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Intern Water Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Plant Operator I

Asheville, NC · On-site

$23.93 - $92/hr

The City of Asheville is currently looking to hire a full-time Water Plant Operator I position. This position is to perform technical work in the operation and minor maintenance of the water ...

Position Summary The Water Plant Operator III performs, plans, and organizes the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of water facilities and associated systems including, but not limited to, raw ...

The City of Asheville is currently looking to hire a full-time Water Plant Operator III position. This position is to perform technical work in the operation and minor maintenance of the water ...

Water Plant Operator

Akron, OH · On-site

$52K - $62K/yr

Water Plant Division - 841 Opening Date: 07/21/2026 Closing Date: 8/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern ... Makes rounds to visually and audibly inspect the operating condition and settings of pumps ...

Showing results 21-40

Intern Water Plant Operator information

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$11

$19

$26

How much do intern water plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for intern water plant operator in the United States is $19.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being an intern water plant operator a good job?

An intern water plant operator role provides hands-on experience in water treatment processes, equipment operation, and safety protocols. It can serve as a valuable stepping stone for a career in water utilities or environmental services, often requiring basic technical skills and certifications such as a water operator license. The position typically offers training, supervision, and the opportunity to develop industry-specific knowledge.

What is the difference between Intern Water Plant Operator vs Water Plant Operator?

AspectIntern Water Plant OperatorWater Plant Operator
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant certifications or degreesRequires valid certifications or licenses, such as water treatment operator license
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, supervised environment within water treatment facilitiesFull responsibility for daily operations, maintenance, and monitoring of water treatment systems
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by water utilities, government agencies, or private water companiesFull-time roles in municipal, industrial, or private water treatment plants

The main difference is that an Intern Water Plant Operator is in a training or entry-level phase, gaining experience and learning on the job, while a Water Plant Operator is a fully qualified professional responsible for operating and maintaining water treatment systems.

How much do water plant operators make in the US?

Water plant operators in the US typically earn a median annual wage of around $50,000 to $55,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and certifications, with some operators earning over $70,000 annually in higher-paying regions or with advanced skills.
What cities are hiring for Intern Water Plant Operator jobs? Cities with the most Intern Water Plant Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Plant Operator jobs? The most popular types of Water Plant Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Intern Water Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Intern Water Plant Operator jobs include:

Water Plant Apprentice/Water Plant Operator I/Water Plant Operator II

City of Waco

Waco, TX

$19.36 - $28.59/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


City Of Waco rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary Water Plant Apprentice Starting Salary: $19.4000 per hour Minimum Qualifications: Required: H.S. Diploma or GED equivalent Valid Texas Driver's License Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued Class D License within 180 Days Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued Class C Surface Water License within 1 1-2 years Position Overview: Under basic supervision, performs a combination of basic and semi-skilled work in the operation and maintenance of the Water Treatment Plants (WTP) and related facilities for the Water Utility Services Department. Essential Functions: Assists in the operation and maintenance of WTP facilities and equipment; performs work in accordance with all quality standards, safety regulations and procedures; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level

Observes and monitors WTP equipment and process control system; cleans, maintains and adjusts equipment and components to meet WTP specifications; collects samples and checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions; maintains records of services performed. Maintains and repairs mechanical equipment and components and performs preventive maintenance as directed; maintains and adjusts equipment to meet job specifications and technical codes; checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions and identify maintenance needs; maintains records of services performed. May be required to respond afterhours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or City-wide emergency.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Complies with all policies and standards. Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.

Lives the City of Waco Values. Water Plant Operator I Starting salary: $28.2500 per hour Minimum Qualifications: Required: H.S. Diploma or GED equivalent and 1 year of treatment plant operations, mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and installation experience

Valid Texas Driver's License Class C Surface Water License from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Position Overview: Under general supervision, performs a combination of semi-skilled and skilled in the operations, monitoring, and maintenance of water treatment (WTP) facilities and associated systems for the Water Utility Services Department. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Water Plants Apprentice by the performance of the full range of duties assigned, including the ability to operate the plant without supervision. Employees at this level will still receive frequent instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and will be fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Essential Functions: Assists in the operation and maintenance of WTP facilities and equipment; performs work in accordance with all quality standards, safety regulations and procedures, and maintaining records of services performed; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level. Observes and monitors WTP operations, equipment, and process control systems; including, but not limited to, cleaning, maintaining, reading, and interpreting plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, manuals, and other instrumentation; operates and adjusts treatment processes, chemicals, pumps, valves, motors, and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations; receive and unload chemical or other deliveries; troubleshoot treatment issues and communicate to supervisors. Maintains and repairs mechanical equipment and components and performs preventive maintenance as directed; maintains and adjusts equipment to meet job specifications and technical codes; checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions and identify maintenance needs; maintains records of services performed.

Operate various WTP lab and mechanical equipment including vehicles, heavy equipment, forklifts, lawnmowers, screens, dewatering equipment, hand tools and power tools, filters, mop, buffer, spray painter, grease gun, and various office equipment. Performs shiftwork and may be required to respond after-hours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or City-wide emergency. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Complies with all policies and standards. Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information. Lives the City of Waco Values.

Water Plant Operator II Starting Salary: $30.9700 per hour Minimum Qualifications: Required: H.S. Diploma or GED equivalent and 3 years of treatment plant operations, mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and installation experience. Valid Texas Driver's License Class B Surface Water License from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Position Overview: Under basic supervision, performs a combination of basic and semi-skilled work in the operation and maintenance of the Water Treatment Plants (WTP) and related facilities for the Water Utility Services Department

Employees within this class are distinguished from the Water Plant Operator I by the performance of the full range of duties assigned, including the ability to operate the plant without supervision and train Apprentice employees. Employees at this level will receive minimal instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and will be fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Essential Functions: Assists in the operation of WTP facilities and equipment; performs work in accordance with all quality standards, safety regulations and procedures; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level.

Observes and monitors WTP equipment and process control system; cleans, maintains and adjusts equipment and components to meet WTP specifications; collects samples and checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions; maintains records of services performed. Maintains and repairs mechanical equipment and components and performs preventive maintenance as directed; maintains and adjusts equipment to meet job specifications and technical codes; checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions and identify maintenance needs; maintains records of services performed. May be required to respond afterhours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or City-wide emergency.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Complies with all policies and standards. Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.

Lives the City of Waco Values.


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