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Drinking Water Jobs (NOW HIRING)

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$97K - $194K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment, reuse, and advanced purification projects for clients across local and national markets. In this role ...

HDR

Drinking Water Market Sector Leader

Irvine, CA

Drinking Water Growth and Strategy * Develop and drive a long-range Drinking Water vision and strategy for HDR's Southern California Area. * Lead HDR's Drinking Water branding in Southern California ...

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · Hybrid

$97K - $194K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment, reuse, and advanced purification projects for clients across local and national markets. In this role ...

kennedyjc

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · Hybrid

$84K/yr

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Drinking Water Process Engineer in California to support treatment, reuse, and advanced purification projects for clients across local and national markets. In this role ...

HDR

Drinking Water Project Manager

Omaha, NE · On-site

From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly ...

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Drinking Water information

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How much do drinking water jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for drinking water in the United States is $13.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.62 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drinking water operator?

Drinking water operators are professionals responsible for managing, monitoring, and maintaining water treatment facilities to ensure the safe and reliable supply of potable water to the public. Their duties include testing water quality, operating treatment equipment, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards. They may also respond to emergencies, perform routine maintenance, and keep detailed records of plant operations. Drinking water operators play a vital role in protecting public health by ensuring that water is clean and safe to drink.

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

To thrive as a Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator, you need knowledge of water treatment processes, regulatory compliance, and a high school diploma or equivalent—often supplemented by specialized training or certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and state operator certification exams is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills enable operators to address issues quickly and work effectively in teams. These competencies ensure the safe delivery of potable water and compliance with public health regulations.

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

Drinking water treatment plant operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining water quality standards, responding to equipment malfunctions, and adapting to changing regulations. To address these, operators regularly monitor water samples, perform preventive maintenance, and participate in ongoing training. Collaboration with engineers, laboratory technicians, and regulatory agencies is also essential to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations. Staying updated on industry best practices and technological advancements further helps operators meet these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Drinking Water vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectDrinking WaterWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater Distribution Operator Certification, EPA certificationsWater Treatment Certification, EPA certifications
Work EnvironmentMunicipal water systems, treatment facilitiesWater treatment plants, industrial facilities
Employer & IndustryPublic water utilities, municipalitiesPublic utilities, industrial sectors

Drinking Water professionals focus on ensuring safe, clean drinking water for the public, often working within municipal systems. Water Treatment Plant Operators manage the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities, which may include broader industrial processes. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, Drinking Water specialists primarily serve public water systems, whereas Water Treatment Plant Operators may work in various industrial settings.

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What cities are hiring for Drinking Water jobs?

Cities with the most Drinking Water job openings:

What states have the most Drinking Water jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drinking Water jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Drinking Water jobs look for?

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Drinking Water jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drinking Water job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,530 per year, or $13.7 per hour.

Drinking Water Process Engineer

Donohue and Associates

Chicago, IL • On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Donohue is seeking an experienced Drinking Water Process Engineer to provide technical guidance and process leadership on municipal drinking water projects located throughout the Midwest. In this position you will be an integral member of project teams that create detailed facility and master plans, designs, plans and specifications, and estimates for treatment plants, tanks, pump/booster stations, and other water storage and conveyance system infrastructure. You will work closely with our clients and Donohue project team members and serve as a technical resource.
Other responsibilities include project management, involvement in drinking water marketing pursuits, proposal writing, client interviews, staying abreast of regulatory issues impacting the industry, and active participation in AWWA.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Chemical, Civil or Environmental Engineering
  • Minimum 8 years� experience with municipal water treatment systems
  • Professional Engineer registration
  • Strong technical background and experience in water treatment, water quality, and regulatory compliance
  • Positive team- and client-focused attitude directed towards delivering quality work on time and within budget
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Leadership and mentoring skills
  • Active professional organization participation

Requirements:
  • Master's degree in Chemical, Civil or Environmental Engineering
  • Minimum 8 years� experience with municipal water treatment systems
  • Professional Engineer registration

An employee-owned firm, Donohue & Associates was established in 1997 and since then has expanded to over 140 employees in several offices across the Midwest. Engineering News Record ranks Donohue a Top 20 Wastewater Treatment Plant Design Firm and our innovative design teams have received over 45 engineering excellence awards. Donohue offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) with company contribution, paid-time off and company holidays, flexible work schedules, discretionary annual bonuses, and an industry-unique monthly profit-sharing plan. The anticipated salary range for this position is $125,000 � $175,000 based on education, experience, qualifications and location.
Donohue is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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