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Entry Level Water Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Operator Trainee

Shepherdsville, KY

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Must be properly trained to use hand tools that are required to perform operator duties * Must be ... Perform quality checks, such as part weight, proper form, lid fit, sheet thickness, water leak test ...

Operator Trainee

Shepherdsville, KY ยท On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Must be properly trained to use hand tools that are required to perform operator duties * Must be ... Perform quality checks, such as part weight, proper form, lid fit, sheet thickness, water leak test ...

Lease Operator

Happy, KY ยท On-site

$27.50 - $36.50/hr

Viewed as a Lease Operator in training or entry level Lease Operator. Works under general ... Manage daily fluid production; gauge and record oil and water tank levels. * Gather daily, monthly ...

Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions. The company's product ... Support in creating SOPs for entry level tasks. Material & Inventory Coordination * Collaborate ...

Our water professionals collaborate to contribute innovative ideas, guided by scientific rigor and ... Responsibilities * Act as a tender/rack operator/boat operator as part of the dive rotation ...

We are seeking an entry-level Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Technician (T1) to join our ... Operating and maintaining field testing equipment, including slump cones, air meters, nuclear ...

Maintenance Technician 1

Florence, KY ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

... less water and renewable electricity, with no reliance on weather or seasons. Our produce is ... The Impact You'll Make We are looking for an entry level, dedicated, motivated candidate eager to ...

... company operating in 13 states with over 3,500 employees. RGI, established in 1908, has the ... Wages starting at $27.00/hr. for entry level candidates. This includes a $23.00 per hour base and ...

... company operating in 13 states with over 3,500 employees. RGI, established in 1908, has the ... Wages starting at $27.00/hr. for entry level candidates. This includes a $23.00 per hour base and ...

Entry Level Water Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$10

$15

$18

How much do entry level water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level water operator in Kentucky is $15.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Water Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, knowledge of water treatment processes, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring a state-issued operator certification. Familiarity with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, water testing equipment, and safety protocols is often necessary. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and good communication skills help operators respond effectively to system issues and maintain compliance. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring safe, reliable water treatment and distribution for public health and regulatory standards.

What does an Entry Level Water Operator do?

An Entry Level Water Operator is responsible for assisting in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants and distribution systems. Their duties include monitoring equipment, collecting water samples for testing, recording data, and ensuring water safety standards are met. They work under the supervision of licensed operators and help troubleshoot minor issues with machinery or processes. This role is essential for providing safe, clean drinking water to communities and often requires working shifts, including nights and weekends.

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

Entry level water operators often encounter challenges such as learning to monitor complex systems, maintaining regulatory compliance, and responding to unexpected equipment malfunctions. Adapting to shift work and being vigilant about safety protocols are also key aspects. These challenges can be addressed through thorough on-the-job training, active mentorship from experienced operators, and continuous learning about new technologies and regulations. Building strong communication skills and collaborating closely with team members help ensure smooth operations and readiness to handle any issues that arise.

What is the difference between Entry Level Water Operator vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectEntry Level Water OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsBasic water operator certification, often requiredAdvanced certifications, including state-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentEntry-level roles in water treatment facilities, fieldworkMore experienced roles managing plant operations
Job ResponsibilitiesMonitoring equipment, basic maintenance, data recordingOperating complex systems, troubleshooting, plant management

Entry Level Water Operators typically hold basic certifications and perform foundational tasks in water treatment facilities. Water Treatment Plant Operators usually require advanced certifications and oversee more complex operations. Both roles are essential in water industry operations, but the Water Treatment Plant Operator position involves greater responsibility and expertise.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Operator jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Water Operator jobs in Kentucky are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Water Operator jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Water Operator jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Entry Level Water Operator jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Entry Level Water Operator job openings:
Maintenance Tech WTP Operator

Maintenance Tech WTP Operator

Frankfort Plant Board

Frankfort, KY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

New


Job description

Description
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
Under general direction, performs maintenance duties, including preventive maintenance, assists in the daily operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant; performs related work as required; may assume responsible charge of plant operation; may supervise operators of lower classification in absence of higher authority.
This is an entry level position in the water treatment field. Assignments provide the applicant the opportunity to learn process control and environmental related procedures necessary in the operation of a water treatment plant. Employee in this class may progress by noncompetitive promotion to Maintenance Technician/Operator II.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Repairs and/or replaces equipment, pumps, motors, etc., including mechanical and electrical, at the water treatment plant.
2. Detects malfunctions in equipment, and makes repairs.
3. Maintains all process instrumentation.
4. Operates motorized equipment safely, drives vehicles; may operate heavy equipment.
5. Performs preventive maintenance duties on pumps and equipment in compliance with preventive maintenance program.
6. Prepares required reports and records.
7. Maintains equipment and tools after use.
8. Assists with maintaining adequate inventory of equipment, tools, supplies and materials.
9. Assists in the daily operation and maintenance of the water plant, including start-up and/or shut-down of plant and equipment, involving collection and distribution of water in compliance with established procedures and standards and federal and state laws and administrative regulations by use of plant supervisory data access control system, or distributed control systems.
10. May assume responsible charge of the plant in the absence of a higher authority.
11. Adds chemicals in accordance with prescribed standards; may assist lab personnel in collection of water samples; insures proper adjustment of feeder equipment; adjusts chemicals as necessary.
12. Prepares and maintains accurate reports/records.
13. Forwards water samples and reports as required.
14. Assists with construction and or assigned projects.
15. Assists with cleaning of plant and grounds.
16. Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from high school or equivalent required. One (1) year of experience in the operation and/or maintenance of a water treatment plant or water distribution system is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and related experience may be considered.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Ability to read and understand documents such as policy manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to prepare and interpret bar graphs.
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
Ability to utilize common sense understanding in order to carry out written, oral or diagrammed instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving several known variables in situations of a routine nature.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Certification Requirements:
โ€ข Must obtain and maintain Class IA Water Treatment Plant Operators License issued by the Commonwealth of Kentucky within 6 months of meeting experience requirements.
โ€ข Receipt of Class IIA license within six months after meeting experience requirements is required for promotion to Maintenance Technician-WTP Operator II.
โ€ข Must possess and maintain a valid Kentucky driver's license and must maintain insurability under the FPB liability insurance coverage.
โ€ข Must have completed training in basic first-aid, bloodborne pathogens, and CPR.
PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Ability to obtain or possess certification through the International Society of Automation or other electronic control certifying authority as a Certified Control Systems Technician. Certification verifies that the applicant has successfully completed certification process/testing and documents the ability to calibrate, document, troubleshoot and repair/replace instrumentation for systems that measure and control level, temperature, pressure, flow and other process variables.
SOFTWARE SKILLS REQUIRED
Not indicated.
INITIATIVE AND INGENUITY
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Under general supervision where standard practice enables the employee to proceed alone on routine work, referring all questionable cases to supervisor.
PLANNING
Considerable responsibility with regard to general assignments in planning time, method, manner, and/or sequence of performance of own work; may also occasionally assist in the planning of work assignments performed by others within a limited area of operation.
DECISION MAKING
Performs work operations which permit frequent opportunity for decision-making of minor importance and also frequent opportunity for decision-making of major importance; the latter of which would affect the work operations of other employees and/or clientele to a moderate degree.
MENTAL DEMAND
Moderate mental demand. Operations requiring almost continuous attention, but work is sufficiently repetitive that a habit cycle is formed; operations requiring intermittent directed thinking to determine or select materials, equipment or operations where variable sequences may be selected by the employee.
ANALYTICAL ABILITY / PROBLEM SOLVING
Moderately repetitive. Activities with slight variation using a definite set of processes or directions with some degree of supervision. Choice of learned things in situations which conform to clearly established patterns and modes.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
The level of direct supervisory responsibility for the assignment of job duties, training, leadership, guidance, needs of employees, hiring, terminating and/or direction of the effort of others. Scoring will depend upon the number and classification of people normally supervised or directed, and the scope of complexity of the operations involved in the supervisory responsibility. (Job classification which involves no supervision will not be assigned a point value for this factor.)
No supervision.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNDS, PROPERTY and EQUIPMENT
Occasionally responsible for organization's property where carelessness, error, or misappropriation would result in moderate damage or moderate monetary loss to the organization. The total value for the above would range from $5,000 to $150,000.
ACCURACY
Probable errors of internal and external scope would have a moderate effect on the operational efficiency of the organizational component concerned. Errors might possibly go undetected for a considerable period of time, thereby creating an inaccurate picture of an existing situation. Could cause further errors, losses, or embarrassment to the organization. The possibility for error is always present due to requirements of the job.
ACCOUNTABILITY
FREEDOM TO ACT
Standardized. Accepted processes covered by well-defined standardized policies and procedures with supervisory review.
ANNUAL MONETARY IMPACT
The amount of annual dollars generated based on the job's essential duties / responsibilities. Examples would include direct dollar generation, departmental budget, proper handling of organization funds, expense control, savings from new techniques or reduction in manpower.
None. Job does not create any dollar monetary impact for the organization.
IMPACT ON END RESULTS
Modest impact. Job has some impact on the organizations end results, but still from an indirect level. Provides assistance and support services that facilitates decision making by others.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Occasional contacts with patrons on routine matters.
EMPLOYEE CONTACT
Contacts occasionally with others beyond immediate associates, but generally of a routine nature. May obtain, present or discuss data, but only as pertains to an immediate and specific assignment. No responsibility for obtaining cooperation or approval of action or decision.
USE OF MACHINES, EQUIPMENT AND/OR COMPUTERS
Occasional use of highly complex machines and equipment; specialized or advanced software programs.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Outside or inside working environment, wherein there are potential hazardous working conditions and life-threatening situations exist (fire, chemicals, electrical sources, heights, dangerous people, etc.) part of the time.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions; frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; and occasionally exposed to work in high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
Moderate diversity-moderately physical: Work activities which allow for a moderate amount of diversity in the performance of tasks which requires somewhat diversified physical demands of the employee.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear; and occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Must use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for prolong periods of time.
Must be able to respond to emergency calls within thirty minutes of emergency call at all hours.
May be required to work additional hours without advanced notice.
Must be able to work alternating schedules and swing shifts (nights-days-weekends, etc.)
Subject to Random Drug and Alcohol Testing: Yes
Requirements
Pre-employment screenings including drug screening, criminal background check, driving record history, and reference check will be conducted on prospective employee prior to extension of a job offer.
The Frankfort Plant Board is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetics, disability or protected veteran status.