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Desalination Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... and desalination units Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Ability to plan, assign, and direct the activities of technical and supervisory personnel engaged in a variety of plant maintenance ...

... desalination units Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities * Ability to plan, assign, and direct the activities of technical and supervisory personnel engaged in a variety of plant maintenance ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

... SWRO) desalination industry is a plus, but not required. This role is responsible for Instrumentation & Controls Engineering, Power Distribution/Electrical Engineering, and plant PLC/SCADA ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

... SWRO) desalination industry is a plus, but not required. This role is responsible for Instrumentation & Controls Engineering, Power Distribution/Electrical Engineering, and plant PLC/SCADA ...

... reuse, desalination, minimal and zero liquid discharge, and critical minerals recovery. Our work ... and plant equipment layout. * Collaborate with engineering teams during project execution ...

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Desalination Plant information

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How much do desalination plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a desalination plant operator?

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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Desalination Plant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Temporary. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

IWS - PLC Instrument Controls Electrical Technician - Mobile Services

Aquatech International LLC

Pasadena, TX

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

At Aquatech, we tackle the challenges of water scarcity and complexity by leveraging technology, expertise, and financing to deliver comprehensive solutions that reduce carbon and recycled water footprint. As a leading global provider of water and process technology solutions, we help the world's most recognized companies achieve their sustainability and operational goals by implementing innovative approaches for water reuse, desalination, minimal and zero liquid discharge, and critical minerals recovery. Our work catalyzes the transition toward a more sustainable future and showcases our commitment to addressing water's role in climate adaptation. Learn more at www.aquatech.com.

We are looking for an Instrument and Controls Technician for our service center in Pasadena, TX. This facility caters to our mobile assets and water treatment chemicals business. This is a full-time position (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm).  The Technician will perform the duties described in the job description below and will be considered a Non-Exempt employee.

The ideal candidate will have excellent problem-solving skills, be creative, have good communication skills, be team-oriented, customer service-oriented, and have excellent math skills.  This candidate will also have previous relevant experience working in a similar position. Water treatment and chemical facility experience required, preferably in Ion Exchange, Membrane processes, and Filtration.

Job Description:

  • Troubleshooting of electrical equipment such as motors, variable frequency drives, motorized valves, etc.
  • Continuity, Megger, or ground fault testing
  • Maintenance of Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI for machine-mounted controls
  • Calibration of instruments, analyzers, and valve positioners
  • Advice on spare parts maintenance and inventory
  • Prepare calibration and maintenance reports
  • Coordinate with subcontractors for any work needing an outside contractor
  • Housekeeping duties as needed
  • Be the electrical maintenance lead and schedule preventative maintenance on all electrical and electronic components in the facility and the rental assets.

Skill Requirements:  

  • Ability to troubleshoot and debug Programmable Logic Controllers and HMI
  • Ability to handle modern instrumentation and control equipment such as transmitters, automatic valves, analyzers, sensors, and VFD
  • Ability to monitor the performance of rotating equipment
  • Ability to communicate effectively with customers and maintain a positive attitude and good organizational skills
  • Ability to plan and manage multiple tasks or projects
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
  • Attention to detail and being a team player
  • Ideal candidates will have operating and troubleshooting experience at an industrial water treatment plant with one or more of the following technologies: Pre- treatment (P.T), Demineralization (DM), Reverse Osmosis (RO), Ultra-filtration, EDI, Thermal Desalination, and Zero-Liquid Discharge.
  • Hazwopper safety training or certification will be a plus.
  • Forklift certification will be a plus
  • Other duties as assigned 

Benefits:

Aquatech offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, company-paid holidays, and a 401 (k) plan. All benefits are based on eligibility.

Essential Functions:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above and below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Job Demands:

Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, limited walking, and standing.

  • Three (3) or more years of relevant experience. 
  • Technical School Degree (Preferred)