1

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

Shift Leader - Redlands

Redlands, CA ยท 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 ...

... bobtail/water trucks, on/off road pickup trucks, rental equipment as required. Duties and ... Basic knowledge of plant material * Equipment certification as needed * Able to communicate in ...

Tree Care Operator

Fontana, CA ยท On-site

$24 - $27/hr

... bobtail/water trucks, on/off road pickup trucks, rental equipment as required. Duties and ... Basic knowledge of plant material * Equipment certification as needed * Able to communicate in ...

... bottled water. Consider applying here, if you want to: * Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic ... Adheres to the highest standards of company and plant safety programs, guidelines, rules, and ...

Production Operator

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

... bottled water. Consider applying here, if you want to: * Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic ... Adheres to the highest standards of company and plant safety programs, guidelines, rules, and ...

... bottled water. Consider applying here, if you want to: * Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic ... Adheres to the highest standards of company and plant safety programs, guidelines, rules, and ...

New

Production Operator

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

... bottled water. Consider applying here, if you want to: * Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic ... Adheres to the highest standards of company and plant safety programs, guidelines, rules, and ...

New

Production Operator

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$20.01 - $27.02/hr

... bottled water. Consider applying here, if you want to: * Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic ... Adheres to the highest standards of company and plant safety programs, guidelines, rules, and ...

New

Showing results 41-60

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.

Assistant Operations Engineer or Associate Operations Engineer (42.26)

American States Water Company

San Dimas, CA โ€ข On-site

$84K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Golden State Water Company is one of the largest investor-owned water utilities in the United States. We deliver quality, reliable water to more than 1 million people in over 80 communities throughout California. Golden State Water has been in business for more than 90 years because we put customers first.
We are hiring for one position with two possible levels, depending on candidates education and experience.
POSITION DEFINITION
Under the direction of the Operations Engineer, the Associate Operations Engineer provides technical assistance and support with a primary focus on resolving operational problems and optimizing the efficiency of water system operations. Assists with implementation of the water loss control program, including water audits and related water loss activities. Responsible for the collection, organization, archiving and distribution of engineering and operations records including system maps, production statistics, and fire flow records.
The Associate Operations Engineer requires a higher level of training and work experience. As such, the Associate Operations Engineer is expected to work on increasingly challenging technical assignments, work independently, and require minimal Operations Engineer supervision.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities for all levels of Operations Engineer
โ€ข Prepares and/or updates system wide and plant specific operational memos including plant site plans, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), and schematics
โ€ข Receives utility substructure requests from outside agencies, review for conflicts/impacts to GSWC facilities
โ€ข Utilizes hydraulic models to assist in analyzing water systems operations
โ€ข Oversees the fire hydrant flow testing program, receives completed field test reports, performs hydrant flow calculations, maintains fire hydrant test log, returns test results to customers
โ€ข Reviews system additions, modifications, and upgrades within the District, including plan review for New Business and CIP projects
โ€ข Oversees and coordinates the annual system pressure surveys for all District systems
โ€ข Coordinates and performs annual AWWA Water Loss Audits for all District Systems
โ€ข Reviews system GIS maps and related records, provides corrections as needed to the Planning Department
โ€ข Assists in the development and implementation of District Water Loss Control Programs
โ€ข Provides technical support to District Water Supply and Distribution Superintendents and field operations staff
โ€ข Communicates orally and in writing with customers, clients, and the public face-to-face, in group settings
โ€ข Provides assistance, as required, to Water Supply, Customer Service, Water Quality, Administration, and others as directed by the Operations Engineer upon request by the General Manager
โ€ข Performs other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications for both Assistant or Associate Operations Engineer
โ€ข Bachelor of Science degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering from an accredited college required
โ€ข Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
โ€ข Effective oral and written communication skills
Additional Minimum and Certification Requirements for an Associate Operations Engineer
โ€ข A valid Engineer-in-training certification required
โ€ข A minimum of two years of work experience in engineering preferably in the areas of water supply and water distribution operations, engineering and construction activities
โ€ข Certification as a California Water Audit Validator preferred
โ€ข Certification as a California Water Treatment and/or Water Distribution Operator preferred
Technical Skills and Experience for both Assistant or Associate Operations Engineer
โ€ข Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other applicable software
โ€ข Proficiency with AutoCAD, GIS, and/or Infowater desirable
โ€ข Knowledge of engineering principles related to hydraulics and water system operations
Additional Technical Skills and Experience for an Associate Operations Engineer
โ€ข Familiar with CPUC, SWRCB, RWQCB, local fire department(s) and other agency regulations as they pertain to water operations
Qualities of a Successful for both Assistant or Associate Operations Engineer:
โ€ข Displays high standards of ethical conduct; exhibits honesty and integrity
โ€ข Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, professional associates and with the general public
โ€ข Ability to learn principles and practices of water operations, planning and management, including use analysis and forecasting
โ€ข Works and communicates with internal and external clients, contractors, vendors and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous and cooperative manner
โ€ข Flexible, thoughtful, accountable and passionate about work
โ€ข Motivated to learn, change and grow
โ€ข Highly organized
May include but not limited to standing, climbing, walking, lifting, bending, pulling and/or pushing, grasping, reaching, stooping and crouching, sitting, typing, walking, reading, writing, color determination, speaking and listening for extended periods of time.
BENEFITS
Our Company supports our employees with rich benefit programs and resources to help them thrive today and prepare for tomorrow. Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision plans with the Company currently paying 85% of the monthly premium for employees and their eligible dependents. We also offer paid vacation and sick time and twelve Company paid holidays per year. To help our employees plan for the future, we offer both a 401(k) retirement plan as well as a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing retirement plan. Additional benefits include life, AD&D, and LTD insurance as well as health savings account and flexible spending plans.
COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws. Multiple factors are used to determine the actual starting rate of pay for all of our positions, including specific skills, years of experience, education, certification(s), and other job related factors.
The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.
NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.