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Drinking Water Treatment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Operator

Raymond, NH ยท 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 ...

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

Water Treatment Operator

Baltimore, MD ยท Remote

$25 - $30/hr

Water Treatment Operator Location: Baltimore, Maryland Position Type: Full-Time About Us: Yukon Technology is dedicated to providing clean, safe, and reliable water to our community. We are committed ...

Showing results 21-40

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:
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.

Water Treatment Operator

Veolia Environnement SA

Boise, ID โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.
Job Description
Position Purpose:
Maintains water production and quality for public consumption. Monitors daily system demand along with influencing factors such as weather and seasonality. Controls system pressure, monitors booster stations and storage facilities, and observes treatment conditions. Operates and maintains water treatment plants and well systems to support a Class IV water system. Operates on-site and using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems and other technology in the most efficient manner. Performs basic troubleshooting, installation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical, electrical, pumping and other equipment and facilities associated with water production, treatment and control. System operates 24-7 and during peak season, Treatment Operators working in the plants will be required to cover shift work as needed or assigned.
Primary Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Conducting routine water testing and recording test results.
  • Monitoring all charts, gauges, digital screens, and other operating equipment.
  • Calculating the chemical feed rate required, calibrating feed equipment, and adjusting feed rate per lab tests or supervisor instructions.
  • Performing and recording routine and special installation, maintenance and/or repair of all equipment and grounds and maintaining good housekeeping procedures.
  • Analyzing system parameters and determining when additional help is required (e.g. a main break).
  • Monitoring appropriate chemical inventory levels.
  • Operating water treatment plants, wells and ancillary equipment using SCADA control interfaces.
  • Takes direction from company water quality personnel regarding water sampling, schedules, handling and the like.
  • Perform basic troubleshooting, installation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical, electrical, pumping and other equipment and facilities associated with water production, treatment and control.
  • Uses digital tools, (computer, laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc.) devices and software to communicate, and perform and record work.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Taking various shift assignments and on-call duty on a regular, rotational basis.
  • Perform all job responsibilities and duties in compliance with all safety, health, environmental, and security laws, rules, policies, programs and training.

Work Environment:
  • Work outside in all kinds of weather.
  • These employees work indoors on concrete constantly and outdoors frequently, (outdoor conditions can be wet, muddy and slippery with extremes of heat and cold temperatures).

Qualifications
Education/Experience/Background:
  • High School Diploma/GED is required.
  • Previous experience in water production and/or water treatment operation roles preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Ability to read, interpret, comprehend, and communicate contents of instructions, technical manuals, engineering plans and the like.
  • Ability to use heavy equipment and various hand, gas, electric and hydraulic tools.
  • Basic knowledge of water system operations, basic construction, and plumbing applications and practices, including disinfection, disinfection bi-products, and corrosion control.
  • Ability to perform basic troubleshooting, installation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical, electrical, pumping and other equipment and facilities associated with water production, treatment and control.
  • Ability to accurately distinguish between colors or discern color coding.
  • Good communications skills, both oral and written.
  • Good organization, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to function in the digital world, using computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone devices and software to communicate and perform and record work.
  • Proficiency with business office computing systems.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training:
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
  • 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 requires frequent standing and frequent walking.
  • Working at heights is required occasionally, (upon equipment, ladders, and lifts).
  • Lifting/carrying is performed independently and as a team, occasionally, with up to 51 lbs. for dry membranes, removing hatch from roof, lid off pressure reducing valve, and bags of salt (50 lbs.)
  • Pushing and pulling up to 94 lbs. is required occasionally for removing/installing membranes, turning valves, and pulling oil hose.
  • Fine motor dexterity is required occasionally for removing O rings, taking bacteriological and chlorine residual samples, checking suction head, checking compressor, tool manipulation, recording data, using keyboard, keypad security and using phone for work orders.
  • Frequent crouching, kneeling, stooping/bending and twisting is performed with occasional lying down or crawling to work at/below grade level.
  • Reaching is performed at trunk level and above shoulder level frequently.
  • Driving is performed frequently, involving route reading and routine oil changes and maintenance.
  • Physical ability/dexterity to perform maintenance/repairs.

Additional Information
Benefits: Our employees are covered by comprehensive benefits packages including paid time off policies; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans, savings accounts; tuition reimbursement; paid volunteering and more.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.