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Rural Water Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Operator I

Klamath, CA · On-site

$23.48 - $35.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Under the direct supervision of the Chief Water Operator, works to assist with the control, operation, and maintenance of small rural water systems on the Yurok Reservation. Operate ...

WI · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

Resource Monitor is a venture-backed technology company modernizing water management for America's small and rural water systems. We pair cellular water meters, assembled and programmed in-house ...

New

WI · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Resource Monitor is a venture-backed technology company modernizing water management for America's small and rural water systems. We pair cellular water meters, assembled and programmed in-house ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Rural Water information

See salary details

$20.5K

$61.2K

$130.5K

How much do rural water jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for rural water in the United States is $61,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rural water professional?

Rural water professionals are individuals who work to ensure safe, reliable, and accessible water services in rural communities. They are involved in the management, operation, and maintenance of water supply systems, including treatment and distribution. These professionals may work for local water utilities, government agencies, or private companies, and often perform tasks such as water quality testing, infrastructure repair, and community outreach. Their work is crucial for public health and the sustainability of rural areas.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a rural water operator?

To thrive as a Rural Water Operator, you need knowledge of water treatment processes, system maintenance, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a high school diploma and state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water testing equipment, and reporting software is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this field. These skills ensure safe, reliable water delivery and compliance with health standards, which are critical for rural communities.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in rural water management, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in rural water management often encounter challenges such as limited infrastructure, budget constraints, and the need to educate communities about proper water usage and conservation. Additionally, working in remote areas can make access to resources and technical support more difficult. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, collaboration with local stakeholders, and a proactive approach to maintenance and community engagement. Continuous training and support from government or non-profit organizations can also play a key role in overcoming these hurdles.

What is the difference between Rural Water vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectRural WaterWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater operator licenses, certifications in water systemsWater treatment operator licenses, certifications in water treatment
Work EnvironmentRural or small community water systems, fieldworkMunicipal water treatment facilities, plant-based work
Industry UsagePublic water supply for rural areasUrban and municipal water treatment plants

Rural Water professionals focus on maintaining and operating water systems in rural areas, often involving fieldwork and smaller-scale systems. Water Treatment Plant Operators work primarily in urban or municipal facilities, managing large-scale water treatment processes. While both roles require water treatment certifications, their work environments and system sizes differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Rural Water jobs?

Cities with the most Rural Water job openings:

What states have the most Rural Water jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rural Water jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Rural Water jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Rural Water jobs are:

Infographic showing various Rural Water job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,245 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Civil Engineer / Project Manager - Water and Wastewater

Cephas Consultancy Services Private Limited

Jacksonville, TX • On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Civil Engineer / Project Manager – Water and Wastewater

Cephas Consultancy Services Private Limited Jacksonville, Texas, United States

About this positionJob Id :CLI-45760-1Job Type: Direct hire

End Client Name: Confidential

Summary

A growing Texas civil engineering firm is seeking a licensed Civil Engineer / Project Manager to lead water and wastewater infrastructure projects from design through permitting, bidding, construction support, and closeout. This is a high-impact, direct-hire opportunity for an active Texas Professional Engineer who wants technical ownership, client visibility, strong earnings potential, and a long-term path toward leadership, ownership, or partnership. The firm serves rural water supply corporations, municipalities, and public-sector utility clients throughout Texas. Most current work involves water distribution systems, wells, elevated storage tanks, treatment plants, and related utility infrastructure.

What You’ll Do:
  • Review, design, and sign/seal civil engineering plans for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
  • Lead design work involving water distribution lines, wells, storage tanks/towers, treatment plants, and related municipal utility systems.
  • Prepare, review, and manage TCEQ submittals, permitting documentation, plan-review responses, and regulatory compliance activities.
  • Manage projects from planning and design through bidding, construction support, and closeout.
  • Develop bid packages, support public bidding processes, review contractor submissions, and assist clients during project execution.
  • Serve as an engineering point of contact for municipalities, rural water supply corporations, utility clients, boards, and other stakeholders.
  • Coordinate with in-house drafting resources and provide technical direction for project production.
  • Participate in client meetings, board meetings, field visits, site inspections, and travel throughout Texas.
  • Help build scalable engineering processes and potentially mentor EITs, junior engineers, technicians, or design staff as the firm grows.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Current, active Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Texas; ability to review and seal plans is essential.
  • Approximately 6-8+ years of progressive civil engineering experience.
  • Water/wastewater, municipal infrastructure, utility, or public-works project experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with TCEQ submittals, permitting, regulatory requirements, and approval workflows.
  • Experience with water distribution systems, wells, storage facilities, treatment plants, and/or related infrastructure.
  • Proven project-management experience, including engineering design, bidding, client coordination, construction support, and project delivery.
  • Working proficiency with AutoCAD or comparable civil design/drafting software.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Texas.
  • Strong written communication, client-facing, organization, and project-management skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting rural water supply corporations, municipalities, public works departments, or utility clients.
  • Background as a Municipal Engineer, Water/Wastewater Project Engineer, Civil Project Manager, Consulting Civil PE, or Public Works Engineer.
  • Familiarity with public-sector bidding, infrastructure funding, and board-level client interaction.
  • Interest or experience in business development and building client relationships.
  • Established Central Texas network, particularly around Austin, Taylor, Pflugerville, or surrounding communities.
  • Experience mentoring, leading, or supervising EITs, junior engineers, technicians, or drafting staff.
Why Join:
  • Base salary up to $, commensurate with experience.
  • Performance-based bonus opportunity of approximately 50%-100% of base salary; recent annual bonus performance has reached 100%.
  • Potential total annual compensation up to approximately $.
  • Hybrid flexibility, typically up to three work-from-home days weekly based on workload and project needs.
  • Health-insurance reimbursement model.
  • Company vehicle within approximately the first six months, including fuel and authorized personal use.
  • Laid-back, collaborative small-firm culture with direct access to leadership and meaningful autonomy.
  • Long-term opportunity to help lead and expand the engineering function, develop clients, and pursue future ownership or partnership.
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