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Drinking Water Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... drinking water and responsibly return wastewater to our rivers and streams. Join our team and make ...

... and standard operating procedures (SOPs). This position can be a physical job that may require ... Analyze drinking water and complex environmental sample extracts for organic semi-volatile ...

Typical focus areas will include drinking water, process water, and wastewater projects. In ... S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms.

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Drinking Water Operator information

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.
Infographic showing various Drinking Water Operator job openings in Indiana as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Facility Operator

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we're delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you're looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.


Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.


We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.


Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

Job Description

At Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc., we know that water is a precious resource - one that plays a critical role in sustaining life. That's why we take seriously our mission: protecting and providing Earth's most essential resource. At Aqua, we are guided by a set of principles that embody the character of our company and inspire our work together. They are embedded within our business practices and our behavior. We are proud to be united by integrity, respect and the pursuit of excellence to be the best we can be for the customers and communities we serve.

Together, the women and men of Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc. serve 1 million customers across eight states. Aqua uses science, technology, capital investments, and amazing talent to provide communities with clean, safe drinking water and responsibly return wastewater to our rivers and streams. Join our team and make a difference!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Operates treatment processes and equipment in water/wastewater treatment facilities.

  • Operates and maintains the wastewater collection system.

  • Performs daily plant duties including site housekeeping, measuring chemical usage, performing maintenance on wastewater treatment equipment and collecting water samples.

  • Responds to customer questions and complaints.

  • Supports other departments, including customer service, as needed.

  • Performs "On-Call' duties at the utility in response to problems related to the treatment plant and collection system.

  • After training period employee may be assigned weekend work duties as part of regular work week.

  • Perform other duties or special projects as quested related to the area of responsibility.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills; communicate effectively (clearly, concisely and professionally) with internal staff and external customers

  • Strong customer service skills.

  • Be able to readily read, understand and accurately follow operating instructions both written and verbal.

  • Familiarity with computers/tablets and work systems such as Microsoft office suite Ability to read, understand and accurately follow operating instructions both written and verbal.

  • Ability to work well under pressure Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Career Progression Schedule

  • FO Trainee - Required to successfully pass either a Water or Wastewater general examination and at least one of the required subclasses within 24 months of employment.

  • FO I - Minimum certification requirement of Class I Wastewater or Above or DSS or WT1.

  • FO II -Minimum certification requirement of Class II Wastewater or Above and DSS or WT1.

  • FO III- Minimum certification requirement of Class III Wastewater or Above and DSS or WT2.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School diploma or equivalent.

  • A valid U.S driver's license

  • Must be able to lift and move equipment in excess of 50 lbs. and the ability to work in confined spaces

  • Must reside within 45-60 minutes of Ft. Wayne, IN.

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:

  • Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
  • Family members cannot work in the same department.