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Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wastewater Treatment Operator

Avon, CO ยท On-site

$27.74 - $52.05/hr

Eagle River Water and Sanitation District is hiring a Wastewater Operator to join our team of dedicated environmental professionals at the Avon Wastewater Treatment Facility. This role combines ...

Wastewater Treatment Operator

Casa Grande, AZ ยท On-site

$20.85 - $41.75/hr

Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate Shift Rotating 4x10s Monday-Friday 0600-1630 & 0930-2000 & Saturday-Sunday 0600-1630. ; Subject to change depending on need In compliance with ...

Able to obtain WWTP Operator license within two years of employment. Competencies - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Basic computer skills. * Base level understanding of wastewater treatment systems.

Able to obtain WWTP Operator license within two years of employment. Competencies - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Basic computer skills. * Base level understanding of wastewater treatment systems.

Able to obtain WWTP Operator license within two years of employment. Competencies - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Basic computer skills. * Base level understanding of wastewater treatment systems.

Able to obtain WWTP Operator license within two years of employment. Competencies - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Basic computer skills. * Base level understanding of wastewater treatment systems.

Able to obtain WWTP Operator license within two years of employment. Competencies - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Basic computer skills. * Base level understanding of wastewater treatment systems.

Wastewater Treatment Operator

Casa Grande, AZ ยท On-site

$20.85 - $41.75/hr

Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate Shift Rotating 4x10s Monday-Friday 0600-1630 & 0930-2000 & Saturday-Sunday 0600-1630. ; Subject to change depending on need In compliance with ...

Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate Shift Rotating 4x10s Monday-Friday 0600-1630 & 0930-2000 & Saturday-Sunday 0600-1630. ; Subject to change depending on need In compliance with ...

AZZ has an exciting 2nd shift opportunity for a Wastewater Treatment Operator at our Milwaukee facility. Duties and Responsibilities . * Enhances the conditions of the water and alleviating pollution ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Operator information

See salary details

$14

$28

$44

How much do entry level wastewater treatment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level wastewater treatment operator in the United States is $28.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level wastewater treatment operator do?

An Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Operator is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the equipment and processes used to treat wastewater before it is released back into the environment. Their duties typically include collecting water samples, performing basic tests, recording data, and ensuring that treatment systems operate efficiently and safely. They may also assist with routine maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting of mechanical equipment. This role is important for protecting public health and the environment by making sure water treatment meets regulatory standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level wastewater treatment operator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Operator, you need a basic understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent with the ability to obtain state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, pumps, and laboratory testing equipment is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this position. These abilities ensure the safe and efficient operation of treatment facilities, compliance with regulations, and protection of public health and the environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level wastewater treatment operators, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level wastewater treatment operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning complex equipment operations, and maintaining strict safety and environmental regulations. These challenges can be overcome by actively seeking mentorship from experienced operators, participating in on-site training programs, and consistently reviewing safety protocols. Additionally, asking questions and engaging with team members fosters a supportive environment that accelerates learning and helps new operators build confidence in their daily responsibilities.

What is the difference between Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Operator vs Wastewater Treatment Technician?

AspectEntry Level Wastewater Treatment OperatorWastewater Treatment Technician
CertificationsTypically requires a state operator certification or trainee licenseOften requires similar certifications, may include additional technical training
Work EnvironmentPlant facilities, treatment tanks, and control roomsSimilar plant environments, may involve more field inspections
Job FocusMonitoring and maintaining treatment processes, basic troubleshootingPerforming operational tasks, data collection, and equipment maintenance

Both roles involve working in wastewater treatment plants, requiring similar certifications and work environments. The main difference lies in job focus, with operators primarily monitoring processes and technicians often handling more technical tasks. These positions are often used interchangeably, but understanding their specific responsibilities can help in choosing the right career path.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Operator job openings:

What states have the most Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Operator jobs include:

Wastewater Treatment Operator

Summary

Avon, CO โ€ข On-site

$27.74 - $52.05/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Eagle River Water and Sanitation District is hiring aย Wastewater Operator to join our team ofย dedicatedย environmental professionalsย at the Avon Wastewater Treatment Facility. This role combines science, problem solving, and hands-on mechanical work to protect one of our communityโ€™s most valuable resources: water.ย ย 

Our wastewater treatment team works hard to create and control an environment for bacteria and microorganisms to thrive, ensuring clean water is returned to the river. If youย haveย a background in science and/or strong mechanical experience looking for a stable and fulfilling new career, then starting a career in wastewater treatment might be right for you.ย 

The work you do as a Wastewater Operator directly protects public health and the local environment, and you will see the impact of your work every single day. Additionally, we offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a robust employee housing program, and opportunities for growth and development.ย 

Dayย to Day:ย 

  • Operations:ย Control the chemical and biological treatment environment through monitoring and adjusting systems to ensure microorganisms effectively break down waste and produce clean water that meets regulatory standards.ย 
  • Mechanical Expertise:ย General mechanical work, includingย troubleshooting/diagnosing issues, performing repairs and part replacements, making routine adjustments, and coordinating fixes to keep equipment running reliably, while following safe work practices and escalating complex issuesย 
  • Laboratory:Collect samples, conduct laboratory tests, andย monitorย system data for process control and compliance.ย Identifyย trends, analyze results, and recommend adjustments to meet regulatory discharge limits.ย 
  • Equipment Operation:Operateย pumps, motors, sludge equipment, and odor control systemsย in accordance withย regulatory discharge limits. Monitor and evaluate SCADA data toย identifyย trends and anomalies.ย 
  • Preventive Maintenance:Perform general equipment inspections, adjustments, and minor repairs. Collaborate with senior staffย regardingย equipment needs or larger maintenance projects andย assistย with replacements as needed.ย 
  • Data Collection and Analysis:Collects wastewater operations and control data, making process control decisions based on plant observations, lab data, and historical trends.ย 
  • Safety and Compliance:ย Follow established safety policies,ย assistย with monthly inspections, ensure the availability of first aid and PPE materials, and clean plant areas to ensure efficient and safe operations.
  • ย High school diploma or GED, related college-level coursework in scientific fields preferredย 
  • Experience performing operations, service, or maintenance of mechanical equipmentย 
  • Laboratory experience preferredย 
  • Computer skills preferred, including Microsoft suite and SCADAย 
  • Mustย possessย a Colorado Wastewater Operator Class D certification within one yearof hireย 
  • Must have a valid Colorado Driver's license within 30 days of full-time employmentย 
  • Potentialย toย obtain a Class B CDLย 
  • CPR/First Aid Certificationย requiredย within the first six months of employment.ย 

Scheduleย 

This role is scheduled five days per week from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., following either a Sundayโ€“Thursday or Tuesdayโ€“Saturday schedule.ย Candidates must beย willing to work overtime, holidays, and weekendsย as well asย willingย to work in on-call rotationย with theย ability to respond to call outs within one hour.ย 

Salary Rangeย 

There are four levels of Wastewater Operator with different titles and pay ranges depending on certifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Theย Districtย will support you in earning your licenses. Pay range and title depend on certifications and experience:ย 

  • Operator I: $27.74ย - $38.83ย 
  • Operator II (requires CCWP Operator C License): $30.58 - $42.82ย 
  • Operator III (requires CCWP Operator B License): $32.11ย - $44.96ย 
  • Senior Operator (requires CCWP Operator A License): $37.18ย - $52.05ย 

Benefitsย 

We value life-work balance and are leaders in the industry with our holistic benefits package, which includes but is not limited to:ย 

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverageย 
  • Employee housing or $559ย monthly housing stipendย 
  • Wellness programย 
  • Retirement savings plans (414h and 457)ย 
  • 13.5 Paid Holidaysย 
  • Paid Time Offย 
  • Paid Parental Leaveย 
  • Relocation Assistance (if applicable)ย 
  • $800 Annual Recreation Benefitย 
  • Tuition Reimbursementย 
  • Loan programs for: Ski Passes, Electrical Vehicles, and Computersย 

ClickHEREto learn more from our full 2026ย Benefits Guide.ย 

All District employees mustย submitย to a pre-employment drug screen and extensive background check. For a full position description including work environment and physical requirements, emailerwsdjobs@erwsd.org.ย ย 

All applicants must apply online atwww.erwsd.orgย byย September 7, 2026.ย ย Contacterwsdjobs@erwsd.orgfor a full classification specification.ย 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employerย 

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, geneticย informationย or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.