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Dewatering Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Dewatering Operator information

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$12

$24

$35

How much do dewatering operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for dewatering operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dewatering operator?

Dewatering Operators are professionals responsible for managing the removal of water from construction sites, mining areas, or wastewater treatment facilities. They operate and maintain equipment such as pumps, centrifuges, and filtration systems to reduce water accumulation and ensure safe, stable working conditions. Dewatering Operators monitor water levels, inspect equipment, and follow environmental and safety regulations to prevent flooding and contamination. Their work is crucial in projects where excess water can delay progress or pose hazards.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a dewatering operator on a construction site?

A Dewatering Operator is primarily responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining pumps and related equipment to remove water from work sites, trenches, or excavations. Daily tasks often include inspecting pump systems, monitoring water levels, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and troubleshooting equipment issues. Operators also collaborate closely with site supervisors and other construction teams to ensure that dewatering does not interfere with ongoing work and maintains site safety. Attention to detail and strong communication skills are essential, as timely water removal can significantly impact project timelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dewatering operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dewatering Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, basic water treatment processes, and experience with pumps and filtration equipment, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial dewatering machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like OSHA are typically necessary. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators respond quickly to equipment issues and coordinate with team members. These skills are essential for maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring environmental compliance, and preventing costly downtime in industrial or construction settings.

What is the difference between Dewatering Operator vs Pump Operator?

AspectDewatering OperatorPump Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, possibly CDLOSHA safety training, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, water treatment plants, mining sitesIndustrial plants, water treatment, construction sites
Job ResponsibilitiesOperate dewatering equipment to remove water from sites or materialsOperate various pumps to transfer liquids, maintain equipment

Both Dewatering Operators and Pump Operators work in water-related environments and require safety certifications. Dewatering Operators focus on removing water from construction or mining sites, while Pump Operators handle a broader range of pumping tasks across industries. Their roles often overlap, but Dewatering Operators specialize in dewatering systems specifically.

Does dewatering operator pay well?

Dewatering operators typically earn wages that are competitive within the industrial and environmental services sectors, with salaries often ranging from $15 to $25 per hour depending on experience, location, and certifications. The role may require operating specialized equipment and working in outdoor or construction environments, which can influence pay rates.

Where do wastewater dewatering operators make the most money?

Wastewater dewatering operators tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a strong industrial or municipal infrastructure, such as areas with large water treatment facilities or heavy environmental regulations. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the complexity of the equipment operated, with those working in urban or industrial centers generally earning more than those in rural areas.
More about Dewatering Operator jobs

What states have the most Dewatering Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dewatering Operator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Dewatering Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Industrial Dewatering Operator II - Night Shift

Waste Management

Fort Morgan, CO • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 655 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 92 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Job Summary
The Industrial Services Operator II is primarily responsible for operating, directing, maintaining and managing shift operations of Thermal Desorption Technology, Centrifuge Technology, Tank Cleaning Equipment, and/or chemical treatment including Health Safety and Environmental, Production and leading and training operators. This position will also require maintaining process equipment and technical support for multiple locations. This person will be required to safely operate Thermal Desorption Technology, Centrifuge Technology and/or chemical treatment. 

Night Shift: Sunday - Friday Morning 5:00 P.M. - 5:00 A.M.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Ensures Health and Safety is the number one goal by following policies, processes, and acting in a safe manner at all times.
  • Assists job site construction, providing coordination and leadership support as required.
  • Operates, maintains, and verifies that equipment is in working order by performing routine inspections and performing basic preventative maintenance tasks with hand tools.
  • Directs and trains site operators.
  • Technically supports operations in multiple locations.
  • Records and maintains daily operations and preventive maintenance logs.
  • Trains customers on the operation and maintenance of the centrifuge skids
  • Troubleshoots operations and maintenance via phone
  • Maintains a complete and accurate inventory of all tools and equipment
  • Prepares a weekly report to requisition stock to replenish the inventory
  • Issues all tools to employees and maintain detailed records of equipment issued and returned
  • Locates lost or misplaced tools and equipment and assign accountability at the direction of the Project Manager
  • Inspects all tools and equipment for defects and excessive wear. Reports necessary items to Project Manager or Central Support
  • Repairs, services, and lubricates all tools and equipment
  • Ensures that all tools and equipment is stored in their proper places and that they are locked up nightly
  • Delivers PPE and consumables to employees and help to control inventory


Qualifications 
A. Required Qualifications 

  • High School Diploma or GED (accredited)
  • 1 year of experience with industrial waste process operations (in addition to education requirement)
  • Forklift Certification and
  • Basic Plus Safety Training - Must pass within 3 attempts and
  • OSHA Hazardous Material training a plus and
  • Pre-assignment and/or pre-hire customer-specific drug and/or alcohol testing may be required by certain customer-contract requirements. Such testing may include urinalysis, oral swab, drug hair follicle testing and/or alcohol testing. and
  • Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) and


Physical Requirements


Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Walking
  • Climbing
  • Balancing
  • Talking
  • Standing
  • Lifting
  • Carrying
  • Pushing
  • Pulling
  • Reaching
  • Handling
  • Grasping
  • Feeling
  • Hearing
  • Repetitive Motions
  • Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination


Field: This job operates in both inside gas plant conditions as well as in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity.
 

Pay: The expected base pay range for this on-site position is $25.00 - $28.00. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific salary offered to a successful candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, certifications, 
qualifications, and work location. 
Benefits 
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site. 

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

What is the value of a WM job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career. We Are WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities. 

We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

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About WM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Environmental consulting services and water, sewage, waste, steam, air heating and cooling systems

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US