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

Salary : $108,868.20 - $150,075.66 Annually
Location : 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Represented
Job Number: 2026-38
Department: Operations
Division: Treatment Plants
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 9/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Join our team as a Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator!
Santa Margarita Water District is seeking an experienced and technically skilled Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator to help lead the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the District's wastewater treatment facilities. This lead-level role combines hands-on plant operations with day-to-day guidance of staff, ensuring treatment processes remain balanced, compliant, and responsive to changing operating conditions.
For an experienced operator who enjoys troubleshooting complex treatment processes, supporting team development, and taking an active role in protecting public health and the environment, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a critical utility operation.
About the Role
Under general supervision, the Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator plans, assigns, and reviews the work of plant operations staff while personally performing the more difficult and complex duties required to operate wastewater treatment facilities. This position serves as the lead level in the Plant Operator series and provides technical assistance, training, and operational support to staff.
The Senior Operator monitors plant performance, reviews operational data, responds to unusual conditions, and adjusts equipment and treatment processes to maintain efficient operations and high-quality effluent. The position also helps ensure that proper safety procedures, operating practices, and regulatory requirements are consistently followed.
Meet Santa Margarita Water District
Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region's largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters.
Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD's goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies.
Santa Margarita Water District's values include:

• Exemplary service excellence
• Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive
• Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency
• Environmental and resource stewardship
• Employee development and leadership training
• Building relationships that strengthen communities

Essential Functions
What You Will Do

• Plan, assign, and review the work of staff operating wastewater treatment equipment and facilities
• Train employees in operating procedures, safe work practices, and proper use of equipment
• Inspect plant equipment and monitor meters, gauges, charts, instruments, and control systems
• Review operational reports, daily logs, test results, maintenance records, and unusual operating conditions
• Operate pumps, valves, chemical feed systems, and related equipment to regulate treatment processes
• Make process-control adjustments to support plant efficiency and effluent quality
• Collect wastewater and process samples and perform routine control testing
• Identify unsafe, inefficient, or abnormal operating conditions and take appropriate corrective action
• Report permit violations and significant operational concerns to the appropriate supervisor
• Assist with estimating staffing, equipment, and material needs for plant projects and activities
• Maintain accurate operational records and prepare reports as required
• Conduct plant tours and communicate District operations and objectives to visitors and community groups

What You Bring

• Thorough knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, equipment, maintenance practices, and plant operations
• Ability to independently operate and adjust wastewater treatment equipment and automated control systems
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies and unusual operating conditions
• Experience providing technical guidance, training, and lead direction to other operators
• Knowledge of process-control testing, hazardous chemical handling, and wastewater safety requirements
• Ability to read piping diagrams, distribution schematics, gauges, meters, and operational reports
• Strong communication, recordkeeping, and mathematical skills
• Commitment to teamwork, safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable plant performance

Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines
Education & Experience
High school diploma or GED and three years of wastewater treatment plant operations experience at a level equivalent to the District's Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator classification, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A valid California Class C driver's license and a California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate are required.
Other Necessary Requirements/Additional Information
To view the full job description click here: Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Job Description
Santa Margarita Water District offers a comprehensive benefit package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM: As a public agency, the Santa Margarita Water District has enrolled in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for retirement benefits. The retirement formula and required employee contribution may vary based on employment status.
HEALTH INSURANCE: The District contracts with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from PPO or HMO plans. Medical premiums for plans in an amount up to or equal to the highest HMO are paid for by the District for all full-time employees. The District shares the cost of medical insurance for dependents with the employee. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
DENTAL INSURANCE: The District provides dental insurance for all full-time regular employees. Optional dependent dental coverage is available at the District's rates. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
VISION INSURANCE: The District provides each full-time employee and their eligible dependents with vision insurance through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
LIFE INSURANCE AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT: The District provides term-life insurance for all full-time employees through VOYA with Employee benefits equaling 2 1/2 times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $200,000. Adjustments are made based on the employee's salary. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): The District provides all employees and their dependents with an EAP that provides confidential, professional assistance with a variety of services such as legal/financial concerns, ID recovery, mental health, and more.
GENERAL LEAVE ACCRUAL: General leave is a multi-purpose leave providing for vacations, personal affairs, and non-job related illness/injuries.

• First year through five-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 11.67 hours per calendar month (140 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 304 hours.
• Sixth through ten-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 16 hours per calendar month (192 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours.
• Eleventh through fifteen-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 19.33 hours per calendar month (232 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours.
• Sixteenth year and beyond of continuous employment: 22.67 hours per calendar month (272 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 380 hours.

While accrual begins from the date of hire, for the most part, general leave may not be taken until completion of the employee's six-month probationary period.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Regular full and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the District's deferred compensation program. The District shall match an employee's contribution into the deferred compensation plan up to a maximum of $2,400 per employee per year, or $100 per pay-period. The contributions occur each pay period except the third pay period in those months with three pay dates.
HOLIDAYS: The District provides 11½ holidays (92 hours) per year for full-time employees.
FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT: Through the District's Flexible Spending Account (FSA), employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible "out-of-pocket" (unreimbursed) medical expenses, child or dependent care.
LIFESTYLE SPENDING ACCOUNT: A benefit in which your employer sets money aside for you to use on eligible expenses related to physical, financial and emotional
well-being.
EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT: All full-time employees are eligible for reimbursement for educational training or certification training taken from any college, university, or accredited institution, up to the IRS annual limit with Department Head approval.
The aforementioned information is only a summary of the District's benefits. Detailed information may be found in the Personnel Rules and Regulations and/or the Memorandum of Understanding between the SMWDEA and the Santa Margarita Water District.
01
Do you currently possess a California Wastewater Plant Operator Grade III Certificate?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess a High school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have at least three years of wastewater treatment plant operations experience at a level equivalent to the District's Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator classification, or an equivalent combination of education and experience?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you possess a valid California Class C driver's license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question