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Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve ... Successful track record leading water design and plant facilities projects * Demonstrated ability ...

Water Resources Senior Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$106K - $138K/yr

The Water Resources Senior Project Engineer will lead the planning, analysis, and design of major ... treatment plant projects. * Experience working with municipal, state, and/or federal agencies.

Water Resources Senior Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$106K - $138K/yr

The Water Resources Senior Project Engineer will lead the planning, analysis, and design of major ... treatment plant projects. * Experience working with municipal, state, and/or federal agencies.

... treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services ... Assists in other areas of plant as needed. May assist with orienting or training new or less ...

... treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services ... Assists in other areas of plant as needed. May assist with orienting or training new or less ...

... treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services ... Assists in other areas of plant as needed. May assist with orienting or training new or less ...

Water Treatment Design Lead

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Waste Water Operator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$28.09 - $34.95/hr

Ensure proper treatment with chemicals to maintain acceptable water quality. * Order of chemicals for waste water treatment. Tracks inventory levels, FIFO materials. * Inspect outfalls to maintain ...

Showing results 21-40

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$31.8K

$55.3K

$89.2K

How much do water treatment plant operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for water treatment plant operator trainee in Riverside, CA is $55,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $62,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water treatment plant operator trainee?

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainees are entry-level employees who learn how to operate and maintain the systems that treat and purify drinking water or wastewater. They work under the supervision of experienced operators to monitor equipment, collect water samples, record data, and assist with routine maintenance tasks. Through on-the-job training and sometimes formal coursework, they gain the skills and knowledge needed to ensure water quality and comply with safety and environmental regulations. After gaining experience and passing required exams, trainees may become certified operators and take on greater responsibilities.

What can I expect during my first year as a water treatment plant operator trainee?

During your first year as a Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, you will primarily focus on learning plant operations, understanding water purification processes, and mastering safety protocols. You'll spend time shadowing experienced operators, monitoring equipment, collecting water samples, and performing basic laboratory tests under supervision. The role often involves shift work, including nights and weekends, and requires close collaboration with maintenance staff and management to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. As you gain proficiency, you'll be given more responsibility and may begin preparing for certification exams, which are essential for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water treatment plant operator trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of water chemistry, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and the ability to obtain state operator certification are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well both independently and in teams are valuable soft skills. These competencies are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of water treatment processes that protect public health.

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

AspectWater Treatment Plant Operator TraineeWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma; some certifications may be preferredRequires state-specific licensing or certifications after training
Work EnvironmentSupervised training environment at water treatment facilitiesFull responsibility for operating and maintaining water treatment systems
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with equipment operation, learning procedures, and gaining experienceMonitoring water quality, adjusting treatment processes, and troubleshooting

The main difference is that the Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, gaining experience under supervision, while the Water Treatment Plant Operator has full responsibilities and required certifications to independently operate water treatment systems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,254 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Water Treatment Facility Design Engineer

GFT.

Irvine, CA

$90K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

GFTis seeking a Water Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team!This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our many offices. 

Joining the water resources team at GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission. With a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and compliance, we consider each water resources and environmental remediation project a chance to innovate and evolve to protect public health and enhance quality of life. Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.  

What you'll be challenged to do:

In this role you will lead and support design, optimize, and manage systems that treat and transport drinking water to ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.

 

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

  • System Design:Designing water treatment plants and pumping stations, including detailed CAD drawings and equipment selection. Design new treatment systems or upgrade existing systems, including pre-treatment, various filtration processes including granular media and membranes, chemical storage and feed, UV and other advanced treatment technologies, and pumping equipment
  • Process Optimization:Analyzing and enhancing treatment techniques (e.g., pH adjustment, chemical dosing, aeration) to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  • System Hydraulics: Performing hydraulic analysis of existing and new water treatment plants, pump stations, and piping systems, making pump selections, and evaluating performance of existing pumps.
  • Testing and Monitoring:Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve efficiency.
  • Compliance and Safety:Ensure that treated water meets municipal or industrial regulatory standards, protecting public health and the environment.
  • Project Management:Conducting feasibility studies, upgrading existing infrastructure, and managing projects from design to completion. Develop cost projections, feasibility studies, and supervise construction or commissioning of new technology. 
  • Data Analysis:Monitoring operator reports and lab results to refine treatment techniques.
  • Technical: Function as a technical specialist in the areas of conventional and advanced water treatment 

What you will bring to our firm: 

  • BS in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering (MS is preferred)
  • Professional Engineer Licensed required (PE) or the ability to obtain in 6-12 months
  • 8 + years of experience preferred in water discipline, particularly as a water engineer designing (study, plans and specifications) water infrastructure (i.e. treatment and pumping station projects)
  • Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Demonstrated experience and knowledge in primary treatment, filtration processes, chemical storage and feed, advanced water treatment, disinfection, hydraulics, and solids processing and handling preferred.
  • Successful track record leading water design and plant facilities projects
  • Demonstrated ability in both conventional filtration as well as membrane filtration is preferred. In addition, experience in hydraulics, chemical feed systems, alternate disinfection would be preferred.
  • Progressive experience in the evaluation, design, permitting and construction administration of water treatment facilities, pumping stations, and water storage and distribution facilities
 Compensation:The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $200,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Featured Benefits:  Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment. Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan. Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual. Tuition reimbursement for continued education. Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. 

Location: Irvine, San Diego, Roseville, or Los Angeles, CA or Denver ColoradoCore Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME