2

Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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.

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.

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 8, 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:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Operator jobs?

For Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Engineer

Dewberry

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Dewberry rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Dewberry's Raleigh, NC office is seeking an Entry Level Wastewater Treatment Engineer to work on all phases of civil/environmental engineering including planning, design, and construction management of water and wastewater treatment and related facilities. Typical projects involve working with municipal, industrial, and federal clients to solve complex water and wastewater process challenges.

Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a new graduate, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call “Dewberry at Work,” that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.


  • Design of water and wastewater treatment process and/or mechanical systems for both new construction, assessment, and rehabilitation/replacement projects
  • Development, evaluation, and preparation of construction drawings and specifications
  • Preparing technical reports
  • Meeting and corresponding with clients
  • Providing marketing support
  • Performing engineering calculations for water/wastewater projects

  • BS in Civil/Environmental Engineering or related field required. MS preferred.
  • 0-4 years’ experience.
  • Previous internship experience preferred.
  • Solid oral and written communication skills.
  • Experience with modeling software such as Biowin, Visual Hydraulics, etc is a plus
  • Proficiency using AutoCAD and/or Plant 3D is a plus.
  • Desire to work in a team environment.
  • Willingness to travel, as travel within the local area may be required.
  • Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam is preferred.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Dewberry we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace for our employee’s. So if you’re excited about this role, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the position description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may just be the right candidate for this or other opportunities.

*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry’s background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.

Notice to Third Party Recruiters:  Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.


As an entry-level hire, you’ll be part of a class of peers with 0-1 year of professional experience. Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and team building activities led by an advisory team to:

  • Form lasting connections with peers in your class.
  • Gain a better understanding of career growth and meaningful opportunities to align with your professional goals.
  • Expand your knowledge of Dewberry and what we do.

What Dewberry employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom