ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drinking Water Treatment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weston & Sampson

$25 - $32/hr

Massachusetts Drinking Water Treatment Operator license - Grade 2 or higher * Massachusetts Drinking Water Distribution Operator license - Grade 2 or higher * Valid Commonwealth of Massachusetts ...

Weston & Sampson

$25 - $32/hr

Massachusetts Drinking Water Treatment Operator license - Grade 2 or higher * Massachusetts Drinking Water Distribution Operator license - Grade 2 or higher * Valid Commonwealth of Massachusetts ...

VVater

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

Operate and monitor water treatment systems, including drinking water and sewage treatment plants ... Implement and adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols to ensure a ...

VVater

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Austin, TX

Operate and monitor water treatment systems, including drinking water and sewage treatment plants ... Implement and adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols to ensure a ...

Olin Corporation

Water Treatment Operator

Independence, MO · On-site

$29.25 - $35.74/hr

Water Treatment Operator Location: Lake City Army Ammunition Plant - Independence, MO Schedule ... Drinking Water Certification and/or DS2 State licensing certification preferred. * Must have ...

SANTEE COOPER

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR

Moncks Corner, SC · On-site

$33.35 - $41.65/hr

Is required to earn and maintain a valid South Carolina Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator license due to regulatory requirements. Essential Job Tasks: * Treats and distributes safe, reliable ...

Veolia

Water Treatment Operator

Boise, ID

Must hold and maintain an Idaho Drinking Water Treatment license. * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a level II within one year of eligibility. Physical Requirements: * The Operator ...

Weston & Sampson

Water Operator

Raymond, NH · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Massachusetts Drinking Water Treatment Operator license - Grade 2 or higher * Massachusetts Drinking Water Distribution Operator license - Grade 2 or higher * Valid Commonwealth of Massachusetts ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDrinking Water Treatment Operator Jobs

Drinking Water Treatment Operator information

See salary details

$13

$27

$49

How much do drinking water treatment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for drinking water treatment operator in the United States is $27.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drinking Water Treatment Operator vs Water Quality Technician?

AspectDrinking Water Treatment OperatorWater Quality Technician
CertificationsOperator certifications, such as state-specific licensesWater testing and laboratory certifications
Work EnvironmentPlants, treatment facilities, field sitesLaboratories, field sampling locations
Employer & IndustryPublic water utilities, treatment plantsEnvironmental agencies, testing labs

While both roles focus on water quality, Drinking Water Treatment Operators primarily operate and maintain water treatment systems, ensuring safe drinking water. Water Quality Technicians often perform testing and analysis to monitor water quality. The roles are complementary but differ in daily tasks and certifications required.

What are some common challenges faced by drinking water treatment operators, and how can they be effectively managed?

Drinking Water Treatment Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining compliance with strict water quality regulations, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and responding to unexpected changes in source water quality. Effective management of these challenges involves staying up-to-date with regulatory standards, performing regular preventive maintenance on treatment systems, and engaging in continuous training. Collaboration with engineers, laboratory staff, and local authorities is also key to ensuring safe and reliable water delivery to the community.

What does a drinking water treatment operator do?

A Drinking Water Treatment Operator is responsible for managing and maintaining the systems and equipment used to treat and distribute safe drinking water to the public. They monitor water quality, operate treatment processes, conduct tests, and ensure that water meets regulatory standards. Operators also perform routine maintenance on equipment, troubleshoot issues, and keep detailed records to comply with health and safety guidelines. Their work is crucial in preventing waterborne illnesses and safeguarding community health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drinking water treatment operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drinking Water Treatment Operator, you need knowledge of water chemistry, treatment processes, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent along with state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and regulatory reporting software is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help operators respond effectively to operational issues and collaborate with team members. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant drinking water for the community.
More about Drinking Water Treatment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Drinking Water Treatment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Drinking Water Treatment Operator job openings:
What states have the most Drinking Water Treatment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Drinking Water Treatment Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drinking Water Treatment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drinking Water Treatment Operator jobs are:
Drinking Water Treatment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drinking Water Treatment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,008 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Drinking Water Treatment Operator

Woodard & Curran

Cohasset, MA • On-site

$27 - $37/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Woodard & Curran is an employee-owned engineering, science, and operations firm dedicated to clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. We foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports professional growth, flexibility, and meaningful work, empowering our employees to make a lasting impact on our clients, communities, and the planet.


Woodard & Curran draws on the experience of hundreds of certified operators across the country, backed by the knowledge and skills of hundreds more engineers, scientists, and regulatory experts, to quickly tackle the most challenging operational issues and keep treatment plants running efficiently and in full compliance.  Woodard & Curran also aids employees in earning, upgrading, and keeping their certifications within the industry.
 
Woodard & Curran is seeking a full-time, year-round individual to join our Water Treatment staff at our facility in Cohasset, Massachusetts, with the potential to eventually cross over into Water Distribution work as well. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to jump start their career in the water treatment field!  Woodard & Curran will support you in starting your career path by providing on-the-job training and mentoring while you study for your water treatment exam and work towards obtaining your license. We provide bonuses for each level of license that you achieve!
 
Woodard & Curran is dedicated to our employee’s growth and we want to help you on your career path. 
 
Our Operators are responsible for the full-time operation and the general maintenance of the facility’s Water Treatment process & equipment, as well as returning treated water back to the environment. The position involves a variety of both physical and technical tasks such as testing and processing samples in our lab, inputting data into our plant databases, servicing the plant’s equipment, snow removal, housekeeping, and grounds keeping.  Each day can present a different challenge and learning opportunity.  We take pride in caring for our facility, both inside and out!  If you enjoy working both indoors and outdoors protecting nature’s most precious resource, water, then this position is for you.
 
This position comes with a $2,500.00 sign on bonus!
What You Will Be Doing at Woodard & Curran
  • Monitor water treatment plant processes and equipment both manually and via SCADA automation, making adjustments as necessary to control their operation.
  • Perform water quality sampling, testing, and analysis to determine compliance with federal, state, and EPA standards.
  • Monitor remote pump stations with inspections and daily sampling as required.
  • Operate, maintain, control, and perform routine repair of plant equipment, including preventive maintenance duties.
  • Utilize asset management software programs for maintenance work orders.
  • Perform general maintenance duties of plant and other assigned duties.
What You Will Need to Succeed
  • High School Degree or Equivalent.
  • Massachusetts Grade-3 Water Treatment preferred.
  • Massachusetts Grade 2 Water Treatment License holders encouraged. We will provide training and education to advance your Drinking Water credentials.
  • Ability to make independent judgements as well as follow instructions, operating guidelines, and especially safety procedures.
  • Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check, pre-placement physical and drug screen before employment.
  • Valid MA driver’s license with a good driving record.
Schedule
  • Reliable and dependable attendance is an essential function of this position.
  • Minimum 40-hours per week year round. Seasonal overtime opportunities are anticipated.
  • Monday – Friday during training period, which could potentially last 12 months or more
  • Schedule will become Sunday – Thursday upon acquiring Drinking Water Treatment-3 License
  • 7am–3:30pm during Fall, Winter and Spring seasons
  • Extended shifts to meet the seasonal demands of the water system during summer months
  • Summer schedule may vary from 4am-noon or 1pm-9pm, potentially rotating on a monthly basis
  • Sundays during the summer may consist of additional work hours – we pay overtime!
Pay range depends upon level of experience and certification. Hourly increases to follow as candidate advances licensing and training.

Woodard & Curran offers a comprehensive benefits package. For more information about our benefits & workplace policies visit Benefit & Policy Information - Woodard & Curran.

 

E-Verify Participation: Woodard & Curran participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. As part of this process, we provide access to the Right to Work & E-Verify postings.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility: Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non-discrimination and make employment decisions based on job-related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Posting

 

Woodard & Curran Terms of Use

Woodard & Curran Privacy Statement

 

Text Messaging: To support an efficient hiring process, we may send brief SMS updates or reminders. You may opt out at any time by replying “STOP.”

Unsolicited agency submissions without a signed agreement are not eligible for referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.