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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 ...

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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 9, 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?

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 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 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 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 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% 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.

Treatment Plant Operator IV (Special Districts)*

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CA

$77K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 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

482nd of 844 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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