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Filter Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operates filter units and backwashes at prescribed intervals or when necessary; super chlorinates ... Observes variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings and tests ...

GENERAL SUMMARY The operator is responsible for all Cogen Plant operation, maintenance, repair, and ... filter changing, and general housekeeping duties. • Performs maintenance and service as assigned ...

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Filter Plant Operator information

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How much do filter plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for filter plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Filter Plant Operators?

Filter Plant Operators are professionals responsible for managing and operating water or wastewater treatment plants. They monitor equipment, control filtration processes, and ensure that water quality meets safety standards. Their duties often include adjusting chemical levels, maintaining machinery, and recording operational data. By ensuring the filtration systems run smoothly, they play a crucial role in providing safe, clean water to communities.

What are some common challenges faced by Filter Plant Operators and how can they be addressed?

Filter Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent water quality, troubleshooting mechanical or process issues, and responding to equipment malfunctions. These challenges can be addressed through regular monitoring of system parameters, proactive maintenance routines, and effective communication with maintenance and engineering teams. Staying current with safety protocols and participating in ongoing training also helps operators quickly adapt to new technologies and regulatory updates, ensuring smooth plant operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Filter Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Filter Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or relevant certification in water treatment. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and regulatory compliance software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently or in a team are essential soft skills. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operation of water filtration systems that protect public health.

What is the difference between Filter Plant Operator vs Pump Operator?

AspectFilter Plant OperatorPump Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and relevant certifications in water treatmentRequires a high school diploma and certifications in pump operation or water systems
Work EnvironmentWorks in water treatment plants, monitoring filtration processesOperates pumps in water, wastewater, or industrial facilities
Industry UsageCommonly employed in municipal water treatment facilitiesFound in water, wastewater, and industrial plants

The main difference between a Filter Plant Operator and a Pump Operator lies in their specific roles within water treatment and distribution. Filter Plant Operators focus on managing filtration systems to ensure water quality, while Pump Operators handle the operation of pumps to move water or wastewater through systems. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but their responsibilities differ based on the process stage they oversee.

More about Filter Plant Operator jobs
What states have the most Filter Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Filter Plant Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Filter Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Treatment Plant Operator (Water Certification Required)

Treatment Plant Operator (Water Certification Required)

American Water Works Service Company, Inc.

Lexington, KY

$38.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


American Water rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 50 rated energy and utility


Job description

Requisition ID:  109810 

Share Our Purpose.  Be Yourself.  Feel Valued. 

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career.  Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!  Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations.  American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Position Information

Posted Range: $38.25/hour

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and contracted increases as determined by the collective bargaining agreement, and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth. 

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! 

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally! 

Primary Role

The Treatment Plant Operator operates, maintains, and inspects the water treatment plant and related facilities to supply, treat, store, and distribute potable water, and/or operates and maintains the solids handling facilities of the water treatment plant as required to thicken, dewater and dispose of the residuals from the water plant. The Treatment Plant Operator Operator performs technical work related to the overall plant operation and maintenance (including adjustments and repairs), and/or the solids handling operation and maintenance. The Treatment Plant Operator assumes and performs all duties and responsibilities for the operation, maintenance, and control of the water treatment plant, tanks, boosters, and solids/dewatering facilities. They will also be responsible for the overall daily operation of all solids handling and dewatering processes associated with and resulting from the plant operation and meeting the dewatering needs of the treatment plant. 

The Treatment Plant Operator may also perform the duties of other Treatment Plant Operators in their absence, working with and assisting other Treatment Plant Operators daily with operations as needed and to stay current on operational changes. The Treatment Plant Operator must maintain effective, respectful communications and interactions with other Operators, Supervisors, and employees from other departments, while informing other work areas, departments and operations personnel of situations, which may affect overall operations. When assuming the role of other Treatment Plant Operators, all duties and job responsibilities within that classification are to be performed.


The position requires experience and possession of a Kentucky Class IV-A Water Treatment Operators License. 

Key Accountabilities
  • Monitors overall operations, analyzes chemical processes, and performs functions related to process control.
  • Operates, monitors and adjusts, as necessary, all related plant process equipment, pumps and instrumentation.
  • Operate a belt filter press dewatering system, monitoring and adjusting thickener performance, tracking solids volume and offloading dewatered sludge to the solids holding area.
  • Operates, maintains, and controls all related plant process equipment.
  • Conducts various tests to determine proper chemical feed rates; calculates chemical feed rates and changes pump settings and feeders as needed; maintains timing and calibration of chemical feed equipment.
  • Monitors and controls the water supply, transmission and storage systems through SCADA.
  • Assists in the safe unloading and storage of chemicals. Takes daily inventory of process chemicals.
  • Operates water plant processes to provide compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations.
  • Makes rounds of the treatment facilities, collects and analyzes samples required for compliance and process control; performs laboratory tests to determine plant process performance.
  • Maintains laboratory, plant, and operation equipment; performs routine housekeeping and grounds maintenance duties inside and outside the plant and conducts site safety inspections.
  • Maintains, standardizes and calibrates bench top, on-line monitoring equipment, analyzers and treatment equipment; takes routine readings and records plant operation data as required. 
  • Maintains daily logsheet of plant operations, test results, maintenance work performed and unusual operating conditions.
  • Performs quarterly filter inspections, basin washes as needed.
  • Monitor the performance and levels of gravity thickeners, holding tanks, and settling basins. Calculates chemical dosages and makes adjustments to flows, polymer feed and cake size based on visual inspections and physical testing. Operates and adjusts mixing and feed systems to ensure optimum polymer feed rate and evenness of sludge feed onto belt. Prepares polymer and sodium thiosulfate solutions.
  • Takes daily meter readings and records press operation data as required on daily logsheet of press operations. Makes multiple rounds of the basins, holding tanks and thickeners daily to verify equipment operation and conditions of incoming residuals.
  • Operates a dump truck daily in hauling the solids materials; conduct daily vehicle checks; inspects and maintains heavy equipment.
  • Performs solids analysis on slurry, dry cake and supernatant discharge samples; performs duties related to annual carbon exchange on filters.
  • Operates residuals program to maintain compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations.
  • Maintains, standardize and calibrates assigned equipment throughout the plant; maintains sludge holding area; keep solids leveled out, transport around property for beneficial reuse and land applications.
  • Performs other related functions and duties as assigned. 
Knowledge/Skills
  • Must have the ability to read and interpret charts, gauges, meters and recording devices.
  • Must have the ability to prepare and maintain neat and accurate paperwork such as records, logs, and routine reports and computer entries as directed.
  • Must have the ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations related to this position.
  • Must have the ability to perform standardized water process control, monitoring, and compliance sampling, testing and laboratory analyses.
  • Knowledge of water rules and regulations, and the ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Past working knowledge using mechanical skills, for making minor repairs to process equipment.
  • Ability to use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
  • Forklift, dump truck and backhoe experience preferred.
  • Computer skills; MS Word, MS Excel and SCADA systems experience.
Experience/Education
  • High school graduate or state recognized Educational Equivalency Certificate
  • Knowledge of the operations, methods, practices, techniques, equipment and materials used in the water treatment, solids handling, pumping facilities and maintenance of related equipment and systems.
  • Should posses a good overall working knowledge of tools, equipment, safety hazards and precautions common to assigned area of responsibility.
  • Knowledge of methods and precautions in storing and handling industrial chemicals.
  • Knowledge of health and safety regulations and practices in the operation of electrical and mechanical equipment used in water facilities.
Licensing Requirements
  • The position requires experience and possession of a Kentucky Class IV-A Water Treatment Operators License.
  • Requires a valid KY drivers license.
  • Must maintain personal DOT certification for required operation of dump truck. 
Other
  • Employee may be required to work indoor or outdoor during seasonal heat and cold or other adverse weather conditions.
  • Employee may be required to work where they regularly may be exposed to fumes, dust and odors.
  • Must be physically able to complete necessary tasks while wearing an approved full face respirator as required.
  • Must be able to lift in excess of 55 pounds, unassisted. Must be able to perform activities such as walking, stooping, lifting and climbing.
  • Employee may be required to work shifts other than their regularly assigned shift. The shift work may be eight (8) to sixteen (16) hour shifts and Operator may be assigned to day, night, or early morning shifts as needed. There will be weekend, holiday and overtime work as needed.
Competencies
Champions safety
Customer obsessed
Cultivates innovation
Nimble learning
Drives Results
Collaborates

Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.


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About American Water

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Camden, NJ, US

Year founded

1886

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