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Desalination Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Acciona S.A

Program Manager

Wausau, WI · On-site

The Project Manager is accountable for the overall leadership, execution, and delivery of the Corpus Christi Desalination Plant from design and estimation through scheduling, procurement ...

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ACCIONA

Mechanical / Process Technical Lead

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

The Mechanical / Processes Technical Lead provides subject matter leadership for all mechanical and process systems associated with the Corpus Christi Desalination Plant. This role is responsible for ...

ACCIONA

Mechanical / Process Technical Lead

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

The Mechanical / Processes Technical Lead provides subject matter leadership for all mechanical and process systems associated with the Corpus Christi Desalination Plant. This role is responsible for ...

ACCIONA

Mechanical / Process Technical Lead

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

The Mechanical / Processes Technical Lead provides subject matter leadership for all mechanical and process systems associated with the Corpus Christi Desalination Plant. This role is responsible for ...

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Desalination Plant information

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How much do desalination plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for desalination plant in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Desalination Plant Operator, you typically need a background in mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering, along with relevant technical certifications or vocational training in water treatment operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, reverse osmosis technology, and water quality monitoring tools is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help operators respond swiftly to issues and coordinate with maintenance teams. These skills ensure water safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient plant performance in a critical utility environment.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

In a desalination plant, roles such as manual labor positions like water plant operators may decrease as automation and remote monitoring technologies advance. However, skilled positions involving maintenance, system management, and environmental compliance are expected to remain essential, with some tasks becoming more automated over time.

What is the highest salary for water treatment?

Salaries for water treatment professionals, including those working at desalination plants, can reach up to $80,000 to $100,000 or more annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles such as plant managers or engineers with specialized skills tend to earn the highest salaries in this field.

What are some common challenges faced by operators working in a desalination plant, and how are they addressed?

Operators in a desalination plant often encounter challenges such as membrane fouling, equipment corrosion, and maintaining optimal water quality standards. Addressing these issues typically involves routine monitoring, preventive maintenance, and the use of advanced filtration and chemical dosing systems. Team collaboration is essential, as operators regularly coordinate with engineers and maintenance staff to quickly troubleshoot and resolve technical problems, ensuring continuous and efficient plant operation.

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

AspectDesalination PlantWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires certifications in water treatment and plant operationRequires water treatment operator licenses or certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates in facilities that convert seawater to freshwater, often in coastal areasWorks in municipal or industrial water treatment facilities
Industry UsageCommon in regions with seawater sources and high water demandUsed broadly across municipal water supply systems

Desalination Plant operators focus on converting seawater into potable water using specialized processes, often in coastal locations. Water Treatment Plant Operators manage the purification of freshwater sources. While both roles require water treatment certifications and involve plant operation, desalination plant work is more specialized in seawater processing, whereas water treatment operators handle a wider range of water sources.

Is a water treatment operator a hard job?

A water treatment operator in a desalination plant performs tasks such as monitoring equipment, adjusting chemical levels, and ensuring water quality, which requires attention to detail and technical skills. The job can involve shift work, physical activity, and working in confined or outdoor environments, making it physically and mentally demanding at times.

Do desalination plants make money?

Desalination plant operators and companies can generate revenue by selling purified water to municipalities, industries, or private customers, making the operation potentially profitable. Profitability depends on factors such as plant size, technology efficiency, operational costs, and water demand. Skilled workers in this field often need technical knowledge of desalination processes and environmental regulations.

What is a desalination plant?

A desalination plant is a facility designed to remove salt and other impurities from seawater or brackish water, producing fresh water suitable for human consumption, agriculture, or industrial use. The most common methods used are reverse osmosis and thermal distillation. Desalination plants are especially important in regions with limited access to natural freshwater sources. While they provide a reliable water supply, they can be energy-intensive and require careful management of brine and other byproducts.
More about Desalination Plant jobs
What states have the most Desalination Plant jobs? States with the most job openings for Desalination Plant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Desalination Plant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Desalination Plant jobs are:
Desalination Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Desalination Plant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 4% As Needed, 2% Full Time, 8% Temporary, 28% Contract, and 57% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Temporary Desalination Maintenance Technician

Southeast New Mexico College

Carlsbad, NM • On-site

$40/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary: $40.00 Hourly
Location : Carlsbad
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 202300212
Department: OIL AND GAS PROGRAMS
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Examples of Duties
Required Qualifications:
  • Field experience with steam systems, desalination processes, or wastewater treatment systems
  • Proven experience handling industrial chemicals, including spill prevention and safe handling of hazardous materials such as oxidizers and corrosives
  • Hands-on experience with water analysis techniques, including in-field colorimetric testing and jar testing
  • Experience working with control panels, instrumentation, and process equipment in an industrial or pilot-scale environment
  • Demonstrated experience developing, following, and adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Preferred Qualifications: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience as approved by the Human Resources Department.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Grade: Temporary Salary: $40.00 per hour minimum; rate commensurate with experience.
Location: Loving, New Mexico
Anticipated Schedule: Monday through Friday mornings (e.g., 8:00-10:00 a.m.), averaging approximately 2 hours per weekday following completion of training.
Background:
Located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is a newly independent public community college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A proud Hispanic Serving Institution, it awards certificates and associate degrees that serve the needs of its region and prepare students to transfer to programs at other colleges or universities. SENMC offers Early College and Dual Credit programs in collaboration with local high schools.
Southeast New Mexico College enjoys the strong support of its community, and has been awarded several grants, which include $11.7 million from the U.S. Department of Energy and several multimillion-dollar grants from the U.S. Department of Education for student support.
The college's diverse employee pool includes 39 full-time faculty, 48 adjunct faculty, and 112 staff members. SENMC offers a generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, and college tuition reimbursement. More information on SENMC can be obtained from its website at .
Project Overview:
Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) has commenced joint operations with Sunvapor, Inc., a leading developer of low-carbon industrial process plants, to operate and maintain the country's first solar desalination facility - located at a commercial saltwater disposal well in Loving, New Mexico. To develop its workforce program in sustainable water reuse, SENMC supports operations and maintenance (O&M) tasks at the pilot facility. The solar-powered desalination plant leverages a patented hybrid desalination process to achieve industry-leading thermal efficiency and recovery rates for the prospective beneficial reuse of produced water in the
Permian Basin.
Purpose and Scope:
This position supports SENMC's sustainable water reuse program by performing routine operations and maintenance at the solar-powered produced water desalination pilot facility.
Under Sunvapor's direction, responsibilities include daily plant operations in accordance with SOPs, chemical handling, equipment checks, performance monitoring, responding to alarms, assisting with maintenance, and maintaining operational records to ensure safe, reliable facility performance and workforce training support.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Work under the direction of the System Owner (Sunvapor) and proactively communicate with SENMC Technical Point of Contact.
  • Independently and confidently perform on-site operations and maintenance (O&M) tasks at the produced water desalination pilot plant in Loving, New Mexico.
  • Follow established SOPs for daily operations and routine maintenance, including produced water handling, chemical dilution and dosing, piping inspections, and basic equipment maintenance.
  • Safely handle and manage chemicals used in produced water pre-treatment.
  • Provide hands-on assistance as needed in maintenance activities.
  • Receive and respond to system alarms/events as soon as they occur.
  • Execute or plan emergency and unscheduled maintenance activities as needed.
  • Document completed maintenance activities and report deviations from established plans or expected performance.
  • Conduct daily facility performance assessments and identify causes of performance deviations.
  • Track and report pre-treatment chemical consumption and other consumables.
  • Manage spare parts inventory.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Field experience with steam, desalination, or wastewater treatment systems.
  • Field experience with chemicals handling, including spill prevention and handling hazardous chemicals (e.g. oxidizers, corrosives).
  • Field experience with water analysis, such as in-field colorimetric methods and jar testing.
  • Field experience with control panels, instruments, and process equipment.
  • Hands-on abilities as a mechanic; detail-oriented.
  • Ability to lift at least 40 pounds and work at heights greater than 15 feet.
  • Desire to work outdoors at pilot site, including during summer.
  • Familiar with OSHA and ASME safety codes and practices.
  • Experience developing and following standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Familiarity with basic data entry, such as MS Excel and Google Drive/Sheets.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:
  • Work is performed primarily outdoors at an industrial pilot facility
  • Manual dexterity and fine motor skills
  • Exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, sun, and wind
  • Exposure to chemicals and industrial equipment, requiring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Requires standing, walking, climbing, bending, and lifting up to 40 pounds

Performing the essential functions of this position requires the use of a computer throughout most of the workday, the ability to navigate a typical office environment, significant amounts of interpersonal interaction including oral and written communication, and the ability to keep track of multiple tasks, projects, deadlines, information sources, and business processes. This job description is intended to be generic in nature and describe the essential functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities, and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.
Affirmative Action Statement:
SENMC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work an average of 30 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
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