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Water Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

Onterris

Field Operations Manager

Corona, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Lead, mentor, and manage a team across multiple facilities of 20+ water treatment operators, maintenance technicians, and field personnel, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and ...

Xylem

Field Service Engineer - Wastewater

Riverside, CA

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem ... Background in water treatment, wastewater, or high purity systems * Strong mechanical and ...

Xylem

Field Service Engineer - Wastewater

Irvine, CA

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem ... Background in water treatment, wastewater, or high purity systems * Strong mechanical and ...

Ardurra

Wastewater Treatment Design Lead

Irvine, CA · On-site

Our collaborative work environment and inclusive operating philosophy allow us to maintain a ... This role will involve collaborating with local water professionals to develop and implement an ...

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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 Aug 17, 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 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 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 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 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 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 88% Full Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,474 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Field Service Engineer, Water Treatment ($10K Sign on Bonus)

Xylem

Riverside, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Xylem rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

294th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Xylem/Evoqua - Field Service Engineer - Water Treatment $10,000 sign on bonusWe're seeking a hands-on Field Process Engineer to own the startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting of advanced water and wastewater treatment systems. This is a bootsontheground role with heavy travel, close customer interaction, and direct responsibility for making sure every system hits its performance and quality targets.What You'll Do:
  • Lead commissioning and startup of high purity water and wastewater systems
  • Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process issues and drive solutions
  • Conduct site surveys, system testing, and performance validation
  • Work with PLC controls (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and process instrumentation
  • Work on various low-voltage and power systems including 24 VDC, 120 VAC, 220 VAC, 208/277 VAC, 480 VAC
  • Interpret and update P&IDs, schematics, and technical documentation
  • Provide on-site customer training and technical support
  • Support equipment maintenance, including pumps, valves, and piping systems
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards and procedures
What You'll Bring:
  • 5+ years of experience in field service, commissioning, or startup
  • Background in water treatment, wastewater, or high purity systems
  • Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills
  • Experience with PLCs and control systems
  • Ability to read P&IDs and engineering drawings
  • Strong communication and customer-facing skills
  • Ability to trave up to 85% (domestic and international)
  • Valid driver's license
  • Ability to work in industrial environments and lift up to 70 lbs
Preferred
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English
  • Project leadership experience
  • Familiarity with process chemistry and water treatment systems
Education:Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferredDegree commensurate wastewater commissioning and troubleshooting experience will be considered.The estimated salary range for this position is $90,000 to $120,000 and $10,000 sign on bonus.Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range.At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement.Xylem does not provide visa sponsorship for this position
#LI-JRT05

Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.

At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.

Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation

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