures, and understanding strict safety and regulatory requirements. They must quickly become familiar with the operation of specialized equipment and monitoring systems, as well as develop problem-solving skills to address equipment malfunctions or water quality issues. Teamwork is essential, as trainees frequently collaborate with experienced operators and maintenance staff to ensure smooth plant operations and compliance with environmental standards.

How hard is it to become a water plant operator trainee?

Becoming a water plant operator trainee typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and passing a written exam that tests basic math and technical knowledge. Trainees often learn on the job and may need to obtain relevant certifications or licenses, which can involve additional training and testing. The difficulty varies depending on the individual's background and the specific requirements of the employer or jurisdiction.

Is it hard to become a water plant operator trainee?

Becoming a water plant operator trainee typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, basic technical skills, and sometimes passing a written exam. The training involves learning about water treatment processes, safety protocols, and operating equipment, which can take several months to a year depending on the program and employer requirements.

What is a water plant operator trainee?

Water Plant Operator Trainees are entry-level professionals who learn to operate and maintain water treatment facilities. They assist experienced operators in monitoring equipment, testing water quality, and ensuring that treated water meets safety standards. Trainees typically work under supervision while they gain the knowledge and skills required to become certified water plant operators. Their responsibilities may include collecting samples, recording data, and performing basic maintenance tasks. Training often combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction, preparing them for state certification exams.

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

AspectWater Plant Operator TraineeWater Plant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma; some certifications may be preferredRequires relevant certifications or licenses, such as a state water operator license
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, often in a water treatment plantFull responsibility for water treatment operations, maintenance, and safety
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning operational procedures, assisting with maintenance, gaining experienceOperating equipment, monitoring systems, ensuring water quality standards

The Water Plant Operator Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience under supervision, while the Water Plant Operator is a fully qualified role responsible for managing water treatment processes independently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water plant operator trainee?

To thrive as a Water Plant Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and the pursuit of relevant operator certification is typical for this role. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for success. These competencies ensure safe, efficient water treatment operations and compliance with regulatory standards.
What are popular job titles related to Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA? For Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Water Plant Operator Trainee job openings:
Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,835 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Treatment Plant Operator IV (Special Districts)*

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CA

$77K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

480th of 842 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

The Job Recruitment Bonus - Newly hired employees from this recruitment may be eligible to receive bonus payments up to $2,000 ($1000 upon hire and $1000 upon completion of 2080 service hours.) Referral Bonus - Current employees in a regular position who refer a qualified candidate for this recruitment may be eligible to receive bonus payments up to $750 per referral ($250 upon hire, $500 upon new employee completing 2,080 hours) San Bernardino County's Special Districts Department - Water and Sanitation Division is recruiting for Treatment Plant Operators IV who are responsible for the safe and economical operation, maintenance, and supervision of wastewater collection and wastewater treatment facilities. Key responsibilities include: Supervising the operation of wastewater treatment facilities to control flow and processing of wastewater in compliance with discharge permits. Coordinating and assisting with preventive and corrective maintenance projects across all water/wastewater systems throughout the County

Optimizing water/wastewater treatment processes to ensure continuous regulatory compliance and maintain water quality objectives. Writing technical reports and operational instructions for process equipment and systems and providing necessary documentation to the State Regulatory Board as required. Utilizing a SCADA computer program to monitor and control wastewater treatment operations effectively.

Some positions may be designated as the Chief Plant Operator for the CA-SWRCB, ensuring compliance with Water and Sanitation Division requirements. Employees in this role may receive an additional 7.5% differential hourly compensation while performing these duties per the MOU. These positions are assigned to Special Districts only, with the current assignment based in Devore, CA (San Bernardino area)

Work sites are located throughout the County, including high/low deserts, mountains, and valleys. An official vehicle is provided at the reporting location for use during work hours and on-call duty when traveling within and between sites. *Official Title: Treatment Plant Operator IV (Special Districts).

For more detailed information, refer to the job description. EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific Benefits refer to: Summary of Benefits Memoranda of Understanding MOU CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Health and Physical: Persons seeking appointment to this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper for performance of the duties established by the San Bernardino County Special Districts Department. Certification: Current Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade IV, issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).

Must maintain and keep Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade IV or be terminated. Travel: Travel throughout the County is required. A valid CA driver license and proof of automobile liability insurance is required at time of appointment and must be produced and maintained throughout employment.

Assignment: Incumbents are required to be available on-call evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed; employees on call must respond by phone within thirty (30) minutes. Sites/locations encompass the mountains, the deserts, and the valleys; employees may be assigned to one region, but are expected to work any site located throughout the County, to meet the Department's needs. Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.

Minimum Requirements Must possess certification, experience, and license requirements as listed below: Certification: Current Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade IV, issued by the CA State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). Copy of required certificate must be attached to the application. Experience: Two (2) years of recent experience (within the last 5 years) in the operation, maintenance, and repair of a Wastewater Treatment facility.

License: Must possess a valid CA Class C (or higher) driver license. NOTE: Ensure the work experience section of your application clearly details qualifying experience in water/wastewater activities, including records, logs, and visual diagrams, as well as supervisory/lead experience. Desired Qualifications The ideal candidate will possess supervisory experience overseeing Wastewater Plant Operators with a valid Grade IV or Grade V wastewater treatment operator license.

Selection Process Application Procedure: Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received. To receive consideration for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires.

There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the information provided in the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire. You are encouraged to include detailed descriptions of your qualifying experience and skills, as only the most highly qualified applicants will be referred to the Department. All communications regarding the selection process will be via email.

Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mail frequently to learn additional information regarding this recruitment. Check your GovernmentJobs account for notifications. Update your firewalls to allow e-mails from San Bernardino County through governmentjobs.com

Update your Spam, Junk, and Bulk settings to ensure it will not spam/block/filter communications from email addresses with the following domain "@hr.sbcounty.gov". Finally, be sure to keep your personal information updated. Taking these steps now will help ensure you receive all communications regarding this recruitment

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email.

We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application. All communications regarding the selection process will be via email.

Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment. Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment.

EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline. Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points.

For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy. For more important details, review the links below: Guide to Completing a County Job Application Applicant Information and the County Employment Process

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