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Reverse Osmosis Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operator III

Elko, NV · On-site

$30 - $55/hr

The Water Treatment Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of ... Operate and monitor pumps, valves, piping systems, filters, clarifiers, reverse osmosis systems ...

Operator III

Nicholasville, KY · On-site

$30 - $55/hr

The Water Treatment Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of ... Operate and monitor pumps, valves, piping systems, filters, clarifiers, reverse osmosis systems ...

Operator III

Wasilla, AK · On-site

$30 - $55/hr

The Water Treatment Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of ... Operate and monitor pumps, valves, piping systems, filters, clarifiers, reverse osmosis systems ...

Operator III

Golden, CO · On-site

$30 - $55/hr

The Water Treatment Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of ... Operate and monitor pumps, valves, piping systems, filters, clarifiers, reverse osmosis systems ...

Production Technician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Operating and maintaining polymer printing process * Measure and cut membrane leaves from rolls ... Assemble and roll spiral wound reverse osmosis elements using printed leaves * Operate both ...

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We specialize in water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, whole-home filtration, water heaters ... operated. Providing a complete array of Whole Home Water Treatment Products and Plumbing Services

Maintain water levels in salt bins and operate reverse osmosis machines. * Assist in annual boiler ... Valid boiler operator license or certification as required by local/state regulations. Experience

Maintain water levels in salt bins and operate reverse osmosis machines. * Assist in annual boiler ... Valid boiler operator license or certification as required by local/state regulations. Experience

... owned and operated franchise since 1982, providing high-purity water solutions for commercial and industrial customers throughout the Southeast. From reverse osmosis and deionization systems to ...

... owned and operated franchise since 1982, providing high-purity water solutions for commercial and industrial customers throughout the Southeast. From reverse osmosis and deionization systems to ...

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Reverse Osmosis Operator information

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$13

$27

$49

How much do reverse osmosis operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for reverse osmosis operator in the United States is $27.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the main challenges a reverse osmosis operator might face during routine system monitoring?

Reverse Osmosis Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining membrane integrity, managing fluctuations in water quality, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Monitoring for fouling, scaling, or pressure drops is critical, as these issues can affect water purity and system efficiency. Operators must also ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, requiring strong attention to detail and the ability to respond quickly to alarms or abnormal data readings. Regular communication with maintenance and engineering teams is vital to promptly address any technical issues and minimize downtime.

Are water operators in high demand?

Water operators, including those working as reverse osmosis operators, are in high demand due to the ongoing need for clean water treatment and infrastructure maintenance. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as water quality standards increase and aging systems require skilled personnel, often requiring certifications and technical knowledge of treatment processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reverse osmosis operator?

To thrive as a Reverse Osmosis Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators quickly address issues and coordinate with team members. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operation of water purification systems.

Where do water treatment operators make the most money?

Water treatment operators, including those working as reverse osmosis operators, tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater industrial activity, such as urban or industrial areas. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the complexity of the treatment systems they operate.

What is a reverse osmosis operator?

Reverse Osmosis Operators are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment systems. They monitor system performance, conduct routine inspections, perform maintenance, and ensure water quality standards are met. Their duties also include troubleshooting equipment issues, documenting operational data, and complying with safety regulations. These operators play a crucial role in industries such as municipal water treatment, power generation, and manufacturing, where purified water is essential.

What is the difference between Reverse Osmosis Operator vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectReverse Osmosis OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsOften requires water treatment or specific RO system certificationsRequires water treatment operator licenses or certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial water treatment facilities, focusing on membrane filtration systemsMunicipal or industrial water treatment plants, overseeing entire treatment processes
Job FocusOperating and maintaining reverse osmosis systemsManaging overall water treatment processes, including filtration, chemical treatment, and disinfection

While both roles involve water treatment, the Reverse Osmosis Operator specializes in membrane filtration systems, particularly reverse osmosis units. The Water Treatment Plant Operator has a broader scope, managing entire water treatment processes. Both roles require similar certifications and work in water treatment facilities, but their specific responsibilities differ based on system focus.

More about Reverse Osmosis Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Reverse Osmosis Operator jobs? Cities with the most Reverse Osmosis Operator job openings:
What states have the most Reverse Osmosis Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Reverse Osmosis Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Reverse Osmosis Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,008 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Operator-Reverse Osmosis Operator (Taylor, TX) - Austin Industrial

Austin Bridge & Raod, LP

Taylor, TX • On-site

$19.50 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Austin Industries rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Austin Industrial delivers premier maintenance, construction, and soft craft services to leading industrial companies across the U.S. An industry leader for more than 60 years, we offer single-source solutions to our customers in the oil, gas, chemical, food, agriculture, power, and manufacturing industries. Our team of employee-owners, equipped with innovative technology and optimized procedures, helps owners optimize safety, productivity, profit margins, and cost-efficiency.

Operator-Reverse Osmosis

As a UPW-IWT Technician for our 24/7 Operations team, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining assigned ultrapure water and Industrial Wastewater systems including but not limited to: Multimedia Filters, Reverse Osmosis, Ion Exchange, Ultrafiltration, Acid Wastewater, Copper Wastewater, and Fluoride Wastewater systems in such manner as to ensure optimal facility operations.  The senior technician is expected to troubleshoot, to the root cause, highly complex issues and provide recommendations for resolution. 

Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. However, essential functions are as follows:

  • Monitor Equipment/Process: monitors equipment and systems in current state and proactively looks for ways to improve system reliability. Monitors the work of others in the area of responsibility to mitigate impacts to equipment and systems.
  • Teamwork and Communication: able to work well in a team environment and effectively communicate throughout organization
  • Perform equipment rounds and readings. Able to access all areas of the UPW-IWT systems including but not limited to equipment rooms, chemical areas (including containment bays), IWT catwalks, and cleanroom manufacturing areas.
  • Responds to equipment/system failures and performs initial troubleshooting.
  • Independently makes necessary adjustments to equipment and processes to return the system to normal operational status.
  • Perform ion exchange regenerations and RO cleans.
  • Assist in consumable replacements for UPW and IWT plants (filters, resins, RO membranes, etc.)
  • Creates, maintains, and adds improvements to operational SOP’s.
  • Creates, maintains, and adds improvements to the operations certification system.
  • Mentors and trains more junior Technicians on process and procedures
  • Executes improvement projects outside of normal operational duties to improve the area

Competencies/Experience Needed

  • Strong understanding of Ultrapure and Industrial Wastewater treatment processes
  • Demonstrates innovation by offering new solutions, designs, and measurements
  • Must have strong multivariable analytical skills
  • Ability to read and utilize complicated P&IDs
  • Strong knowledge of industrial practices of Water Treatment and Purification systems
  • Knowledge of health and safety regulations
  • Knowledge of basic record keeping techniques.
  • Ability to work shifts
  • Work independently.
  • Meet schedules and timelines.
  • Good communication skills with internal and external customers
  • Excellent organizational skills, ability to assess situations and set priorities
  • Strong problem-solving ability
  • Skilled in MS Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint
  • Flexible, Adaptable and team oriented
  • Experience with Siemens, FMCS and Honeywell SCADA systems
  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States. Austin is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.

Work Environment
All work is performed in an industrial environment.

Physical Demands

  • Work in FAB environment wearing a clean room suit.
  • Must be able to lift >45 lbs
  • Able to stand and/or walk for 10+ hrs daily, able to climb stairs
  • May perform repetitive hand and wrist motions and may sometimes have to twist and bend body
  • Vision – May be exposed to yellow lights, blinking lights
  • Able to discern audible alarms
  • Potential to work with materials which contain hazardous chemicals

Required Education and Experience

  • 2 years of college/technical school or equivalent related experience
  • Semiconductor or high-volume manufacturing experience preferred
  • Experience with Siemens, FMCS and Honeywell SCADA systems

Qualifications Required for this Position:

Must pass drug screen and background check, as condition of employment.

This is a fulltime permanent position.  There is no per diem and no relocation funding.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States.  Austin is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.

We offer excellent benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, and a matching 401K plan. We are proud to be a 100% Employee-Owned Company (ESOP)! To learn more about Austin, please go to https://www.austin-ind.com/our-company/who-we-are.  

Physical Demands:

The physical demands 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. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds and may frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Qualifications Required for this Position:

Education: no minimum education requirements.

Certification/License: NCCER Boilermaker certification, a Valid Driver’s License and TWIC Card

Experience: 3-5 years of Journeyman level experience.

Austin Industrial is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

  • See the “Know Your Rights” poster available in English and Spanish.

No Third-Party Inquiries Please

  • This Company does not accept and will not consider unsolicited resumes or any other unsolicited candidate information submitted to the Company or any of its employee-owners by staffing agencies, search firms, or third-party recruiters in response to a posted vacancy. The Company will not pay any placement fee(s) without a written agreement to do so (e., payment must be required pursuant to the terms of a written agreement). 

Accessibility Note

  • If you are a job seeker with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs or have accessibility concerns, please contact the People Services Teamat (877) 831-1217.

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