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

Salary : $65,255.00 - $99,716.00 Annually
Location : Redlands, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 02135
Department: Municipal Utilities Engineering
Division: Water
Opening Date: 07/14/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Make a difference where it matters most. We're seeking a dependable Water Treatment Operator to join our team and ensure the highest standards of water quality through safe and efficient plant operations.
Under direction to perform a variety of skilled technical duties in the operation and maintenance of the City's water treatment plants, water production equipment, and reservoirs.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
These are the journey levels in the class series. Positions at these levels perform the full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at these levels receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from lower levels by meeting the minimum requirements, successful performance, budget availability, and management recommendation. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience which allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the position level.
Examples of Duties
Examples of duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Controls water treatment plant facilities including potable and non-potable systems in accordance with all established regulations, standards, and procedures;
• Operates water treatment plant equipment to maintain adequate water flow and proper plant functions including monitoring, sampling, and testing to prevent substandard water from entering system;
• Monitors chemical levels in water; calculates chemical dosages and calibrates chemical feeder rates to ensure proper dosage;
• Collects samples for chemical analysis to determine the chemical composition of water, to control quality, and to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations;
• Operates computerized and/or manual pumps, motors, and other equipment to adjust for volume, change treatment process, or make other necessary changes;
• Monitors gauges, meters, and charts to ensure proper plant operations; maintains logs/records of plant operations, meter/gauge readings, test results, and other data;
• Performs general cleaning/maintenance tasks necessary to keep plant facilities, equipment, and tools in operable condition which may include inspecting and calibrating equipment, performing minor repairs, cleaning work areas and reports faulty equipment to management;
• May assist with the providing direction to and training of new personnel; and
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications
EXPERIENCE:
Water Treatment Operator II:

• Two years of water utility experience performing maintenance and routine operation duties in a water treatment plant.

Water Treatment Operator III:

• Three years of water utility experience performing maintenance and routine operation duties in a water treatment plant.

Water Treatment Operator IV:

• Four years of water utility experience performing maintenance and routine operation duties in a water treatment plant.

Water Treatment Operator V:

• Five years of water utility experience performing maintenance and routine operation duties in a water treatment plant.

EDUCATION:
Water Treatment Operator II/III/IV/V:

• Equivalent to a high school diploma. Additional college-level course work in water treatment and distribution systems, chemistry, biology, or a related field is desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Water Treatment Operator II:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment.
• Possession of a Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, along with documentation verifying successful completion/passage of the Grade T3 Water Treatment Operator examination administered by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of a Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate, along with documentation verifying successful completion/passage of the Grade D3 Water Treatment Operator examination administered by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Water Treatment Operator III:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment.
• Possession of a Grade T3 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of a Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.

Water Treatment Operator IV:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment.
• Possession of a Grade T4 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of a Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.

Water Treatment Operator V:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment.
• Possession of a Grade T5 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of a Grade D4 Water Distribution Operator Certificate.

Special Requirements:
Essential functions and duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:

• Regularly sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, and lift up to 50 lbs.;
• Regularly required to use hands and arms to operate and reach;
• Regularly exposed to heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards, toxic substances, foul odors, wastewater, sludge, effluents, bacteria, viruses, and traffic hazards;
• Regularly travel to different sites and locations;
• Must be able to communicate with other and to exchange information accurately;
• Must be available for standby/on call duty.

Supplemental Information
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application material that they meet the minimum qualifications of the position. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the positions may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, and experience for the position.
The employment application must be completed and submitted online. Applicants must list current and past work experience. Do not indicate "See Resume".
Proof of education, such as but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees, must be submitted online with your application. Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply.
The following documents are required for this position:1. If applicable, California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 Certificate or higher.
2. If applicable, California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Operator Grade T2 Certificate or higher.
3. If applicable, documentation verifying successful completion/passage of the Grade T3 and D3 Water Treatment Operator examination administered by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. This evaluation must be submitted by the application deadline.
Failure to provide all required documents will result in elimination from the selection process.
Please note, the City of Redlands' preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference/background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which may include a drug/alcohol screening depending upon job classification). The City of Redlands utilizes E-Verify, and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Sophia Diaz at or Julie Maher at
Benefits associated with this position include:

• Medical Insurance - City pays between $800 and $2,100 /mo for employees and eligible dependents, depending upon level of coverage;
• Dental Insurance - City pays monthly premium for employees and eligible dependents; 2 plans
• Vision Reimbursement - up to $300 per year
• State Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance - $25,000
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment - $25,000
• The City participates in Social Security
• Vacation Leave - 80 hours accrued in first year
• Sick Leave - 96 hours annually
• 14 Paid Holidays per year
• 2 Floating Holidays per year
• 20 hours of Additional Floating Holidays per calendar year
• Credit Union
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program - $2000 per fiscal year
• Certification Pay - 3% for select positions
• Shift Differential Pay - 5% (subject to the terms of the Teamsters MOU)
• Unform Allowance for select positions
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - 2% @ 55 for employees who are considered a "classic" member of Cal PERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired on or after January 1, 2013.
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - 2% @ 62 for an employee who becomes a "new" member of Cal PERS for the first time on or after January 1, 2013 and who was not a member of another California public retirement system prior to that date; employee contributes half of the contribution rate.

01
Do you currently possess, or have the ability to obtain upon appointment, a valid California driver's license?

• Yes, currently possess
• No, but have the ability to obtain upon appointment
• No

02
Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you possess a Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board or higher?

• Yes, I possess a T2
• Yes, I possess higher than a T2
• No, I do not possess a T2 or higher

04
Do you possess a Grade D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate or higher?

• Yes, I possess a D2
• Yes, I possess higher than a D2
• No, I do not possess a D2 or higher

05
Have you successfully passed the Grade T3 and D3 Water Treatment Operator examination administered by the California State Water Resources Control Board?

• Yes, I have documentation verifying passage
• No, I do not have documentation verifying passage

06
How many years of experience do you have performing maintenance and routine operation duties in a water treatment plant or water distribution system?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 or more years

07
Do you have the ability to be On-Call/Standby and respond to the City's water facilities within 30 minutes?

• Yes
• No

Required Question