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Senior Water Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Water Plant Operator

Akron, OH ยท 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

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:
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 LEAD

Lake Havasu City, AZ

Lake Havasu City, AZ โ€ข On-site

$31.91 - $46.27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description


**WATER PLANT OPERATOR LEAD**
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Closing Date: Open until Filled
OTF26-308
Salary: $31.91-$46.27/Hourly DOQ
Trainee: $28.71/Hourly
Grade: CP11
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Department: PW/Water Treatment
INITIAL APPLICATION REVIEW WILL TAKE PLACE TWO WEEKS AFTER OPEN. INTERESTED CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REVIEW WILL ONLY BE CONDUCTED IF NECESSARY.
Lake Havasu City is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Water Plant Operator Lead to join our Water Division team. In this essential leadership role, you'll oversee daily operations at our water treatment facility, guide and support plant operators, and ensure we continue delivering high-quality, safe drinking water to our growing community.
This is an excellent opportunity for a certified operator ready to take the next step into leadership, training, and complex system troubleshooting.
What you will do:
  • Lead and train operations staff in daily plant functions
  • Operate and monitor treatment processes, equipment, and SCADA systems
  • Perform lab testing and analyze water quality data
  • Ensure compliance with ADEQ and EPA regulations
  • Oversee preventative maintenance and coordinate repairs
  • Maintain accurate records, logs, and compliance documentation
  • Respond to emergency situations and participate in on-call rotation

TO VIEW DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION, Click Here
IDEAL CANDIDATE:
We're looking for someone who is:
  • A strong team player with excellent time management and communication skills.
  • Experienced in a lead position at a potable water treatment plant.
  • A natural leader who inspires others and builds strong community relationships
  • Exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and committed to excellence
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements for water quality.

REQUIREMENTS
  • High School Diploma
  • 3-5 years' experience in utility plant operations and maintenance, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Possession of Grade III Water Treatment and Grade IV Water Treatment Certification issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) at hire.
  • Possession of a valid Commercial Driver License Class B with a Tanker Endorsement is preferred.

The selected candidate who does not possess the required certification will be considered a trainee at the time of hire.
Position may also require one (1) or more of the following certifications depending on assignment:
Confined Space Certification.
Lock-out/tag-out
Forklift Certification.
Hazardous Materials Certification
Lake Havasu City offers an exceptional benefits package for full-time (FTE) Employees:
โ€ข Employer-provided Medical/Rx (EPO or HDHP)
โ€ข Dental/Vision
โ€ข Wellness Program
โ€ข Employee Assistance Program
โ€ข Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account
โ€ข Employer-Provided Basic Life Insurance
โ€ข Optional Additional Life Insurance
โ€ข Optional Insurance-Critical Illness, Hospitalization, Indemnity
โ€ข 11 Paid Holidays Annually
โ€ข Bereavement Leave
โ€ข Paid Vacation
โ€ข Short Term Disability
โ€ข Long Term Disability
โ€ข Opportunities for advancement
โ€ข Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
โ€ข Optional Deferred Compensation
โ€ข Tuition Reimbursement
โ€ข Service Awards
Additional Comments
Lake Havasu City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
Applicants for employment opportunities should be aware of the Lake Havasu City policies concerning the use of drugs and alcohol. These policies have not been altered by the passage of Proposition 207. The use of recreational marijuana is a violation of the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy. All positions within the City are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test. A positive result for drugs tested under the policy, including recreational marijuana, may be grounds for withdrawal of an offer of employment.
The City reserves the right to consider only the most highly qualified applicants. The succeeding examination processes may be required: training and experience, testing, panel interview, employment eligibility verification (EEV) requirements, personnel evaluation profile (PEP), polygraph test, background investigation, and alcohol/drug screening test. Appointment subject to successful background investigation and City-paid post-employment medical examination after offer of employment has been made.
About Us
Lake Havasu City sits comfortably on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu along the Colorado River border of California and Arizona. The city was established in 1963 by Robert P. McCulloch, Sr. as a self-sufficient, planned community.
Lake Havasu City is located on what is known as "Arizona's West Coast," just 3 hours west of Phoenix, 2ยฝ hours south of Las Vegas and 4-5 hours east of the Los Angeles area. As part of the northern and western limits of the Sonoran Desert, Lake Havasu City and the surrounding area feature outstanding biodiversity absolutely loaded with beautiful experiences.