ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Water Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

Essel

Water Supply Operator I

Pomona, CA · On-site

The Water Supply Operator I is an entry-level position requiring immediate to general supervision ... Operates and monitors a variety of water supply and treatment equipment such as: * Pumping systems

AdvancedPCB

Be Seen First

Wastewater Treatment Operator | 3rd Shift

Orange, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Description AdvancedPCB is seeking a reliable, motivated Waste Treatment Operator has the ... Keep accurate records of daily incoming water consumption. * Maintain a safe, neat, and orderly ...

Samuel

Operator, Anodizing Waste Treatment 1

Fontana, CA · On-site

$22.25 - $23.48/hr

Work with water treatment operators in day-to-day operation. * Receive on the job training in the wastewater treatment process and laboratory sampling. * Maintain and operate plant equipment and ...

Veolia Environnement SA

Operator I

Rialto, CA · On-site

... operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution ... treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsWater Treatment Operator JobsWater Treatment Operator Trainee JobsWater Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

Water Treatment Operator Trainee information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$28

$51

How much do water treatment operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment operator trainee in Riverside, CA is $28.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $34.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water treatment operator trainee?

Water Treatment Operator Trainees are entry-level professionals who assist in the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities. They work under the supervision of experienced operators to learn how to monitor water quality, operate equipment, and ensure that water meets safety and regulatory standards. Their duties often include conducting tests, recording data, and performing basic maintenance tasks. Over time, trainees gain the skills and certifications needed to become fully qualified water treatment operators.

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

To thrive as a Water Treatment Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically at least a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, SCADA systems, and safety protocols is common, and obtaining state operator-in-training certification may be required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help trainees excel in monitoring and maintaining treatment systems. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient water treatment operations that protect public health.

What are some common challenges faced by water treatment operator trainees during the initial training period?

As a Water Treatment Operator Trainee, one of the main challenges is quickly learning to operate complex equipment and monitoring systems while adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards. Trainees often need to develop a strong attention to detail and the ability to respond calmly to unexpected issues, such as equipment malfunctions or changes in water quality. Additionally, adjusting to shift work and collaborating effectively with experienced operators and maintenance staff can require good communication skills and adaptability. Support and mentorship from senior team members are common, helping trainees build confidence and technical expertise over time.

What is the difference between Water Treatment Operator Trainee vs Water Treatment Operator?

AspectWater Treatment Operator TraineeWater Treatment Operator
CertificationsOften requires a high school diploma; some certifications may be preferred or required during trainingRequires relevant certifications such as state licensing or operator certification
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning on the jobFull-time, operational environment, responsible for daily water treatment tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning procedures, assisting with operations, gaining experienceMonitoring equipment, adjusting processes, ensuring water quality

In summary, a Water Treatment Operator Trainee is in the learning phase, gaining necessary skills and certifications, while a Water Treatment Operator is fully responsible for managing water treatment processes independently.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Treatment Operator Trainee job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,474 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Water Supply Operator I

Essel

Pomona, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Water Supply Operator I is an entry-level position requiring immediate to general 

supervision.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Operates and monitors a variety of water supply and treatment equipment such as:
    • Pumping systems
    • Chemical feed systems
    • Water storage facilities
    • Measuring and control systems
    • Interagency control valves and meters
    • Pressure Reducing/Sustaining Valves
  • Assists with the maintenance of plant equipment and facilities
  • Performs water level measurements on groundwater wells
  • Loads and unloads chemicals
  • Performs basic laboratory analytical techniques on water samples
  • Collects samples for analytical purposes
  • Performs calculations related to dosing, flow rates, pressure and other weights and measures associated with water supply and treatment operations
  • Complies with all safety standards and practices as they pertain to equipment, facility operations and chemical handling
  • Available for emergency response, 24 hours/day, seven days/week
  • Must reside within 25 miles of the nearest water system boundary where assigned in order to respond to emergencies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • The above job description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills or competencies associated with this job. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Familiar with computer applications such as Windows, word processing, spreadsheets 

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

  • SWRCB Water Distribution Operator 1 certification - required if applicant does not hold a valid T1 certification.   
  • SWRCB Water Treatment Plant Operator 1 certification preferred at time of hire, or must obtain within 18 months of employment or position start date. 
  • Good communication (both written and verbal) and organizational skills 
  • Valid California driver license 
  • May include working in all weather conditions, during all hours of the day.  
  • Physical demands include but are 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. 

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

  • One year as a Water Distribution Operator or two years experience in the water utility 

industry OR a combination of water utility experience and education that demonstrates a moderate level of knowledge and understanding of water distribution, supply and treatment operations OR an Associate degree in Water Technology, Distribution, or Treatment, or a similar math and science-based curriculum from an accredited educational institution or program    

  • Basic math skills 
  • Knowledge of basic plumbing skills 
  • Understanding of safe, efficient and effective work practices and procedures.  


Essel logo

About Essel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services and temporary help services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

View All Essel Jobs

Apply