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Drinking Water Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

... drinking water systems, whole-house filtration systems and bottled water delivery options set the standard in the water treatment industry. This location is independently owned and operated. Your ...

Route Driver

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... drinking water systems, whole-house filtration systems and bottled water delivery options set the standard in the water treatment industry. This location is independently owned and operated. Your ...

Route Driver

Chandler, IN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

... drinking water systems, whole-house filtration systems and bottled water delivery options set the standard in the water treatment industry. This location is independently owned and operated. Your ...

Technician I / Furnace Operator

Clarksville, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

... clean drinking water to green tires and from toothpaste to biofuels and beer. Ideal candidates ... Communicates process information and issues with other production operators, maintenance ...

Technician I / Furnace Operator

Clarksville, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

... clean drinking water to green tires and from toothpaste to biofuels and beer. Ideal candidates ... Communicates process information and issues with other production operators, maintenance ...

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Drinking Water Operator information

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.

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 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, and why are they important?

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.
Infographic showing various Drinking Water Operator job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Water Operator I-Part Time

Water Operator I-Part Time

City of Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago


City Of Fort Wayne rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

166th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Water Operator I

Schedule: Up to 29 Hours Per Week Flexible Schedule Based on Operational Needs

Do you enjoy solving problems in the field, working outdoors, and keeping essential services running for your community? We're looking for someone who is mechanically inclined, dependable, and ready to take ownership of critical water system operations.

What You'll Do

As a Water Operator I, you'll help maintain and operate Fort Wayne's water distribution system, ensuring residents and businesses receive safe, reliable water service. This hands-on role combines troubleshooting, field investigations, equipment operation, and customer service while working directly within the City's water infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

  • Investigate water quality concerns, low-pressure issues, leaks, hydrant problems, and service interruptions throughout the distribution system
  • Operate specialized equipment including valve-turning and vac-all machines while performing flushing, valve operations, and system maintenance
  • Inspect, test, repair, and maintain hydrants, valves, service connections, curb boxes, and other water system assets
  • Coordinate water main shutdowns, assist with infrastructure mapping updates, and communicate planned service interruptions to customers
  • Maintain accurate records, follow safety procedures, work in confined spaces, and support training and operational activities as needed

What You Bring | Education & Experience

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum of two years of related maintenance, utility, construction, public works, mechanical, or field operations experience
  • Ability to work independently and solve problems in the field
  • Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety

Preferred Certifications

  • Confined Space Certification
  • Valid Indiana Driver's License

Technical Skills & Knowledge

  • Ability to read and interpret utility maps, blueprints, and system diagrams
  • Experience with water distribution systems, valves, hydrants, and underground utilities preferred
  • Ability to use Apple-based iPads and electronic recordkeeping systems
  • Knowledge of troubleshooting mechanical and operational issues in the field
  • Understanding of water system maintenance and utility operations preferred

Why Work for the City of Fort Wayne?

Every day, you'll help protect one of the community's most essential resources-clean, reliable drinking water. This position offers meaningful work, hands-on field experience, and the opportunity to develop specialized utility operations skills while serving the residents of Fort Wayne.

The City of Fort Wayne offers a collaborative team environment, valuable public service experience, and participation in the Indiana PERF retirement pension plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer


What City Of Fort Wayne employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

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