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Senior Water Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Newton, NC

Water Plant Operator

Newton, NC · On-site

$20.53 - $25.66/hr

Water Plant Operator C - $18.6189 - $22.3785/hr Water Plant Operator B - $19.5574 - $24.4468/hr Water Plant Operator A - $20.5306 - $25.6633/hr Eligible for probationary increases up to 5% in the ...

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Water Plant Operator

Louisburg, KS

Water Plant Operator Job Classification: Non-exempt, Full-Time Reporting Relationship: Water Plant Supervisor Work Location: Louisburg, KS Under the supervision of the Water Plant Supervisor, Water ...

City of Newton

$18.81/hr

Work of the water plant operator is differentiated by the level of state certification (C is lowest and A is highest), length of experience and broader knowledge and responsibilities of plant ...

City of Riverdale

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Water Plant Operator

Riverdale, ND · On-site

Water Plant Operator Location: Riverdale, North Dakota - Near Lake Sakakawea Salary: Negotiable, based on experience and certifications Employment Type: Full-Time Position Overview The City of ...

County of Anson

Water Plant Operator

Lilesville, NC · On-site

$34K - $59K/yr

Water Plant Operator Salary Grade 60 Hiring Range: $34,356 - $59,589 General Description of Duties To produce safe and clean water for Anson County. Employees in this classification perform ...

Anson County NC

Water Plant Operator

Lilesville, NC · On-site

$34K - $59K/yr

Water Plant Operator Salary Grade 60 Hiring Range: $34,356 - $59,589 General Description of Duties To produce safe and clean water for Anson County. Employees in this classification perform ...

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Senior Water Plant Operator information

See salary details

$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior water plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior water plant operator in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectSenior Water Plant OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires state certification and additional experienceRequires state certification, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentSupervises operations, oversees staff, manages complex systemsOperates and monitors water treatment equipment
Job ResponsibilitiesAdvanced troubleshooting, staff training, system optimizationRoutine operation, maintenance, and monitoring of water treatment processes

The main difference is that a Senior Water Plant Operator has more experience, supervisory duties, and handles complex system management, while a Water Treatment Plant Operator focuses on daily operational tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and work in water treatment facilities, but the senior position involves leadership and oversight responsibilities.

Is being a senior water plant operator a good job?

A senior water plant operator is a skilled position responsible for managing water treatment processes, ensuring water quality, and maintaining equipment. It typically requires certifications and involves working in a plant environment, often with shift work. The role offers stable employment and opportunities for advancement in the water utility industry.

How much do senior water plant operators make in the US?

Senior water plant operators in the US typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the water treatment facility. They often hold certifications such as a Water Treatment Operator license and work full-time shifts, including nights and weekends.
More about Senior Water Plant Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Water Plant Operator jobs? Cities with the most Senior 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 Senior Water Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Water Plant Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Water Plant Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Water Plant Operator jobs are:
Senior Water Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Water Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Water Plant Operator

City of Newton, NC

Newton, NC • On-site

$20.53 - $25.66/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Newton, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00278
Department: Public Works-Water Trtmnt Plant
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Job Details: Depending on experience and qualifications the hiring range will be as follows: Water Plant Operator C - $18.6189 - $22.3785/hr Water Plant Operator B - $19.5574 - $24.4468/hr Water Plant Operator A - $20.5306 - $25.6633/hr Eligible for probationary increases up to 5% in the first 6 months.
Disclaimer: The City of Newton is a tobacco and drug free workplace. Applicants are subject to pre-employment drug and background screening. Equal Opportunity Employer
Description
Primary Reason Why Classification Exists
To perform technical and skilled manual work in the operation and maintenance of a municipal water treatment plant
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class is responsible for monitoring and treating the city's drinking water and water supply in the water treatment plant. Emphasis of the work is on performing routine tests to ensure optimum quality of water and efficient operation of the plant. Work includes conducting hourly rounds of the plant, maintaining records, performing tests on water and plant systems, adding required chemicals to water, troubleshooting mechanical problems, assisting customers, and performing related duties. Work of the water plant operator is differentiated by the level of state certification (C is lowest and A is highest), length of experience and broader knowledge and responsibilities of plant operations, and ability to lead and train other plant personnel. Work is performed under the supervision of a Chief Water Plant Operator or Water Plant Superintendent and is evaluated for quality of water produced, accuracy in tests performed, documentation of records, and efficient plant operations.
Illustrative Examples of Work
  • Makes hourly tours of plant to inspect operations; reads and documents gauge and meter readings and calibrations; adjusts chemical feed rates of equipment; ensures meters and pumps are functioning properly
  • Collects water samples and performs tests; inspects water plant equipment and biological and chemical systems for proper operation; reports needs for equipment repairs
  • Performs test on filtered water to determine excess color and records results; conducts tests for turbidity in raw, settled, and filtered water, chlorine residuals in filtered water, alkalinity levels in raw and filtered water, and records all results; calibrates fluoride meter and tests fluoride residual in raw and filtered water and records results
  • Performs tests for coagulation, PH levels, and alkalinity; determines optimal chemical dosages; performs tests for titrations, Baume levels, settable solids, specific gravity, water hardness, carbon dioxide levels, dissolved oxygen, chloride, coliform, alum percentage, caustic percentage, fluoride level, carbon, chlorine, and colorimetric tests
  • Backwashes and rewashes filters using a backwash pump and fills feeder hoppers
  • Checks levels of alum, caustic fluoride, corrosion inhibitor, carbon, coagulant aid, and other chemicals and adds chemicals as needed
  • Replaces chlorine cylinders and regulates the flow of chlorine; calculates chemical dosage, average readings, and plant performance and records in log book
  • Performs routine preventative maintenance and repairs to pumps, motors, and other mechanical equipment; reports equipment failures to supervisor for replacement
  • Performs associated work such as bulk chemical handling, grounds keeping, and housekeeping duties
  • Participates in classroom and on-the-job training to ensure knowledge level and eligibility for certification renewal is maintained
  • Provides information to citizens, vendors, or others who may need assistance with water plant operations
  • Performs related tasks as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a water treatment plant
  • Knowledge of state and federal water treatment and water quality regulations
  • Knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and necessary safety precautions
  • Ability to make decisions about water quality and water supply in the absence of a supervisor
  • Ability to detect problems in the operation of mechanical equipment and report those problems to a supervisor or the appropriate employee
  • Ability to conduct routine water quality tests and read meters and charts accurately, and record results
  • Ability to perform environmental science calculations and to keep detailed records
  • Ability to receive and carry out instructions provided by a supervisor

Requirements
Physical Requirements
This is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions. Vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring or testing devices, assembly of equipment, operating plant equipment including motor vehicles, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work performed, and observing general surroundings and activities
Education and Experience
Minimum education qualification for all levels is graduation from high school or GED equivalency. Some experience with basic laboratory bench work; prior experience in a water treatment facility is desired. Must have a North Carolina certificate at the Surface Water Operator "C" level or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Some high school or college coursework in environmental science, physics, and chemistry is desired.
Special Requirements
  • Valid North Carolina driver's license
  • Certified in first aid and CPR

Please visit our to learn more about benefits offered at the City of Newton.
01
Which Surface Water Treatment Certifications do you currently possess?
  • A- Surface
  • B- Surface
  • C- Surface
  • Operator-in-Training
  • None

02
Have you ever worked in a laboratory setting?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Please list all the science courses you have completed (for example - biology, chemistry, earth science or please list none if you have not completed any)
04
In the event that you're hired, would you be willing to attend classes and sit for State exams for water treatment certifications?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Are you available to work nights, holidays & weekends?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Have you ever worked in a quality control or quality assurance position?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Please list all the math courses you have completed (for example - geometry, algebra I or II, statistics, calculus or please list none if you have not completed any)
Required Question

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