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Drinking Water Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inframark

Water Operator

Winder, GA · On-site

Water Operator This position is responsible for the general operations of a municipal drinking water treatment plant. In addition to process control responsibilities, you may be asked to do basic ...

Town of Granby

Water Operator

Granby, CO · On-site

... drinking water, and coordinates water quality sampling and analysis. Ability to learn, if not ... Experience as heavy equipment operator helpful, not required. Electrical, plumbing, and welding ...

Town of Granby

Water Operator

Granby, CO · On-site

... drinking water, and coordinates water quality sampling and analysis. Ability to learn, if not ... Experience as heavy equipment operator helpful, not required. Electrical, plumbing, and welding ...

Town of Granby

Water Operator

Granby, CO · On-site

... on drinking water, and coordinates water quality sampling and analysis. • Ability to learn, if ... operator helpful, not required. • Electrical, plumbing, and welding experience helpful, not ...

Pae

Water/Wastewater Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$36.71/hr

... Operator to support a government contract based in Kings Bay, Georgia. POSITION SUMMARY WATER ... May operate potable water- purification plant to supply drinking water. * May purify wastewater ...

Amentum

Water/Wastewater Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$36.71/hr

... Operator to support a government contract based in Kings Bay, Georgia. POSITION SUMMARY WATER ... May operate potable water- purification plant to supply drinking water. * May purify wastewater ...

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Drinking Water Operator information

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$10

$31

$94

How much do drinking water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 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.
More about Drinking Water Operator jobs
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:
Drinking Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drinking Water Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,061 per year, or $31.3 per hour.
Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator

Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator

US Water Services Corporation

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

U.S. Water Services Corporation is a well-established and diverse water and wastewater utility organization specializing in utility maintenance, operations, engineering and construction services. U.S. Water is a fast paced and rapidly expanding company headquartered in New Port Richey, Florida with a staff of over 950 plus employees in twenty states.

Job Summary:

The Chief Water Operator is responsible for professionally representing the company in applying the services to their assigned facility.

Required Qualifications:

  • Class A Drinking Water licensed issued through FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection)
  • Must have lime softening experience
  • Must have valid driver's license
  • 2 plus years of experience
  • Previous chief operator or lead operator experience
  • Preferred with a 2.9 MGD Forced Draft Aeration-Hydrogen Sulfide Removal, Monochloramine/Free Ammonia Treatment Plant Facility, and a distribution system with approximately 33,000 connections.

The ideal candidate will perform the following functions:

  • Manage the day-to-day 24 hour operations activities for their assigned facility
  • Assist with Environmental Compliance
  • Manage operator trainings and daily scheduling
  • Maintain annual safety audits and inspections
  • Ensure that staff adheres to company policies and procedures

Compensation and Benefits: Pay is commensurate with experience and market-reflective. US Water/USW Utility Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short/long-term disability, paid time off, holiday pay and 401(k) with company match.

US Water/USW Utility Group offers competitive wages and benefits and is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro