State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water-Operator Certification Programs Water Distribution Operator Grade IV Certification is required * Will need to obtain State Water Resources Control ...
State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water-Operator Certification Programs Water Distribution Operator Grade IV Certification is required * Will need to obtain State Water Resources Control ...
Water / Wastewater Operator
Quincy, WA · On-site
$22/hr
Wastewater or Drinking Water operator certification * Prior experience in water/wastewater or a ... related utility environment * Knowledge of pumps, valves, motors, hand tools, and power tools ...
Water / Wastewater Operator
Quincy, WA · On-site
$22/hr
Wastewater or Drinking Water operator certification * Prior experience in water/wastewater or a ... related utility environment * Knowledge of pumps, valves, motors, hand tools, and power tools ...
Water Plant Operator II/III
Oceanside, CA · On-site
$52K - $70K/yr
Water Plant Operator II: $6,505 - $8,715 Water Plant Operator III: $7,150 - $9,584 About Oceanside ... Ensure drinking water is in compliance with State and Federal guidelines and regulations. Collect a ...
Water Plant Operator II/III
Oceanside, CA · On-site
$52K - $70K/yr
Water Plant Operator II: $6,505 - $8,715 Water Plant Operator III: $7,150 - $9,584 About Oceanside ... Ensure drinking water is in compliance with State and Federal guidelines and regulations. Collect a ...
Water Plant Operator II/III
Oceanside, CA · On-site
$6.5K - $8.7K/mo
Water Plant Operator II: $6,505 - $8,715 Water Plant Operator III: $7,150 - $9,584 About Oceanside ... Ensure drinking water is in compliance with State and Federal guidelines and regulations. * Collect ...
Water Plant Operator II/III
Oceanside, CA · On-site
$6.5K - $8.7K/mo
Water Plant Operator II: $6,505 - $8,715 Water Plant Operator III: $7,150 - $9,584 About Oceanside ... Ensure drinking water is in compliance with State and Federal guidelines and regulations. * Collect ...
DEP Certified Drinking Water System Operator
$100K - $120K/yr
We are seeking a currently certified PA DEP Certified Drinking Water System Operator. Alternately, we would be willing to hire a qualified applicant at a lower rate that is NOT certified on the ...
Quick apply
DEP Certified Drinking Water System Operator
$100K - $120K/yr
We are seeking a currently certified PA DEP Certified Drinking Water System Operator. Alternately, we would be willing to hire a qualified applicant at a lower rate that is NOT certified on the ...
DEP Certified Drinking Water System Operator
Pottstown, PA · On-site
$100K - $120K/yr
Paid time off We are seeking a currently certified PA DEP Certified Drinking Water System Operator. Alternately, we would be willing to hire a qualified applicant at a lower rate that is ...
Quick apply
DEP Certified Drinking Water System Operator
Pottstown, PA · On-site
$100K - $120K/yr
Paid time off We are seeking a currently certified PA DEP Certified Drinking Water System Operator. Alternately, we would be willing to hire a qualified applicant at a lower rate that is ...
Be Seen First
Water Operator Trainee - Entry Level
Roanoke, VA · On-site
$38K - $45K/yr
The Bedford Regional Water Authority is seeking a Water Operator trainee to join our team. The ... safe drinking water and, in many cases, wastewater and stormwater services within a defined ...
Quick apply
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Water Operator Trainee - Entry Level
Roanoke, VA · On-site
$38K - $45K/yr
The Bedford Regional Water Authority is seeking a Water Operator trainee to join our team. The ... safe drinking water and, in many cases, wastewater and stormwater services within a defined ...
Water Plant Operator I-IV
Castle Rock, CO · On-site
$27.06 - $37.81/hr
Castle Rock Water provides drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage systems for the Town ... Water Plant Operator III: An Associate's Degree; supplemented by three (3) years previous ...
Water Plant Operator I-IV
Castle Rock, CO · On-site
$27.06 - $37.81/hr
Castle Rock Water provides drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage systems for the Town ... Water Plant Operator III: An Associate's Degree; supplemented by three (3) years previous ...
Be Seen First
Water Operator Trainee - Entry Level
Bedford, VA · On-site
$38K - $45K/yr
The Bedford Regional Water Authority is seeking a Water Operator trainee to join our team. The ... safe drinking water and, in many cases, wastewater and stormwater services within a defined ...
Quick apply
Be Seen First
Water Operator Trainee - Entry Level
Bedford, VA · On-site
$38K - $45K/yr
The Bedford Regional Water Authority is seeking a Water Operator trainee to join our team. The ... safe drinking water and, in many cases, wastewater and stormwater services within a defined ...
Drinking Water & Wastewater Market Sector Leader
Portland, OR · On-site
$23 - $31.75/hr
From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly ...
Drinking Water & Wastewater Market Sector Leader
Portland, OR · On-site
$23 - $31.75/hr
From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly ...
Drinking Water & Wastewater Market Sector Leader
Portland, OR · On-site
$23 - $31.75/hr
From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly ...
Drinking Water & Wastewater Market Sector Leader
Portland, OR · On-site
$23 - $31.75/hr
From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly ...
Water Plant Operator I-IV
$56K - $78K/yr
Castle Rock Water provides drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage systems for the Town ... Water Plant Operator III: An Associate's Degree; supplemented by three (3) years previous ...
Water Plant Operator I-IV
$56K - $78K/yr
Castle Rock Water provides drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage systems for the Town ... Water Plant Operator III: An Associate's Degree; supplemented by three (3) years previous ...
Water Operator III/IV
$32.45 - $44.42/hr
The Water Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, maintaining, and repairing the District's reverse osmosis drinking water treatment facility (Northern Water Treatment Plant (NWTP) in ...
Water Operator III/IV
$32.45 - $44.42/hr
The Water Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, maintaining, and repairing the District's reverse osmosis drinking water treatment facility (Northern Water Treatment Plant (NWTP) in ...
Utilities Plant Operator I / II - Water
Athens, TX · On-site
$18.71 - $24.02/hr
... drinking water production, math and mechanical skills. Education and Experience Utilities Plant Operator I * Must have a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED). * Two (2) or more ...
Utilities Plant Operator I / II - Water
Athens, TX · On-site
$18.71 - $24.02/hr
... drinking water production, math and mechanical skills. Education and Experience Utilities Plant Operator I * Must have a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED). * Two (2) or more ...
... drinking water. The position operates in a 24/7/365 rotating shift environment and plays a critical ... As a Water Operator II / III, you will be responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining ...
... drinking water. The position operates in a 24/7/365 rotating shift environment and plays a critical ... As a Water Operator II / III, you will be responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining ...
Relief Water Operator
Huntington, WV · On-site
$37.24/hr
... and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with ... Communicate with supervisors, operators and maintenance personnel on issues including, but not ...
Relief Water Operator
Huntington, WV · On-site
$37.24/hr
... and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with ... Communicate with supervisors, operators and maintenance personnel on issues including, but not ...
Water Operator I, II, or III
Lexington, TX · On-site
... drinking water. The position operates in a 24/7/365 rotating shift environment and plays a critical ... As a Water Operator II / III, you will be responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining ...
Water Operator I, II, or III
Lexington, TX · On-site
... drinking water. The position operates in a 24/7/365 rotating shift environment and plays a critical ... As a Water Operator II / III, you will be responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining ...
Water Operator I, II, or III
Lexington, TX · On-site
... drinking water. The position operates in a 24/7/365 rotating shift environment and plays a critical ... As a Water Operator II / III, you will be responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining ...
Water Operator I, II, or III
Lexington, TX · On-site
... drinking water. The position operates in a 24/7/365 rotating shift environment and plays a critical ... As a Water Operator II / III, you will be responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining ...
... drinking water. The position operates in a 24/7/365 rotating shift environment and plays a critical ... As a Water Operator II / III, you will be responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining ...
Quick apply
... drinking water. The position operates in a 24/7/365 rotating shift environment and plays a critical ... As a Water Operator II / III, you will be responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining ...
Traveling Drinking Water Treatment Specialist
$75K - $95K/yr
... drinking water, municipal and industrial wastewater, groundwater remediation, and solid waste ... Woodard & Curran draws on the experience of hundreds of certified operators across the country ...
Quick apply
Traveling Drinking Water Treatment Specialist
$75K - $95K/yr
... drinking water, municipal and industrial wastewater, groundwater remediation, and solid waste ... Woodard & Curran draws on the experience of hundreds of certified operators across the country ...
Drinking Water Operator information
See salary details
$16.17 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$10.34 - $18.03
33% of jobs
The median wage is $22.13 / hr.
$18.03 - $25.72
32% of jobs
$29.57 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$25.72 - $33.41
20% of jobs
$33.41 - $41.11
4% of jobs
$41.11 - $48.80
4% of jobs
$48.80 - $56.49
2% of jobs
$56.49 - $64.18
0% of jobs
$64.18 - $71.88
0% of jobs
$71.88 - $79.57
0% of jobs
$79.57 - $87.26
0% of jobs
$87.26 - $94.95
4% of jobs
$10
$31
$94
How much do drinking water operator jobs pay per hour?
What is the difference between Drinking Water Operator vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?
| Aspect | Drinking Water Operator | Water Treatment Plant Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | State-specific water operator licenses | Similar water treatment certifications |
| Work Environment | Municipal water systems, treatment facilities | Water treatment plants, municipal or industrial |
| Job Focus | Ensuring safe drinking water quality | Operating 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?
What is a Drinking Water Operator?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drinking Water Operator, and why are they important?

Full-time
Posted 12 days ago
Job description
Job Description:
California Water Service Group invites you to build a meaningful career with the thirdlargest publicly traded water utility. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values-integrity, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship-and reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace, a Great Place to Work, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purposedriven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.The Director of Field Operations manages district field operations throughout Southern California; which includes providing input to district operations to help reduce costs, review, and manage the master construction contracts, improve customer service and ensuring efficient and effective use of resources; analyzes, audits, and evaluates operational practices and procedures; recommends improvements to existing methods to increase efficiency, mitigate risk, and manage costs; and provides guidance on water distribution and production issues. The location of this position will be in Southern California within 30 minutes of a district office.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Analyzes, audits, and evaluates operational practices and procedures; recommends improvements to existing methods which increase efficiency, mitigate risk, and reduce cost
Evaluates industry trends and new technology; implements programs and projects within the districts which support operational objectives
Collaborates with IT and Engineering to analyze and assess workflow systems and tracking mechanisms; develops and implements new key performance indicators (KPI's) as needed
Oversees and manages a Region of Local and District Managers, including prioritizing and assigning work, conducting performance reviews, overseeing the development of staff, approving timecards, expense reports, and requisitions (within the limits of authority)
Manages, administers, and negotiates all master construction contracts
Ensures compliance with all safety and security programs within the districts; collaborates with the Safety Department to ensure all employees receive appropriate training and equipment
Assesses, develops, and recommends water certification programs and courses which address skill or certification gaps and promote employee development; oversees the in house water technology training and certification program
Develops and mentors all operations personnel by collaborating with Human Resources and other departments; supports various training programs including the Management Trainee and Exchange programs
Ensures Local and District Managers are building, developing and maintaining relationships with City, County, and water agencies
Participates in and supports the Company's Continuous Improvement program and projects
Performs work on-site in assigned office location
Performs other similar duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field is preferred, but will consider all equivalent and relevant experience
Five years of increasingly responsible experience in a District Manager, General Manager, Local Manager or Operations Manager role or equivalent experience
Ten years of progressively challenging experience working in a utility operations role or equivalent
State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water-Operator Certification Programs Water Distribution Operator Grade IV Certification is required
Will need to obtain State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water-Operator Certification Programs Water Distribution Operator Grade V in 12 months
State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water-Operator Certification Programs Water Treatment Operator Grade II Certification required
State Water Resources Control Board-Drinking Water-Operator Certification Programs Water Treatment Operator Grade III Certification desired
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications
Must be available to respond and support a large variety of emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Valid California Driver License
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of supervisory principles, practices, and techniques
Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office applications to create presentations, spreadsheets, and Word documents
Knowledge and ability to implement all safety and security processes and programs within the District
Knowledge of company master contracts and ability to review and administer
Knowledge of the water industry including water systems production and distribution
Knowledge of capital and expense budgeting
Knowledge of Company policies, procedures, and business practices
Ability to establish and maintain accurate records
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with agencies, contractors, consultants, customers, employees, and vendors
Ability to work effectively with all levels of employees and management
Ability to interpret and apply business and governmental laws and regulations
Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and motivate employees
Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
Demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer service
Detail-oriented and experienced in analyzing and improving processes
Good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Flexible and able to prioritize work
Salary Range:
Bakersfield, Westlake $158,100 - $293,500 (DOE)
Torrance & East Los Angeles $166,400 - $309,00 (DOE)
Deadline to submit resume is Friday, July 24, 2026.
The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Serviceand Washington Water Servicedo not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.
About California Water Service Group
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
San Jose, CA, US
Year founded
1926