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Entry Level Water Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Trilon Group

Water Resources Engineer

Cary, IL

$80K - $109K/yr

Our Cary office is looking for an entry level Hydraulic Engineer. The Hydraulic/Stormwater Design ... systems, water quality BMPs, streams, bridge hydraulics, culvert hydraulics, watersheds, and ...

Oak Park

Water & Sewer Worker I

Oak Park, IL

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is an entry level class within the Water & Sewer Worker series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Water & Sewer Worker II by the performance ...

Trilon

Associate Water/Wastewater Engineer

Aurora, IL · On-site

... the typical entry-level experience. Over six months, participants take part in a hands-on ... As an Associate Water/Wastewater Engineer, you'll have the chance to unleash your potential and ...

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Entry Level Water information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$18

$37

How much do entry level water jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level water in Illinois is $18.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level water job?

Entry level water jobs are positions in the water industry that typically require minimal prior experience or education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. These roles often include tasks such as water treatment plant operation, water quality testing, maintenance of water systems, or fieldwork assisting with water distribution and infrastructure. Entry level water jobs are ideal for those looking to start a career in environmental services, utilities, or public works, and they often provide on-the-job training and opportunities for advancement. Common employers include municipal governments, water utility companies, and environmental consulting firms.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level water professional expect to work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Water professional, you can expect to assist with water quality testing, sample collection, data entry, and reporting under the supervision of senior staff. You may participate in fieldwork such as monitoring water sources, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Collaboration with engineers, scientists, and regulatory agencies is common, providing valuable exposure to the broader water management process. This hands-on experience is foundational for understanding industry standards and advancing your career in water resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level water technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Water Technician, you need a basic understanding of water systems, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with water testing equipment, data logging software, and sometimes state-specific operator certifications are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a willingness to learn help individuals stand out in this position. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient water system operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Water and Entry Level Water Quality Technician?

AspectEntry Level WaterEntry Level Water Quality Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in water safety or basic technical skillsHigh school diploma; certifications in water testing or environmental safety are common
Work EnvironmentFieldwork at water treatment plants, distribution systems, or environmental sitesField and laboratory work focused on water sampling, testing, and analysis
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal water departments, environmental agencies, private water companiesEnvironmental consulting firms, water testing laboratories, municipal agencies

Entry Level Water roles generally involve basic water-related tasks such as maintenance or monitoring, while Entry Level Water Quality Technicians focus more on sampling, testing, and analyzing water quality. Both positions require similar certifications and work in related environments, but the technician role emphasizes laboratory work and water analysis.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Water jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Water jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Water job openings:

Entry Level Water jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Water job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,341 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Water Resources Engineer

Trilon Group

Cary, IL

$80K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description
When it rains, it drains. If you're an engineer that understands the importance of protecting the quality of our water, the environment, and the communities we live in, then your goals align with ours, and we would love to speak with you. Our Cary office is looking for an entry level Hydraulic Engineer.
The Hydraulic/Stormwater Design Engineer independently applies, plans, designs, directs, organizes, executes, and recommends hydrologic and hydraulic improvements for North Carolina DOT and municipal roadway improvement projects.  Assignments may include a diverse variety of drainage-related tasks such as stormwater management, roadway pipe drainage systems, roadway ditch drainage systems, water quality BMPs, streams, bridge hydraulics, culvert hydraulics, watersheds, and erosion and sediment control.

Your Primary Responsibilities will include
  • Provide hydrologic and hydraulics analyses and design for transportation improvement projects in North Carolina.
  • Prepare construction details, plans, specifications, and estimates including detailed engineering calculations for roadway drainage systems.
  • Collaborate with clients, sub-consultants partners, technical staff, and managers across multiple disciplines to develop quality deliverables within schedule and budgetary requirements.
  • Direct and mentor lower-level support staff.
  • Conduct engineering investigations and planning work by completing well-defined tasks including collection and analysis of data; performing routine calculations, and participating in evaluating the feasibility of alternate solutions.

What you'll need
  • Bachelor of Science from an ABET-accredited university in Civil Engineering.
  • Successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
  • Minimum of 3 years of relevant and progressive drainage design experience.
  • NCDOT hydraulic design experience.
  • Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control design experience.
  • Proficiency in MicroStation, GEOPAK Drainage, HEC-RAS, and GIS.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and application of applicable NCDOT hydraulic design standards, FEMA requirements, and NCDEQ regulations.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong sense of urgency and self-initiative to meet client deadlines.
  • Detail-oriented team player with an ability to contribute to a positive work environment.


DRMP Offers
  • Excellent compensation package
  • Outstanding holiday and paid-time-off programs
  • 401(k) Plan and Match 
  • Career Path Development Program (Management & Technical Career Tracks)
  • Mentorship Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Parental Leave
  • Competitive health and dental insurance premiums 
  • Variety of voluntary benefit options 
  • Short-Term Disability/Long-Term Disability
  • Company-furnished life insurance
  • Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • and More
DRMP is a multi-discipline firm serving clients in the public, private and industrial sectors in the development of infrastructure for the community-at-large and has been in business since 1977.  DRMP currently employs 500+ professionals in 18 office locations spread strategically across our service areas.  Today, DRMP is ranked among Engineering News-Record’s “Top 500 Design Firms” in the United States and has received numerous awards locally and nationally for engineering achievements. As we continue to grow, we seek to add talented and motivated engineers to work on exciting projects while maximizing their personal growth potential. DRMP is where talent and a strong work ethic are rewarded by opportunity and advancement in a company poised for unlimited growth.