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

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 ...

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 ...

Apply Early

FST Sand and Gravel

Be Seen First

Night Shift Plant Operator - Rock Crushing & Screening

Corona, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Night Shift Plant Operator - Rock Crushing & Screening Location: Corona, CA Schedule: Night Shift | Overtime Available Pay: $25- $30 an hour (DOE) Full-Time | On-Site FST Sand & Gravel - Corona, CA ...

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

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 Jul 6, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Plant Operator, and why are they important?

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.

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 Water Plant Operators?

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.
More about Water Plant Operator jobs
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:
Water Plant Operator jobs near you
Water Filtration Plant Operator

Water Filtration Plant Operator

City of Crossville

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

WATER FILTRATION PLANT OPERATOR

CITY OF CROSSVILLE

Two (2) shift positions available:

  • MONDAY,TUESDAY,WEDNESDAY: 3:00PM TO 11:00PM; THURSDAY,FRIDAY: 2:00PM TO 11:00PM
  • THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY: 2:00PM TO 4:00AM

Starting annual salary for non-certified personnel is $40,684.80/$19.56 per hour, plus two (2) hours overtime each week. Employees are eligible for 5% salary increase at the conclusion of a satisfactory six (6) month probationary period. Additional salary increases for Grade III or IV certifications.

The job of a Water Filtration Plant Operator is a full-time position that includes a complete benefit package. Benefits include health, vision, dental, life insurance, retirement, paid holidays and paid personal leave.

The City offers TCRS (Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System) Hybrid plan as the retirement benefit.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB
  • Monitors the plant computer for water flow, tank levels, filter and finished turbidities, and finished chlorine level, etc.
  • Monitors and performs a variety of lab tests to ensure that the chemical dosages are at the proper levels to treat, disinfect, deodorize, and clarify the water insuring safety precautions are followed
  • Refills chemical day tanks insuring that all safety precautions are followed
  • Conducts bacteriological and chemical tests required by state and federal regulations and records results
  • Collects water samples for testing inside the water plant and throughout the distribution system
  • Performs maintenance and repairs of various lines, pumps and motors
  • Cleans settling basins
  • Cleans and maintains facilities and operating areas such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, collecting garbage, spraying and weed eating weeds, picking up debris, painting, etc.
MINIMUM EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Tennessee Grade III or IV Water Treatment Certification highly preferred
  • Experience with municipal water systems preferred
  • Must be able to pass Tennessee Grade III Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification within 3 years of date of hire
  • Possession of a valid Tennessee drivers' license
  • Must be examined by a city designated physician to make a determination if applicant will be able to perform all essential duties required of this position

Please read full job description for a more detailed list of essential requirements.