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Water Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

Wm Bolthouse Farms Inc

Plant Director

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$190K - $210K/yr

Drive continuous improvement in waste reduction, energy efficiency, water stewardship, and ... Manage operating budgets, capital planning, and cost controls with strong financial rigor. * Drive ...

Cencora

Controls Technician II

Corona, CA · On-site

$32.50 - $40/hr

Job Details This role is in support of Cencora's distribution services in the US operating through ... Ability to operate and diagnose all chill water plant systems including chillers, cooling towers ...

GFT.

Water Treatment Facility Design Engineer

Irvine, CA

$90K - $200K/yr

Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve ... Successful track record leading water design and plant facilities projects * Demonstrated ability ...

USALCO

Chemical Operator

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $22.50/hr

USALCO, LLC is a leading provider of aluminum-based component products used in water treatment ... The Chemical Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of plant processes and ...

Plant Power Fast Food

Shift Leader - Redlands

Redlands, CA · On-site

$18.55/hr

... water, 93% less land, emit 90% less greenhouse gas emissions, and are 100% more delicious than ... Follow Plant Power operating policies and standards, including providing quality food and beverages ...

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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.

Plant Director

Wm Bolthouse Farms Inc

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • On-site

$190K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

THE ROLE:

  • This position will report to the: VP of Operations
  • Travel Requirement: Up to 20%
  • Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
  • FLSA Status: Exempt
  • Employment Category: Full-Time Regular
  • Pay Range: $190k - $210k

Generous Brands is dedicated to inspiring people to thrive through the power of vibrant nutrition through its leading brands, Bolthouse Farms, Health-Ade, and Evolution Fresh. Generous Brands partners with SAMBAZON to manufacture, distribute and sell SAMBAZON branded beverages.

Bolthouse Farms is a pre-eminent provider of chilled juice, smoothies, shakes, and protein drinks. Health-Ade is the fastest growing kombucha brand, dedicated to creating bubbly beverages that boost gut health. Evolution Fresh is a premier cold-pressed juice brand with national availability. And, SAMBAZON beverages bottle the superfruit power of açaí in juice and natural energy cans.

The company operates its North American business from facilities in Southern California, and the Greater Chicago Area. To learn more, please visit www.generousbrands.com.


WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IN THIS ROLE

The Plant Director provides full strategic and operational leadership for Evolution Fresh’s Rancho Cucamonga manufacturing facility. This role is accountable for delivering world-class performance across safety, quality, service, cost, sustainability, and culture.


The Plant Director drives measurable savings, operational efficiency, and structural cost improvements while continuously challenging legacy practices and driving operational discipline. This leader establishes disciplined management systems and leverages Lean Six Sigma best practices to strengthen performance across all plant functions.


The role ensures the site remains a flagship facility within Generous Brands — sustaining BRC AA+ certification, TRUE Zero status, and a strong Great Place to Work culture.


JOB DUTIES:

  • Safety & Regulatory Compliance
    • Champion a zero-incident safety culture with visible leadership and accountability at all levels.
    • Ensure full compliance with OSHA, FDA, state, and local regulatory requirements.
    • Drive proactive risk identification and continuous safety system improvement.

    Food Safety, Quality & Audit Excellence

    • Maintain and continuously improve the site’s BRC AA+ certification, the highest possible rating, ensuring rigorous adherence to all standards.
    • Lead audit readiness for BRC, Organic, regulatory, and customer audits with a “always ready” mindset.
    • Drive a culture where food safety and quality are non-negotiable and embedded in daily operations.
    • Continuously reduce consumer complaints, holds, and quality losses through disciplined root cause analysis and prevention systems.


    Operational Performance & Efficiency

    • Own and deliver plant performance across OEE, throughput, yield, labor efficiency, scrap, cost-per-gallon, and service metrics.
    • Drive aggressive cost savings initiatives, productivity improvements, and waste reduction efforts.
    • Challenge legacy processes and organizational norms to unlock new levels of efficiency and performance.
    • Lead structured problem-solving to eliminate chronic losses and improve asset reliability.
    • Align production plans with demand while minimizing overtime and cost variability.


    Continuous Improvement & Cost Leadership

    • Lead and mature CI systems including daily operational meetings, visual management, standard work, layered process audits, and root cause problem-solving.
    • Deliver year-over-year productivity and cost improvement targets aligned with EBITDA commitments.
    • Identify automation, process redesign, and capital opportunities that drive long-term structural cost advantage.
    • Create a culture that expects continuous improvement rather than incremental maintenance of the status quo.


    Sustainability & TRUE Zero Leadership

    • Lead and sustain the site’s TRUE Zero Waste certification, ensuring landfill diversion goals remain a top operational priority.
    • Integrate sustainability into daily decision-making, capital planning, and team engagement.
    • Drive continuous improvement in waste reduction, energy efficiency, water stewardship, and environmental compliance.
    • Reinforce sustainability as a shared responsibility across all functions.


    Financial Stewardship

    • Own full plant P&L performance and annual operating plan commitments.
    • Manage operating budgets, capital planning, and cost controls with strong financial rigor.
    • Drive disciplined labor planning, inventory management, and working capital optimization.
    • Ensure financial decisions are supported by strong data analytics and operational insights.


    People, Culture & Great Place to Work

    • Maintain and strengthen the site’s Great Place to Work culture through leadership visibility, engagement, and accountability.
    • Champion a Culture of Excellence that balances high performance with respect, development, and recognition.
    • Build and develop a strong leadership bench with clear succession plans.
    • Foster cross-functional collaboration and ownership at all levels.
    • Model Generous Brands values in all interactions and decisions.
    • Drive employee engagement scores upward year over year through action-oriented follow-through.


    Strategic Alignment & Change Leadership

    • Translate corporate strategy into executable site-level roadmaps.
    • Lead change initiatives effectively across operations, engineering, and support functions.
    • Act as a key voice in network strategy, capacity planning, and capital allocation decisions.
    • Communicate transparently and align teams during periods of transformation.


    Leadership Expectations

    • Challenges complacency and drives disciplined execution.
    • Demonstrates strong financial acumen and operational analytics capability.
    • Visible, floor-based leadership presence.
    • Makes tough decisions with clarity and integrity.
    • Balances urgency with long-term strategic thinking.

    Holds teams accountable for measurable results.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field
  • 10+ years of progressive leadership in food & beverage manufacturing.
  • 5+ years in a senior plant leadership role (Plant Manager or Director).
  • Demonstrated experience maintaining BRC/SQF certification at highest level.
  • Strong working knowledge of BRC/SQF systems and regulatory food safety standards.
  • Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and structured problem-solving methodologies.
  • Proven track record of delivering cost savings, productivity improvements, and EBITDA growth.
  • Experience leading sustainability initiatives and waste reduction programs.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Mechanical/Technical Aptitude to troubleshoot minor equipment failures and make minor adjustments
  • Math skills combined with the ability to perform and understand scientific based tests and results
  • Knowledge of computer applications such as Microsoft office, Word, Excel etc.
  • Communicate and interact well with others in the laboratory and manufacturing environment
  • Able to work over 40 hours, weekends, and flexible hours when business need arises
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and apply common sense of Good Laboratory Practices


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experienced in refrigerated beverage manufacturing, HPP, cold-fill, or aseptic processing
  • Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt).
  • Experience leading TRUE Zero or equivalent sustainability programs.
  • Demonstrated success driving Great Place to Work or high-engagement culture initiatives.
  • Experience managing large and complex workforce.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS:

  • Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to work in environmental exposure including, but not limited to, freezer and noisy, cold, wet, or humid conditions of 34°F or below.
  • Occasional exposure to fumes, airborne particles, toxic, and/or caustic chemicals.
  • Occasional material exposure to moving mechanical parts and equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, etc.).

WHAT WE OFFER plus more!

Our rich benefits packages are designed to support the health and well-being of both our eligible team members and families.

  • Medical, Dental & Vision
  • Group Life and AD&D
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D
  • Group Short & Long-Term Disability
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
    • Gym Membership Discounts


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a culturally diverse organization. We strive for inclusiveness and a workplace where mutual respect is paramount. We encourage applications from a diverse pool of candidates, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or veteran status. We will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, as needed, to assist them in performing essential job functions.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you are interested in applying for employment with Generous Brands and need special assistance to apply for a posted position, or if you believe you do not meet any of the required qualifications of a posted position due to a protected disability and would like to explore the possibility of an accommodation, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@bolthouse.com.


RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:
Generous Brands does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Generous Brands is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

#LI-CG1

#EvolutionFresh

#RanchoCucamonga

#BeverageManufacturing-QA


1st shift (8:00am-5:00pm) Monday through Friday, with work across 2nd and 3rd shifts when required