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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 · 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 · 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 ...

Veolia Environnement SA

Operator I

Rialto, CA · On-site

The Water Systems Operator I must have experience installing, maintaining, and repairing water ... Assists in other areas of plant as needed. May assist with orienting or training new or less ...

New

Veolia Environnement SA

Operator I

Rialto, CA · On-site

The Water Systems Operator I must have experience installing, maintaining, and repairing water ... Assists in other areas of plant as needed. May assist with orienting or training new or less ...

New

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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 20, 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 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 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 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.

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.

How to get hired as a water plant operator trainee?

To become a water plant operator trainee, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training or coursework, and sometimes a valid driver's license. Employers often require basic knowledge of water treatment processes, safety procedures, and may prefer candidates with some experience or certifications such as a state-issued water operator trainee license. Applying to municipal or private water treatment facilities and demonstrating a willingness to learn are key steps in securing a trainee position.

Is being a water plant operator trainee worth it?

A water plant operator trainee role provides hands-on experience in water treatment processes, often leading to certification and career advancement in the utility industry. The job typically involves working with control systems, monitoring water quality, and following safety protocols, making it a valuable entry-level position for those interested in public utilities and environmental management.

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. Training programs often last several months and include classroom instruction and on-the-job experience, with certifications like a state operator license usually needed for advancement.

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 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,835 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Utility Plant Operator II

San Manuel Casino

Highland, CA

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Under the direction of the Assistant Manager, Facilities, the Utility Plant Operator II, performs journeyman-level work related to the operation, installation, inspection, modification, remodeling and repair of boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, blowers and all ancillary equipment and property associated with all Central Plant Utility Operations. Collaborates, initiates, and supports opportunities with other functions by championing the goals and priorities of the Tribe in a manner that faithfully reflects and upholds the Tribe's vision, mission and values.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Oversees the operation of cooling towers, blowers, chillers, Cogen system, boilers, and other plant equipment.Ensuresguest comfort throughoperationof the building automation systems tomaintainbuilding climate controls. Communicateswork performed and/or updates andmaintainsdaily required log keeping. Participates in training programs to stay current on industry best practices and safety protocols.
2. Inspects and performs preventative maintenance to ensure clear milestones are set and followed, including mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and environmental management systems. Reviews and updates plant logs, develops preventive maintenance instructions, andassiststhe Assistant Manager in planning routine maintenance and shutdowns. Conductsrisk assessments of equipment failures, minimizing risk, andimplementsnew technologiesto improve equipment reliability and efficiency.Ensuresall maintenance activities are documented accurately and reportedin a timely mannertocomply withregulatory requirements.
3. Maintains clear andaccuratedocumentation of all operating data, inspections, testing, maintenance (corrective and/or preventative) performed andassistswith repairs, parts orders and communicating with leads and team leaders on any concerns. Updates equipment documentation,specificationsand drawings, as needed.Ensuresall maintenance activities are documented accurately and reportedin a timely mannertocomply withregulatory requirements.
4. Coordinates with HVAC and Electrical departments toassistinlocatingand troubleshooting issues in building systems. Partners with vendors and service providersregardingmaintenance and repair of equipment. Collaborates with contractors and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specifications for new construction and retrofit/renovation projects according to building code requirements to createblueprints/drawings.
5. Responds to emergencysituations,that require quick thinking and decisive actionduring or after hours, to mitigate and/or resolve immediate plant operating concerns and/or safety issues/concerns. Ensures the safety of all plant personnel and prevents any potential damage to equipment or property.Strong communicationskills are essential incoordinating withemergency services and internal teams to effectively address the situation.
6. Assists with Central Plant Management to service all systems and related machinery to remain in compliance with all regulating bodies (OSHA, EPA) and minimize downtime in a safe and efficient manner.Coordinates with external vendors and contractors as needed for specialized repairs for maintenance tasks.
7. Performsotherdutiesasassignedtosupporttheecientoperationofthedepartment.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School Diploma or GEDrequired.

  • Minimum of five (5) years of facility maintenance experience to include progressive cogeneration operation, power plant, diesel generator, central chilled water plant, central hydraulic system and/or boilerplant,operation experiencerequired.

  • Trade school (HVAC, electrical) or equivalent required.

  • Related,relevant,and/ordirectexperiencemaybeconsideredinlieuofminimumeducational requirementsindicatedabove.

KNOWLEDGE,SKILLSAND ABILITIES (KSA)

  • High School Diploma or GED required.

  • Minimum of five (5) years of facility maintenance experience to include progressive cogeneration operation, power plant, diesel generator, central chilled water plant, central hydraulic system and/or boilerplant,operation experiencerequired.

  • Trade school (HVAC, electrical) or equivalent required.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

  • At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you maybe requiredto obtain andmaintaina gaming license.

  • Universal EPA Certificate preferred.

  • Authorized Driver: Role requires operation or driving of Tribe-owned vehicles or driving patron vehicles. A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record as determined by the insurance carrier is required.

PHYSICALREQUIREMENTS/WORKINGCONDITIONS-ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and working environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Primaryworkenvironmentisinafacilitysetting.

  • Workmayrequiretraveltoattendmeetings,tradeshows,andconferences.

  • Incumbentsmayberequiredtoworkevening,weekendandholidayshifts.

  • Mustbeabletoworkinafast-paced,high-demandenvironment.

  • Strengthsufficienttoexertupto10poundsofforceoccasionallyand/oranegligibleamountof forcefrequentlyor constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally.

  • Sedentarywork:very littlesitting.Able tooperateacomputerandother

  • officeproductivitymachinery,suchasacalculator,copymachine,andcomputerprinter.

  • Physical activities that apply to the essential functions of the position are balancing, stooping, kneeling,crouching,reaching,pushing,pulling,lifting,grasping,talking,hearing,andrepetitivemotions.

  • Hearingsufficienttohearconversationallevelsinperson,viavideoconferenceandoverthe telephone.

  • Speechsufficienttomakeoneselfheardandunderstoodinperson,infrontofgroups,inmeetings,

  • viavideoconferenceandoverthetelephone.

  • Visual acuity that meets the requirements of the position: The worker is required to have close visualacuitytoperformanactivitysuchaspreparingandanalyzingdataandfigures; transcribing;viewingacomputerterminal;expansivereadingandvisualinspectionofemployees, visitors or facility.

  • Mobilitysufficienttosafelymoveinanofficeenvironment,walk,stoop,bendandkneel,andenter,exitandoperatea motor vehiclein the course oftravel to promotional events, meetings, conferences, tradeshowsand San Manuel properties.

  • Endurancesufficienttosit,walkandstandforextendedperiods,andmaintainefficiencythroughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.

  • Theemployeemaybeexposedtofumesorairborneparticlesincludingsecondhandsmoke.

Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicablelaw.

As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!

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