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Water Transfer Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Athens Services

Heavy Equipment Operator - Landfill

Rialto, CA · On-site

$34.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Other equipment which may be operated are water trucks, roll off trucks and backhoes. * Ensure the ... Keep hazardous and otherwise prohibited wastes out of the transfer station and landfills. * Keep ...

IMTT

Terminal Operator

El Sobrante, CA · On-site

Must safely and efficiently oversee the transfer of hazardous substances into and out of marine ... Must be able to work in confined spaces, over water and not be afraid of heights. * Must be able to ...

USALCO

Chemical Operator

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

$19.75 - $22.50/hr

USALCO, LLC is a leading provider of aluminum-based component products used in water treatment ... the safe transfer of hazardous chemicals. 2. Apply all plant safety rules, work guidelines ...

Athens Services

Lead Heavy Equipment Operator

Victorville, CA · On-site

$35.12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Other equipment that may be operated are water trucks, roll off trucks and backhoes. * Ensure the ... Keep hazardous and otherwise prohibited wastes out of the transfer station and landfills. * Keep ...

Athens Services

Lead Heavy Equipment Operator

Victorville, CA

$35.12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Other equipment that may be operated are water trucks, roll off trucks and backhoes. * Ensure the ... Keep hazardous and otherwise prohibited wastes out of the transfer station and landfills. * Keep ...

Nitto Denko Corp.

RO - PO II/Rolling II, HY

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20.67/hr

Under direct supervision, perform machine operator tasks as setting-up or shutting-down machines ... Transfers prepared material onto membrane carts and back to Rolling area. * Position may verify ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsWater Transfer Operator JobsWater Transfer Operator Jobs in California

Water Transfer Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do water transfer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for water transfer operator in California is $25.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $29.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water transfer operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Transfer Operator, you need a solid understanding of water systems, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pumps, valves, hoses, flow meters, and sometimes SCADA systems is often required, along with relevant safety certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient water transfer operations and preventing environmental or equipment issues.

What are some common challenges faced by water transfer operators in the field?

Water Transfer Operators often work in remote locations and must adapt to varying weather and terrain conditions. One of the main challenges is ensuring the safe and efficient transfer of large volumes of water without causing environmental spills or equipment failures. Operators must also coordinate closely with drilling supervisors, truck drivers, and other team members to maintain a continuous water supply for operations, which can require long hours and prompt problem-solving in high-pressure situations.

What does a water transfer operator do?

A Water Transfer Operator is responsible for safely moving water from one location to another, typically in support of oil and gas drilling or fracking operations. They operate pumps, hoses, and other equipment to ensure efficient water transfer, monitor water quality, and prevent spills or leaks. Their job also includes maintaining equipment, following environmental regulations, and coordinating with other workers on-site to ensure smooth operations.

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

AspectWater Transfer OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater transfer certifications, safety trainingWater treatment certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentField sites, pipelines, construction areasWater treatment facilities, plant floors
Industry UsageWater transfer projects, infrastructureWater purification, treatment processes

While both roles involve working with water systems, Water Transfer Operators focus on moving water through pipelines and infrastructure, often outdoors and in construction settings. Water Treatment Plant Operators manage water purification processes within treatment facilities. Both require safety and technical certifications, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Water Transfer Operator jobs in California?

For Water Transfer Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Transfer Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Transfer Operator jobs in California are:

Water Transfer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Transfer Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,586 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Senior Water Utility Service Worker - City of Bessemer

JobsQuest

San Juan Capistrano, CA • On-site

$22.30 - $34.60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

TARGET CLOSE DATE:
08/28/2026
PAY GRADE:
Grade 21
TYPE:
Full time
JOB SUMMARY:
The City of Bessemer is seeking a Senior Water Utility Service Worker to coordinate, assign and assist with the work involved in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water transmission/distribution systems (e.g., well water and pumps) and associated structures and devices (e.g., mains, service lines, meters, valves, and/or fire hydrants). Incumbents in this job class are expected to operate equipment used to inspect, maintain and repair of transmission/distribution systems (e.g., tapping machine, listening device, backhoe, bobcat, and trencher). Senior Water Utility Service Workers are required to monitor the operation of water systems and perform routine water quality tests.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The City of Bessemer provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more. The pay range for this job is presented below:
$22.30 - $34.60
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:
  • Driver's license (with the ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's license within 6 months)
  • Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Grade I Water Operator Certification with the ability to obtain Grade II Water Operator Certification as required by your jurisdiction.
  • Experience leading projects to extend water mains and reconnect service lines.
  • Experience operating a 6" tapping machine
  • Experience repairing fireplugs.

TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:
  • Performs water utility preparatory and clean-up work, and assists in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water transmission/distribution systems (e.g., well water and pumps).
  • Performs work related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of water transmission/distribution systems (e.g., well water and pumps) and associated structures and devices (e.g., mains, service lines, meters, valves, and/or fire hydrants); includes line location.
  • Operates equipment (e.g., tapping machine, listening device, backhoe, bobcat, and trencher) used in work on water transmission/distribution systems and in the inspection of grease control devices and wastewater sampling to include hand tools, such as hand or line location tools.
  • Ensures tools and equipment are available (e.g., trucks/warehouses are stocked with the necessary materials, tools, and equipment), assembled, and in proper working order.
  • Coordinates projects by determining personnel and materials needed and directing the work of a water utility service crew in order to ensure that work is completed according to plans, specifications, and safety standards.
  • Monitors the operation of water system and performs routine water quality tests.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Job involves moderate physical exertion required for occasional prolonged periods of stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 75 lbs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is primarily performed at outdoor worksites such as roadways and construction sites. Work may involve using various hand tools such as hammer, screwdrivers, wrenches, and power tools such as saws, pumps, drills and Heavy Equipment such as back hoes, excavators, etc. May be exposed to weather conditions, such as extreme hot or cold temperatures, or other potentially hazardous conditions such as near roadway traffic or near animal or wildlife such as snakes, rodents, etc.
EEO STATEMENT:
The Personnel Board of Jefferson County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Each Merit System member city/agency operates its own equal employment opportunity policies available on the individual city/agency website.
ACCOMMODATION:
To request an accommodation in the application or hiring process due to your own ongoing medical condition or disability, please contact our Accommodations Coordinator at accommodationrequest@pbjcal.org or phone at 205-279-3500 (select option 1) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. The accommodation process is reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or accommodation in the job application process.
NOTE:
This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System. More detail regarding this job is available by clicking Apply.
DISCLAIMER:
This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required for this position and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.

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