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Drinking Water Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Grand Rapids

Water System Manager

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$127K - $162K/yr

Nature of Work The purpose of this job is to oversee the various divisions responsible for long-range planning, drinking water treatment, operations, and capital and operating budgets for the potable ...

Culligan

Drinking Water Route Driver

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$20/hr

... drinking water systems, and whole-house filtration systems. Compensation: $20.00 per hour About ... This location is independently owned and operated. Your application will go directly to the owner ...

City of Dunedin, FL

Lead Water Plant Operator

Dunedin, FL · On-site

$26.74 - $32.09/hr

Operates reverse osmosis plant processes to produce drinking water for the residents of Dunedin ... Requires a State of Florida "A" level Drinking Water Plant Operator license PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ...

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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.

Water Treatment Plant Operator

City of Blair, Nebraska

Blair, NE • On-site

$28.57 - $34.97/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Water Treatment Plant Operator

City of Blair, Nebraska

If you enjoy hands-on work, have an interest in technical systems, and like solving problems in a dynamic environment, the City of Blair may have an excellent career opportunity for you.

The City of Blair is seeking motivated and dependable individuals to join our Water Treatment Plant team. This position plays a critical role in producing safe, high-quality drinking water for our residents and local businesses. Blair operates a unique and modern water treatment facility with a current capacity of 27 million gallons per day. Serving a community of approximately 8,000 residents and a growing bio-campus east of town, this is an exciting time to join our utility operations team.

Position Overview

Water Treatment Plant Operators are responsible for the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the City's water treatment systems. This includes water testing and treatment processes, equipment operation, and routine maintenance activities. Operators also use a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and control plant operations through a computer-based interface.

This position works a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, including day and night shifts.

Training and Licensing

New operators will work closely with the Water Treatment Plant Supervisor and experienced staff during an initial training period, with continued on-the-job training as they transition to their assigned shift.

A Grade 4 Water Operator License issued by the State of Nebraska is required for this position. Applicants who do not currently hold a Grade 4 license may be considered, provided they are able to obtain the license within six months of hire or as otherwise negotiated with the City.

Why Work for the City of Blair?

  • Opportunity to work in a modern and expanding water treatment facility

  • Hands-on technical work combined with advanced control systems

  • Stable municipal employment with competitive benefits

  • Multiple operator positions available

  • HIRING BONUS: $500 after obtaining a Grade 4 License and another $500 after 1 year of employment

The City of Blair will accept applications for multiple Water Treatment Plant Operator positions until all positions are filled.

The City of Blair is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.