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Water Plant Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Water Plant Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$30.8K

$61.4K

$102.8K

How much do water plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator in Riverside, CA is $61,433.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $70,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water plant operator?

Water Plant Operators are professionals responsible for running and maintaining water treatment plants. They manage the equipment and processes that treat and distribute water for public consumption or industrial use. Their duties include monitoring water quality, conducting tests, adjusting chemical levels, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Water Plant Operators play a critical role in providing safe, clean water to communities.

What does a water plant operator do?

The job duties of a water plant operator include working to operate and maintain a water plant. Your responsibilities in this job revolve around monitoring pumping equipment and ensuring proper water treatment. You may need to repair or facilitate the repair of equipment to keep water supply flowing. You usually collect sample data and test the water to ensure quality and safety. You are often responsible for ensuring the proper flow of water through filtering equipment, and you may clean filters and fill treatment chemicals as needed. Most plant operators need to keep a log of their activities on a daily basis.

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

To thrive as a Water Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, safety regulations, and relevant environmental standards, often backed by a high school diploma and state-specific operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing instruments, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for monitoring systems and responding to issues. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of clean water to the community.

What are some common challenges faced by water plant operators in maintaining regulatory compliance?

Water Plant Operators often face challenges in keeping up with evolving environmental regulations and ensuring all treatment processes consistently meet strict water quality standards. This involves regular monitoring, accurate record-keeping, and prompt adjustments to chemical dosages or equipment settings. Operators must also be prepared to troubleshoot unexpected equipment malfunctions or respond to weather-related changes that affect water quality. Staying current with training and technological advancements is essential to successfully manage these compliance responsibilities.

What is the difference between Water Plant Operator vs Water Treatment Technician?

AspectWater Plant OperatorWater Treatment Technician
CertificationsWater operator license, state certificationWater treatment certification, state license
Work EnvironmentWater treatment plants, distribution systemsWater treatment facilities, field sites
Job FocusOperating and maintaining water treatment equipmentMonitoring, testing, and troubleshooting treatment processes

Both roles involve working in water treatment facilities and require similar certifications. Water Plant Operators typically oversee the entire treatment process and plant operations, while Water Treatment Technicians focus more on testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting equipment. Both positions are essential for ensuring safe, clean water and often share similar work environments and industry usage.

How much do water treatment plant operators make?

Water treatment plant operators in Texas typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the size of the facility. Salaries can vary based on location, with additional pay for overtime, night shifts, or specialized skills such as SCADA system operation.

Is being a water plant operator a good job?

Water plant operators are responsible for maintaining and operating water treatment facilities to ensure safe drinking water. The job typically requires technical skills, certifications, and adherence to safety standards, and offers stable employment with opportunities for advancement. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in public health and environmental protection.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Water Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Water Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Water Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Water Plant Operator jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Water Plant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,433 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Utility Plant Operator II

Highland, CA

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


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!