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

Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate. * Experience preparing advanced engineering exhibits and GIS mapping. * Strong understanding of applicable federal, state, and local engineering codes ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Fontana, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate. * Experience preparing advanced engineering exhibits and GIS mapping. * Strong understanding of applicable federal, state, and local engineering codes ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Fontana, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate. * Experience preparing advanced engineering exhibits and GIS mapping. * Strong understanding of applicable federal, state, and local engineering codes ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Fontana, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Grade T2 Water Treatment Operator Certificate. * Experience preparing advanced engineering exhibits and GIS mapping. * Strong understanding of applicable federal, state, and local engineering codes ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Water Treatment Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$28

$51

How much do water treatment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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.

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 does a water treatment operator do?

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 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 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.

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, and they often work in shifts to ensure continuous operation of treatment facilities.

Is being a water treatment operator hard?

Water treatment operators are responsible for maintaining and operating water treatment systems, which requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols. The job can be physically demanding and often involves shift work, but proper training and certifications can help manage the complexity of the tasks involved.

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 management, such as urban areas or states with strict environmental regulations. Factors like experience, certifications, and the complexity of the treatment systems also influence earning potential.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,474 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Principal Water Treatment Design Engineer/Manager

Arcadis

Irvine, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Arcadis rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 451 rated engineering


Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play.

With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together. Role description: Arcadis is currently searching for a Principal Water Treatment Design Engineer/Manager to join our Resilience Water Business in Southern California. The Design Manager will utilize their expertise and technical knowledge of Water / Wastewater evaluations, design & construction to serve as a Project Manager and Client Manager on local projects.

This is a 'hands-on' role with an expectation of leading projects, managing staff, and participating in business development activities Role accountabilities: As a Principal Water Treatment Design Engineer/Manager, you will leverage your technical expertise and leadership skills to successfully deliver municipal water and wastewater projects while supporting client growth and team development. This role is responsible for managing projects from planning through construction, overseeing multidisciplinary teams, and fostering strong client relationships across the region. Qualifications & Experience: Lead the planning, design, and construction of municipal water/wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, stormwater systems, and water distribution/collection systems.

Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, cost estimates, and overall project delivery to ensure successful execution on time and within budget. Support business development efforts, cultivate client relationships, and represent Arcadis through participation in industry associations, conferences, presentations, and leadership activities. Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, supervise technical staff, mentor junior engineers and designers, and contribute to the growth of team capabilities.

Prepare and oversee complete engineering and construction deliverables, perform complex engineering analyses, and maintain Arcadis standards and specifications for municipal water/wastewater projects. Required Minimum Qualifications: 12 years' of relevant experience. Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or a related field of study.

Licensed Professional Engineer in California. Skills and Abilities: The ideal candidate will have strong staff development and supervision skills, including the ability to mentor and support junior-level engineers and technical staff. They will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively convey complex technical information to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will also have proven client relationship and business development experience, including preparing proposals, managing client engagements, and delivering engineering projects that consistently meet or exceed client expectations. Preferred Qualifications: Preferred candidates will have 15 or more years of progressively responsible experience in the water and wastewater industry, along with a Master's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or an MBA. Experience with the design and construction administration of water and wastewater treatment facilities is highly desirable.

Candidates should have a proven ability to prepare, review, and approve engineering drawings, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates. Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is preferred, along with additional certifications such as a Water/Wastewater Operator License, Project Management Professional (PMP), or LEED/ENV SP credential. Active involvement in local, state, or national professional organizations and industry associations is also preferred.

Why Arcadis. We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters.

It's why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together. You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.

Together, we can create a lasting legacy. Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity employer.

We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement.

We offer nine paid holidays and 20 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $170,000 - $220,000/year. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.

#LI-CB2 #Resilience-NA #Water-NA


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About Arcadis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our work with clients has a direct impact on people's lives and on the planet. We make moving, living and belonging in cities safer, more resilient and more sustainable. By partnering with our clients as responsible custodians of our earth's resources, we can create a sustainable planet. We continue to think of new ways to make positive impacts and create better experiences for people; data driven and digital solutions have become part of the Arcadis DNA. Working together with clients and using techniques like design thinking, we can get to the heart of our clients' most pressing challenges and work together to solve them.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Highlands Ranch, CO, US