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Drinking Water Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weston & Sampson

$25 - $32/hr

Weston & Sampson Services is seeking a licensed, experienced Drinking Water Operator to perform supervisory, operations and maintenance tasks for Massachusetts Public Water Systems. This position ...

Weston & Sampson

$25 - $32/hr

Weston & Sampson Services is seeking a licensed, experienced Drinking Water Operator to perform supervisory, operations and maintenance tasks for Massachusetts Public Water Systems. This position ...

Provo

Drinking Water Plant Operator (Appr. - III)

Provo, UT · On-site

$24.74 - $42.51/hr

Drinking Water Plant Operator (Appr. - III) Job Posting Closing Date: 09/09 Provo City is seeking a full-time Drinking Water Plant Operator (Apprentice - level III) to provide skilled maintenance ...

City of Benicia

Water Operator II/III

Benicia, CA · On-site

$82K - $110K/yr

... drinking water to our community. As a Water Operator II/III, you'll work in a regulated industrial environment, operating a surface water treatment plant and potable water distribution system. Our ...

City of Benicia, CA

Water Operator II/III

Benicia, CA · On-site

$82K - $110K/yr

... drinking water to our community. As a Water Operator II/III, you'll work in a regulated industrial environment, operating a surface water treatment plant and potable water distribution system. Our ...

Weston & Sampson

Water Operator

Raymond, NH

$25 - $35/hr

Massachusetts Drinking Water Treatment Operator license - Grade 2 or higher * Massachusetts Drinking Water Distribution Operator license - Grade 2 or higher * Valid Commonwealth of Massachusetts ...

Weston & Sampson

Water Operator

Raymond, NH · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Massachusetts Drinking Water Treatment Operator license - Grade 2 or higher * Massachusetts Drinking Water Distribution Operator license - Grade 2 or higher * Valid Commonwealth of Massachusetts ...

Weston & Sampson

Water Operator

Raymond, NH · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Massachusetts Drinking Water Treatment Operator license - Grade 2 or higher * Massachusetts Drinking Water Distribution Operator license - Grade 2 or higher * Valid Commonwealth of Massachusetts ...

Longtown Rural Water & Sewer District #1

Be Seen First

Water Operator

Eufaula, OK · On-site

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

Water Operator Location: Longtown Rural Water and Sewer District 1 Position Type: Full-Time ... drinking water. This position offers hands-on field experience, paid on-the-job training, and a ...

City of Dunedin

Water Plant Operator/Trainee

Dunedin, FL · On-site

$38K - $53K/yr

Requires FL Water Operator "B" license & a minimum of 3 years of verifiable work experience in drinking water treatment Water Plant Operator A - starting salary $24.31 - $29.17 per hour (DOQ)

City of Katy

Water Operator

Katy, TX · On-site

$21.77 - $27.22/hr

As a Water Operator, you will help ensure the continuous delivery of safe drinking water to our community by monitoring wells and treatment systems, repairing infrastructure, conducting inspections ...

City of Katy

Water Operator

Katy, TX · On-site

As a Water Operator, you will help ensure the continuous delivery of safe drinking water to our community by monitoring wells and treatment systems, repairing infrastructure, conducting inspections ...

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Drinking Water Operator information

See salary details

$10

$31

$94

How much do drinking water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for drinking water operator in the United States is $31.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drinking water operator?

A Drinking Water Operator is a trained professional responsible for operating and maintaining systems that treat and deliver safe drinking water to the public. Their duties include monitoring water quality, managing treatment processes, conducting tests to ensure compliance with regulations, and maintaining equipment. They play a critical role in protecting public health by ensuring that water meets safety standards set by regulatory agencies. Drinking Water Operators may work for municipalities, private companies, or water utilities, and often require certification or licensing depending on local requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drinking water operator?

To thrive as a Drinking Water Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, chemistry, and regulatory requirements, often supported by a high school diploma and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and water quality monitoring tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills for ensuring compliance and responding to operational issues. These skills are critical to maintaining safe, reliable drinking water supplies and meeting public health standards.

What are some common challenges faced by drinking water operators, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Drinking Water Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining compliance with strict water quality regulations, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and responding to unexpected system issues like line breaks or contamination events. Addressing these requires a strong understanding of water treatment processes, attention to detail, and quick problem-solving skills. Regular training, effective communication with team members, and proactive maintenance routines are critical for overcoming these challenges and ensuring safe, reliable water delivery to the community.

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

AspectDrinking Water OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsState-specific water operator licensesSimilar water treatment certifications
Work EnvironmentMunicipal water systems, treatment facilitiesWater treatment plants, municipal or industrial
Job FocusEnsuring safe drinking water qualityOperating and maintaining water treatment equipment

Both roles involve operating water treatment systems and require similar certifications. The Drinking Water Operator primarily focuses on ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water, often working in municipal water systems. The Water Treatment Plant Operator may work in broader water treatment facilities, including industrial settings. While their duties overlap, the Drinking Water Operator emphasizes compliance with drinking water standards, making it a specialized role within the water treatment industry.

Are drinking water operators in high demand?

Drinking water operators are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for safe and clean water supply systems. Employment opportunities are often available in municipal, industrial, and environmental sectors, especially for those with proper certifications and technical skills.

How much do drinking water operators make?

In Michigan, drinking water operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the size of the water system. Entry-level operators may start at lower wages, while experienced operators with advanced certifications can earn higher salaries and additional benefits.

Is being a drinking water operator worth it?

A drinking water operator manages the treatment and distribution of potable water, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. The job often requires certification, involves working in various environments, and offers stable employment with opportunities for advancement.

What cities are hiring for Drinking Water Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Drinking Water Operator job openings:

What states have the most Drinking Water Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drinking Water Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Drinking Water Operator jobs?

For Drinking Water Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Drinking Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drinking Water Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,061 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Drinking Water Operator

On-site

Weston & Sampson
Civil Engineering Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Weston & Sampsonexternal

$25 - $32/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate and maintain municipal and/or private drinking water treatment and distribution systems

  • Perform preventive maintenance and repair of treatment equipment

  • Conduct water quality sampling and testing

Job description

 

Weston & Sampson Services is seeking a licensed, experienced Drinking Water Operator to perform supervisory, operations and maintenance tasks for Massachusetts Public Water Systems. This position will require travel in the area of the South Shore.

 

What you'll do:

  • Operate and maintain municipal and/or private drinking water treatment & distribution systems
  • Preventive maintenance and repair of treatment equipment
  • Water quality sampling and testing

What you will bring:

  • 5-10 years of experience in drinking water treatment
  • Massachusetts Drinking Water Treatment Operator license - Grade 2 or higher
  • Massachusetts Drinking Water Distribution Operator license - Grade 2 or higher
  • Valid Commonwealth of Massachusetts motor vehicle license
  • Cross Connection Testing &/or Surveyor license preferred
  • Basic mechanical and electrical repair experience preferred
  • Good verbal communication skills, basic math skills, computer, and the ability to read technical instructions
  • Understanding of Massachusetts drinking water regulations and treatment processes.

Salary:

$25/hr - $32/hr Dependent on years of experience and licensing. Company vehicle provided.

Incentives:

Pay increases may be offered with newly acquired licenses (Wastewater, Water, or other job-related license) as approved by the supervisor during the interview process.

Requirements:

Full-time position may require various shifts and/or flexible hours. You will be expected to participate to be on-call, occasional overtime, holidays, weekends and nights.

#LI-ONSITE

Overview

Weston & Sampson is an 100% employee-owned, full-service environmental and infrastructure consulting firm made up of more than 800 professionals, who work together to develop innovative, cost-effective solutions for our clients. Since our founding in 1899, Weston & Sampson's mission has been to protect, improve, and sustain the natural and built environment to enhance the quality of life. As we grow, we are seeking dedicated technical and professional individuals who want to collaborate on meaningful projects with a team that respects and values their ideas. Weston & Sampson offers a flexible work environment, competitive compensation, industry-leading benefits, and exciting career growth opportunities-all in a supportive and dynamic corporate culture that embraces diverse perspectives and recognizes people for their contributions.

Weston & Sampson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace the rich perspectives and experiences that arise from people of different races, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientation, gender identities, ages, socio-economic statuses, abilities, and religions, as well as other untapped groups, within our Weston & Sampson family and the communities we serve. Weston & Sampson is committed to the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging and equitable representation across our organization and to empower our employees to incorporate IDEA values into the work they perform.

Your world is always changing, and so are we. Join us as we grow: https://www.westonandsampson.com/join-our-team/

A Note to Third-Party Recruiters:

Weston & Sampson coordinates all recruiting and hiring at our company.  We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, staffing agencies or related firms.  Resumes are only accepted if a signed agreement is in place.  All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Weston & Sampson.  Weston & Sampson is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

#water #operator #lead #operations

Employment Type: OTHER

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