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

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 · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

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 ...

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All JobsWater Treatment Operator JobsWater Treatment Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA

Water Treatment Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$28

$51

How much do water treatment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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, certifications, and location, with some operators earning over $70,000 annually in certain 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 management, such as urban areas or states with strict environmental regulations. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in specialized or industrial facilities.

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 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 being a water treatment operator hard?

Water treatment operators are responsible for monitoring and maintaining water purification systems, which requires attention to detail, technical skills, and adherence to safety protocols. The job can involve shift work, troubleshooting equipment, and obtaining certifications, but it is generally considered manageable with proper training and experience.

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.
More about Water Treatment Operator jobs
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 job categories do people searching Water Treatment Operator jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for 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:
Water Treatment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Treatment Operator job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,474 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Boiler Operator

NONG SHIM FOODS INC.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

Nongshim Foods America is seeking a reliable and skilled Industrial Boiler/Utility Technician to join our plant operations team. This role is essential for maintaining and operating our industrial utility systems, including high-pressure boilers, air compressors, water treatment, and related equipment critical to our food production process.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot high-pressure steam boilers and related systems
  • Monitor boiler room equipment and ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety standards
  • Perform preventative maintenance on utility systems including air compressors, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and water treatment systems
  • Respond to equipment alarms or malfunctions and execute corrective action
  • Maintain accurate records of maintenance, inspections, and repairs
  • Assist with plant utilities management and participate in energy efficiency initiatives
  • Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding boiler and utility operations
  • Collaborate with maintenance, production, and safety teams to support continuous plant operation

Required Skills and Qualifications

  • Minimum 1–3 years of hands-on experience with high-pressure industrial boilers (firetube or water tube)
  • Valid California Certified Boiler Operator License or equivalent (Not Required, But a Plus)
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of steam systems, fuel systems (natural gas/oil), pumps, valves, pressure vessels, and boiler safety devices
  • Proficient in diagnosing boiler faults and performing routine and emergency repairs
  • Familiarity with burner management systems, flame safeguards, and boiler controls (mechanical and PLC-based)
  • Knowledge of water chemistry and treatment principles (e.g., hardness, pH, conductivity)
  • Ability to read and interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), manuals, and technical specifications
  • Comfortable working in a physically demanding industrial environment (heat, noise, confined spaces, heights)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Boiler Operator License (State of CA or equivalent)
  • Experience in a food manufacturing or industrial setting
  • Knowledge of water treatment systems or compressed air systems
  • Basic computer skills for maintenance logging


Pay Information

We offer a competitive pay range of $30–$42 per hour, with exact compensation determined by your experience, qualifications, and licensing.