2

Entry Level Water Operator Jobs in Frederick, MD

Outside Sales Consultant

Hagerstown, MD ยท On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Outside Sales Consultant Just graduated college and looking for more than an average entry-level ... in the water treatment industry. This location is independently owned and operated. Your ...

Lab Technician

Gaithersburg, MD

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Summary The Lab Technician for OneLab, performs an entry level role in the testing of clinical DNA ... Learns and follows the established standard operating procedures for specimen handling and ...

Lab Technician

Gaithersburg, MD ยท On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Summary The Lab Technician for OneLab, performs an entry level role in the testing of clinical DNA ... Learns and follows the established standard operating procedures for specimen handling and ...

Firefighter - Recruit

Frederick, MD ยท On-site

$25.44/hr

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following: * Ability to maintain County ... An entry-level written examination * Written exam will be administered on August 10th, 11th, and ...

Entry Level Water Operator information

See Frederick, MD salary details

$12

$17

$21

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

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level water operator in Frederick, MD is $17.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $18.89 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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Water Operator jobs in Frederick, MD? For Entry Level Water Operator jobs in Frederick, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Water Operator jobs in Frederick, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Water Operator jobs in Frederick, MD are:
What cities near Frederick, MD are hiring for Entry Level Water Operator jobs? Cities near Frederick, MD with the most Entry Level Water Operator job openings:

Water Treatment Plant Operator: Trainee, I or II

Town of Leesburg, VA

Leesburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$53K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Salary: $53,570.00 - $116,738.00 Annually
Location : 43234 Edwards Ferry Road Leesburg, VA
Job Type: RFT
Job Number: 01303
Department: Utilities Department
Division: Water Supply Facility
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
About the Town of Leesburg and Nature of Work
Do you want to apply your expertise for a cause you can feel good about? Do you want to work for an organization that wants you to grow with it and offers tuition reimbursement, certification training, and a chance to learn about multiple industries? Come work for the Town of Leesburg, hometown of the 21st century! Located 35 miles west of the nation's capital in the heart of DC's Wine Country, you'll enjoy a vibrant and authentic community with "big city" amenities. The Town of Leesburg strongly encourages innovation, promotes career development, and offers excellent benefits to employees. Benefits include membership to the Town's full-service recreation center, enrollment into the Virginia Retirement System, excellent healthcare insurance, and other fringe benefits.
What You'll Be Doing
This position involves entry level through journey-level technical work opportunities in the Water Supply Division in the operation; and maintenance of a water treatment plant, associated facilities and plant grounds. Work involves responsibility for the operation, monitoring, and control of the facility on a shift under the close guidance of senior operations personnel. Work involves conducting tests in a microbiology lab; adjusting treatment processes to ensure conformance with applicable standards; operating wells, storage tanks and booster stations; participating in the maintenance of equipment and facilities; performing data entry on a computer; and preparing operating reports and records. The Water Supply Division is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the Town's Kenneth B. Rollins Water Treatment Plant (WTP), one well, five water storage tanks, and four water booster stations.
Schedule
This position requires working rotating shifts (days/nights), including weekends and holidays.
Career Development Program
The Town's Water Supply Division offers a career development program. The purpose of this program is to recognize and compensate those individuals who have acquired additional or advanced work-related knowledge, skills and abilities during their career with the Town's Utilities Department. This program provides a career development plan based on an employee's performance, training, licensure and length of service.
For more detailed job descriptions, please visit the Town's
Required Qualifications
Utility Plant Operator Trainee ($53,570-$116,738 DOQ): HS/GED. Ability to obtain a Class IV Water Works Operator License for Water Supply within 18 months. Ability to obtain a Class III Water Works Operators License for Water Supply. Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. Certifications in CPR/AED and First Aid or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Knowledge in MS Suite applications and computer program applications appropriate to the position. Available and able to work shifts (nights, weekends and holidays).
Utility Plant Operator I ($54,601-$118,938 DOQ): High school diploma (or GED) and one year of experience operating a water or wastewater treatment
plant facility. Possession of a current Class III Water Works Operator License for Water Supply as issued by Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Water or environmental laboratory experience. Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. CPR / AED First Aid certification or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Knowledge and familiarity with Virginia Waterworks Regulations. Knowledge in MS Suite applications and computer program applications appropriate to the position. Available to work shifts (nights, weekends and holidays).
Utility Plant Operator II ($57,331-$127,295 DOQ): HS/GED and two years of progressively responsible work in water treatment. Water or environmental laboratory experience. Possession of a Class II Water Works Operator License as issued by the Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR). CPR/AED First Aid certification or within one year of hire. Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. Experience with industrial computer control systems (SCDA) and process control system. Available to work shifts ( nights, weekends and holidays).
Preferred Qualifications
Utility Plant Operator Trainee: Class IV License Water Works Operator License issued by the Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Water or environmental laboratory experience.
Utility Plant Operator I: Backflow device certification. Experience with SCADA and Process Control Systems. Completion of VDH/VWEA Operators Short School - Virginia Tech.
Utility Plant Operator II: Backflow device certification. Associates or Bachelors degree in Biology, Chemistry or other related science. Bacteriology Laboratory Experience.
Employee BenefitsThe Town offers competitive compensation, affordable health insurance coverage, participation in the Virginia Retirement System, an optional 457(b) retirement plan with a Town matching contribution, flexible spending accounts, voluntary benefits, employee assistance program (EAP), membership to the Town's full-service recreation center, an optional payroll Roth IRA, and generous paid time off. For more information on the Town's robust benefits package, please visit the Town'sEmployee Benefits page.
EOE/ADA
Please click on "Employee Benefits" to review detailed information regarding employee benefits for regular full-time and regular part-time employees.