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

The Water Treatment Plant Operator I helps ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local drinking water regulations while supporting the reliable operation of the City's treatment facilities and ...

We are looking for a full-time Water Treatment System Operator , who will work directly on treatment plants designed to treat contaminated groundwater and vapor. This role will be based at our client ...

Water Treatment Process Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $180K/yr

Conduct site visits and investigations; analyze water quality, facility design, and operating data to assess treatment performance; and provide recommendations for treatment and process improvements.

Ardurra is seeking a Water Treatment Lead to join our team ideally in Irvine, CA., but could be ... Our collaborative work environment and inclusive operating philosophy allow us to maintain a ...

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Water Treatment Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$28

$51

How much do water treatment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment operator 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.

How much do water treatment operators make in the US?

Water treatment operators in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and certifications such as the Wastewater Treatment Certification or Water Treatment Certification, with some operators earning over $70,000 annually in higher-paying regions or with advanced skills.

Where do water treatment operators make the most money?

Water treatment operators tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for water infrastructure, such as urban areas or states with extensive water treatment needs. Factors like experience, certifications, and the complexity of the treatment systems also influence earning potential.

What are some common daily responsibilities for a Water Treatment Operator, and how do these tasks contribute to plant operations?

Water Treatment Operators are typically responsible for monitoring and adjusting equipment, conducting water quality tests, recording data, and responding to alarms or malfunctions. Daily tasks may include inspecting pumps and filters, adding chemicals, and ensuring regulatory compliance. These responsibilities are vital for maintaining safe, reliable water supply and for preventing environmental contamination, making operators integral to both public health and operational efficiency.

What is a Water Treatment Operator?

Water treatment operators treat and transfer water and wastewater. They operate treatment plant machine systems with control boards, collect water and sewage samples, test and study water for quality, and transport water to designated locations. They also add chemicals to wastewater to disinfect it and turn it into drinking water. Water and wastewater treatment operators must hold a special certification or license and adhere to state regulations and safety procedures.

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

AspectWater Treatment OperatorWater Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires state-specific water treatment certificationsOften requires similar water treatment or plant operation licenses
Work EnvironmentWorks at water treatment facilities, handling water purification processesOperates and maintains water treatment or distribution systems
Industry UsageCommonly used in municipal water treatment plantsUsed in municipal, industrial, and commercial water facilities

Water Treatment Operators and Water Plant Operators often perform similar roles in water facilities, focusing on water purification and system maintenance. While their titles may differ, both require comparable certifications and work environments. The main distinction lies in terminology used by employers, but their responsibilities and industry usage overlap significantly.

Is a water treatment operator a hard job?

A water treatment operator's job involves monitoring and maintaining water treatment systems, which requires technical skills, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols. The work can be physically demanding and may involve shift work, but proper training and certifications can help manage the job's challenges.

What does a water treatment operator do?

A water treatment operator is responsible for monitoring and operating equipment to treat and purify water, ensuring it meets safety and quality standards. They perform tests, adjust chemical levels, maintain equipment, and follow safety protocols, often working in shifts and requiring relevant certifications. Their work helps provide clean, safe drinking water and protect public health.

What are Water Treatment Operators?

Water Treatment Operators are professionals responsible for managing and maintaining systems that treat water to make it safe for drinking, industrial use, or environmental release. They monitor and operate equipment, conduct tests to ensure water quality, and adjust processes to comply with safety standards and regulations. Their work is essential for public health, as they help ensure communities have access to clean and safe water.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Treatment Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Treatment Operator, you need knowledge of water treatment processes, chemistry, and safety regulations, generally supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant certifications like a state water operator license. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient operation of water treatment facilities and compliance with environmental standards, directly impacting public health.
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 jobs in Riverside, CA? For Water Treatment Operator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Water Treatment Operator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Water Treatment Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Treatment Operator job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,474 per year, or $28.6 per hour.
Water Treatment Operator II/III/IV/V

Water Treatment Operator II/III/IV/V

City of Redlands

Redlands, CA

$65K - $99K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

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 sdiaz@cityofredlands.org or Julie Maher at jmaher@cityofredlands.org