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Entry Level Operator Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Dewberry

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer

Fairfax, VA

... operating conditions and construction costs. * Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

Dewberry

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

... operating conditions and construction costs. Required Skills & Required Experience * Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering required. * 0-2 years of experience. * Experience in HVAC is ...

Keener Management

Be Seen First

Entry Level Maintenance Tech

Washington, DC · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Join a locally owned and operated property management company and learn on the job today! An Entry Level Maintenance Technician is responsible for supporting the upkeep and repair apartments as part ...

Kelly Services

Machine Operator

Chantilly, VA

$19.50/hr

Machine Operator (Second Shift, Entry Level) Location: Onsite Schedule: Third Shift (Nights), 12-hour shifts Compensation: $19.50 per hour Overview: At Kelly, we're seeking a Machine Operator to work ...

Kelly Services

Machine Operator

Chantilly, VA

$19.50/hr

Machine Operator (Second Shift, Entry Level) Location: Onsite Schedule: Third Shift (Nights), 12-hour shifts Compensation: $19.50 per hour Overview: At Kelly, we're seeking a Machine Operator to work ...

Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant - Entry Level

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

When you join our team as an Entry-Level Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give ... May vary by independently owned and operated Aspen Dental locations. ADMI Corp., d/b/a TAG-The ...

Aspen Dental

Dental Assistant - Entry Level

Waldorf, MD

$18 - $22/hr

When you join our team as an Entry-Level Dental Assistant , you will have the opportunity to give ... May vary by independently owned and operated Aspen Dental locations. ADMI Corp., d/b/a TAG-The ...

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All JobsEntry Level Operator JobsEntry Level Operator Jobs in Washington, DC

Entry Level Operator information

See Washington, DC salary details

$13

$19

$24

How much do entry level operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level operator in Washington, DC is $19.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $21.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Entry Level Operators and how can they be addressed?

Entry Level Operators often face challenges such as mastering complex machinery, adapting to shift work, and maintaining consistent productivity in a fast-paced environment. To overcome these challenges, it’s important to take advantage of on-the-job training, ask questions, and seek guidance from experienced team members. Building strong communication skills and being proactive about safety procedures can also help new operators quickly become effective and confident in their roles.

How to become an operator with no experience?

To become an entry-level operator with no experience, focus on gaining relevant skills through vocational training or technical programs, and consider obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training. Many employers offer on-the-job training, so demonstrating a strong work ethic and willingness to learn can help you start in this role.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Entry level operator roles typically do not pay $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with specialized or highly skilled positions like certain freelance consultants, high-level traders, or contractors in industries such as oil and gas. Most entry level jobs offer hourly wages or salaries significantly below this amount, and earning $2000 daily generally requires extensive experience, certifications, or working in high-demand fields with premium pay rates.

What is an entry-level operator?

An entry-level operator is a worker who performs basic operational tasks in industries such as manufacturing, utilities, or transportation. They typically require minimal prior experience, may need a high school diploma or equivalent, and often receive on-the-job training to operate machinery or equipment safely and efficiently.

What are entry level operators?

Entry level operators are employees who typically work in manufacturing, production, or industrial settings and are responsible for running machinery, monitoring equipment, and ensuring products meet quality standards. They are usually new to the field and receive on-the-job training to learn how to operate specific machines or processes. Their duties may include starting and stopping equipment, doing basic maintenance, reporting malfunctions, and keeping work areas clean and safe. Entry level operators play a key role in keeping production lines running smoothly and efficiently.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An entry-level operator role typically does not pay $10,000 a month without specialized skills or certifications. High-paying jobs in fields like skilled trades, sales, or certain technical roles may reach that level, but they often require experience, training, or licensing rather than a formal degree. Most positions offering such salaries involve significant responsibility or technical expertise.

What is the difference between Entry Level Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectEntry Level OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial settingsFactories, manufacturing lines, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles across manufacturing and industrial sectorsOperational roles in manufacturing, processing, and production industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Operator and a Machine Operator lies in their experience and specialization. Entry Level Operators typically have basic training and perform general operational tasks, while Machine Operators often have specific technical skills and certifications to handle particular machinery. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments and share similar work settings, but Machine Operators usually require more technical expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or GED, basic mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn safety and operational procedures. Familiarity with industrial machinery, control systems, and safety certifications like OSHA are often required or highly valued. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations in manufacturing or industrial environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Operator jobs in Washington, DC? For Entry Level Operator jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Operator jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Operator jobs in Washington, DC are:
Entry Level Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operator job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,128 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Operator, Water & Wastewater Treatment

Operator, Water & Wastewater Treatment

American Water Works Service Company, Inc.

Woodbridge, VA

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

American Water rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 50 rated energy and utility

Job description

Requisition ID:  109976 

Share Our Purpose.  Be Yourself.  Feel Valued. 

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career.  Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!  Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations.  American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Primary Role

American water is currently seeking an entry level operator to work in our Dale City plant location.The Operator, Water and Wastewater Treatment is responsible for performing entry-level operational and maintenance support work at water and wastewater treatment facilities. This role supports daily plant operations, monitoring, routine maintenance, and data collection activities while learning water and wastewater treatment processes and regulatory requirements. Work is performed under the general supervision of Senior and Lead Operators or of local management.

#LI-RB33

#LI-onsite

Key Accountabilities
  • Perform routine operations and maintenance tasks at water and wastewater treatment facilities, including assisting with the care and operation of equipment such as pumps, motors, chemical preparation and feeding systems, and auxiliary equipment, in accordance with established procedures
  • Assist with operating and monitoring physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes for both water and wastewater systems, as well as associated control and monitoring equipment
  • Assist with the startup, shutdown, and periodic operating checks of treatment facilities under supervision.
  • Assist with regulating the flow of water, wastewater, and sludge through treatment processes under direction and established operating procedures
  • Monitor storage tanks, pump stations, and treatment indicators; record flows, pressures, chemical feeds, levels, temperatures, and other operational data
  • Maintain accurate and complete plant records, including operating logs, daily worksheets, laboratory and field test results, chemical feed data, and process measurements
  • Collect water and wastewater samples and perform routine laboratory and field tests following established procedures; report results to licensed operators or supervisors
  • Load and unload chemicals used at treatment plants following all chemical-handling procedures; maintain chemical inventory levels
  • Inspect mechanical and electrical equipment for proper operation and perform routine lubrication, cleaning, adjustments, minor maintenance, and minor repairs, as assigned
  • Assist with making process and equipment adjustments based on test results and specific direction from licensed operators or supervisors
  • Conduct routine safety inspections; utilize required PPE; comply with lockout/tagout, confined space entry, and chemical-handling protocols
  • Respond to alarms and abnormal operating conditions by following established procedures and notifying appropriate supervision
  • Answer calls from the CSO and relay information to operations and leadership as needed
  • Maintain plant buildings and grounds, including cleaning and minor facility upkeep, as assigned
  • Complete equipment work orders and documentation using asset management or computerized maintenance systems, as applicable
Knowledge/Skills
  • Ability to learn and understand basic principles and safety practices of water and wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection systems as they relate to assigned duties
  • Ability to learn and understand basic scientific principles related to water and wastewater treatment and purification processes
  • Awareness of how treatment processes function and the importance of following established operating procedures.
  • Ability to learn and understand operation of pumps, valves, motors, and other mechanical and electrical equipment related to treatment plant operations
  • Knowledge of required safety procedures, including PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, electrical safety, and chemical handling
  • Awareness of emergency response procedures related to plant systems, equipment failures, or chemical incidents and the importance of timely reporting and escalation
  • Effective quantitative, analytical, and observational skills; attention to detail
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate operational issues and safety concerns clearly
  • Ability to work collaboratively with operations, maintenance, water quality staff, and external contractors
  • Basic understanding of piping systems, hydraulics, and electrical safety related to treatment facilities
  • Ability to recognize abnormal mechanical or electrical conditions and assist with troubleshooting under supervision
  • Technical Proficiency: Good working knowledge of computer programs, databases, and software
  • Ability to safely collect samples and perform routine laboratory and field testing
  • Skill in safe handling, storage, and transfer of hazardous chemicals
  • Ability to follow established procedures during alarms and emergency conditions and notify appropriate supervision
Certifications/Licenses
  • Candidate must be able to obtain license within designated timeframe
  • Valid Driver’s License
Experience/Education
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • College coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering preferred
  • 0–2 years of experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work
  • Experience servicing, maintaining, or repairing machinery and equipment preferred
Travel Requirements
  • Daily travel within region may be required
Work Environment
  • Work performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, and varying weather conditions. Potential exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, and sewage. The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required
  • May be required to work in buildings, in pits, manholes, on scaffoldings or in confined spaces
  • May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces, water/wastewater hazards, airborne/blood borne pathogens, and electrical equipment
  • Must be able to perform essential functions and meet the physical requirements of the position including ability to stand, climb stairs, and/ or walk and/or sit for long periods of time. Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and move tools, equipment, and materials up to 80 lbs. as required. Involves crouching, stooping, and kneeling for extended or repeated periods
  • Must be able to safely drive a company vehicle for extended or intermittent periods in varying conditions.  Frequently enters and exits vehicles
  • Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments required depending on operational needs

Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

What American Water employees say

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About American Water

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Camden, NJ, US

Year founded

1886

Social media

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