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Drinking Water Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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 ...

Be Seen First

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. 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 ...

... 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 ...

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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 Jul 23, 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Drinking Water Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. 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.
Director, Field Operations

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

California Water Service

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.