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Drinking Water Treatment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Treatment Operator

Ashland, VA · On-site

$34.20 - $39.25/hr

Join us as a Water Treatment Operator in Ashland and help bring materials to life in a workplace where health and safety always come first. What's in it for you Taking care of our people is in our ...

Come join Wood as a Water Treatment Operator in Kennewick, WA. Wood offers health benefits, 401k, vacation and more. Per-diem is offered. Authorization to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship ...

Come join Wood as a Water Treatment Operator in Othello, WA. Wood offers health benefits, 401k, vacation and more. Per-diem is offered. Authorization to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship ...

Certified Water Treatment Operator * Chiller water treatment knowledge Physical Requirements * Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. * Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods * Work in ...

Come join Wood as a Water Treatment Operator in Kennewick, WA. Wood offers health benefits, 401k, vacation and more. Per-diem is offered. Authorization to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship ...

We at Kelly ® hear you, and we're here for you! We're seeking a Water Treatment Operator to work at a premier water treatment facility in Lima, OH. Sound good? Take a closer look below. You owe it ...

Certified Water Treatment Operator * Chiller water treatment knowledge Physical Requirements * Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. * Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods * Work in ...

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Drinking Water Treatment Operator information

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$13

$27

$49

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

As of Aug 10, 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.

Drinking Water Treatment Practice Leader

Advanced Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc.

Billings, MT • On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Position Description
Drinking Water Treatment Practice Leader
Reports to: Practices Director - Treatment & Facilities
Direct Reports: None
Location Options: Bismark, ND; Fargo, ND; Grand Forks, ND; Rapid City, SD; Sioux Falls, SD; Maple Grove, MN; Woodbury, MN; Lehi, UT; Denver, CO; Boise, ID; Bozeman, MT; Great Falls, MT; Billings, MT; or Des Moines, IA
Lead Drinking Water Innovation Across the United States
At AE2S, this is more than a leadership role-it is an opportunity to shape the future of drinking water.
We are looking for a Drinking Water Treatment Practice Leader to lead our practice across all locations, driving strategy, technical excellence, and growth in one of the most critical sectors in infrastructure. Practice leaders at AE2S focus on the Technologies, Trends, and Training for their respective practices.
If you are a recognized leader in drinking water treatment, water infrastructure, or environmental engineering, this is your chance to make a national impact.
Why This Opportunity Is Different
This is not a regional role. As Practice Leader, you will:
  • Shape AE2S's national Drinking Water Treatment strategy
  • Expand and strengthen technical capabilities across multiple states
  • Influence project delivery across multiple states
  • Build and scale a nationally recognized practice
  • Collaborate with leadership across operations, client development, and strategy
Responsibilities
You will lead the strategy, technical direction, and growth of AE2S' Drinking Water Treatment Practice.
  • Set and drive the national vision for how we provide drinking water treatment services
  • Partner across regions to grow teams, capabilities, and market presence
  • Lead technical direction and elevate quality across all drinking water projects
  • Identify emerging water treatment trends, regulations, and innovations and turn them into strategy
  • Support major pursuits and build strong, lasting client relationships
  • Mentor and develop engineers and technical leaders across multiple offices
What Success Looks Like
  • Growth and expansion of AE2S' drinking water practice nationwide
  • A strong and visible technical leadership presence in the market
  • Strong client relationships and project wins
  • High-performing, engaged teams across offices
  • Advancement of innovative drinking water solutions and best practices

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering (or related)
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
  • 10 or more years of experience in drinking water or water treatment engineering
  • 2 years of leadership experience (team, project, or practice level)
  • Strong client relationship and business development experience
  • Proven ability to manage clients, win new clients, and retain clients
  • Ability to travel about 25-percent
  • All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.
Why AE2S
Build Your Future. Protect What Matters.
AE2S is a 100%Employee-Owned engineering consulting firm focused on solving complex water and infrastructure challenges. In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead a national impact while helping communities create safe, sustainable, and resilient water systems.
Compensation and Total Rewards
The anticipated salary range for this position is:
  • $120,000-$200,000+
    • This salary range represents AE2S's good-faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, technical expertise, licensure, certifications, education, geographic location, internal equity, and business needs.

At AE2S, compensation extends beyond base pay and includes opportunities to share in both individual and company success through:
  • Discretionary bonus opportunities
  • Employee ownership through the ESOP
  • Matching 401(k) contributions

Industry-Leading Family Benefits
AE2S believes financial security extends beyond salary alone. Our comprehensive benefits program includes:
  • 100-percent company-paid family health Insurance
  • 100-percent company-paid employee dental insurance
  • 100-percent company-paid employee vision insurance
  • Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • Paid Time Off (PTO), including credits for prior experience
  • Paid parental leave
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to walk up to 3-miles on uneven terrain
  • Ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
  • Occasionally climb, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist
  • Occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull light to moderate amounts of weight
  • May require lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds, with rare lifting of up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to inspect equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects
  • May be required to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to, flame resistant clothing, hard hat, and protective footwear
  • May require occasional evenings and weekends with overtime expectations varying with workload
  • May be required to travel to off-site locations including occasional overnight stays out of town

AE2S is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Disability Employer
Location
Billings, MT - Billings, MT 59101 US
Bismarck, ND - Bismarck, ND 58501 US
Boise, ID - Boise, ID US
Bozeman, MT - Bozeman, MT 59715 US
Des Moines, IA - Des Moines, IA US
Fargo, ND - Fargo, ND 58104 US
Grand Forks, ND - Grand Forks, ND 58201 US
Great Falls, MT - Great Falls, MT 59404 US
Lehi, UT - Lehi, UT 84043 US
Lone Tree, CO - Lone Tree, CO 80124 US
Maple Grove, MN - Maple Grove, MN 55369 US
Rapid City, SD - Rapid City, SD 57703 US
Sioux Falls, SD - Sioux Falls, SD 57108 US (Primary)
Woodbury, MN - Woodbury, MN 55125 US
Education
Bachelor Degree
Position Type
Full-time