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Sludge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Remove sludge and debris accumulation from tank bottoms and draft tubes * Install stop logs and operate trash pumps to drain MLSS channels for cleaning * Respond to sludge spills and assist with ...

Operates plant processes including primary treatment, activated sludge secondary treatment, sludge thickening, gravity thickening & blending, belt filter press & centrifuge systems. * Maintain and ...

Operates sludge drying facility; Monitors reclaimed water pumping station and tests chlorine residual; Changes flow charts; measures dissolved oxygen and temperature; Wastes the prescribed amount of ...

Waste Water Utility Operations

Lawton, OK · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Assure that sludge trains are running properly. * Maintain correct sludge inventory levels in the Sludge Tank, Clarifier, and SBR's. * Re-supply all chemicals for Wastewater tests. Keep all test ...

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Sludge information

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How much do sludge jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for sludge in the United States is $15.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sludge Treatment Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sludge Treatment Operator, you need a solid understanding of wastewater treatment processes, basic mechanical skills, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and relevant safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and teamwork are essential soft skills for efficiently managing plant operations and responding to issues. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and effective sludge processing, protecting both public health and the environment.

What are some common challenges faced by sludge treatment plant operators, and how can they be addressed?

Sludge treatment plant operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, fluctuating sludge characteristics, and strict environmental regulations. Staying proactive with routine maintenance, continuous monitoring of treatment processes, and staying updated with regulatory requirements can help manage these issues. Collaboration with maintenance crews and environmental engineers is essential for troubleshooting and optimizing operations. Additionally, ongoing training can help operators stay current with the latest treatment technologies and best practices.

What are sludge operators?

Sludge operators are professionals responsible for managing and treating sludge, which is a byproduct of wastewater treatment processes. Their duties include operating equipment that processes and disposes of sludge, monitoring systems to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and maintaining records of operations. They play a crucial role in ensuring that sludge is safely processed and disposed of or reused, helping protect public health and the environment.

What is the difference between Sludge vs Wastewater Technician?

AspectSludgeWastewater Technician
CertificationsOften requires CDL, OSHA, or specialized sludge handling certificationsRequires wastewater treatment certifications, such as CWEA or state licenses
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in treatment plants, handling sludge processing and disposalIn treatment plants or field sites, managing wastewater treatment processes
Job FocusManaging and processing sludge generated from wastewater treatmentMonitoring and maintaining wastewater treatment systems

While both roles are involved in wastewater treatment, Sludge specialists focus on handling and processing sludge, whereas Wastewater Technicians oversee the overall treatment process. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the industry.

More about Sludge jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Sludge jobs? The most popular types of Sludge jobs are:
What states have the most Sludge jobs? States with the most job openings for Sludge jobs include:
Infographic showing various Sludge job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,397 per year, or $15.6 per hour.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

U.S. Water Services Corporation

New Port Richey, FL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

U.S. Water Services Corporation is a well-established and diverse water and wastewater utility organization specializing in utility maintenance, operations, engineering and construction services. U.S. Water is a fast paced and rapidly expanding company headquartered in New Port Richey, Florida with a staff of over 950 plus employees in twenty states.

QUALIFIACTIONS:

  • Must have active Class B or higher Wastewater Operator License issued by Florida Department of Environmental Protection
  • Must have valid driver's license
  • 1 plus years of experience

Essential- Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Operates plant equipment such as aerators, filters, pumps, lift stations, instrumentation, motors, chemical feed systems, blowers, mixers, generators, lighting, chlorinators, comminutors, bar screens, flow splitter boxes, storage tanks, meters, air compressors, air distribution systems, timers, controls, sludge dewatering equipment, valves, contact chambers, wells, surge tanks, and other similarly related plant components and equipment.
  • Adjusts plant equipment to achieve the best possible treatment results and to maintain compliance with the plant operating permit,
  • Responds to emergency calls, as required to take corrective operation action or to assist company or client personnel in performing corrective actions.
  • Operates facility effluent disposal systems in accordance with plant operating permit and operating protocol.
  • Maintains required solids inventory to achieve the best possible treatment. Controls wasting rates, digester loading, lime stabilization of residuals (when applicable) and coordinates residual hauling.
  • Provides oral and written reports to Project Manager
  • Maintains sludge records and reports

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Adjusts and maintains chemical dosages to ensure compliance with the facility operating permit and Oklahoma Administrative Code.
  • Provides daily checks of the wastewater facilities to document operational status and maintenance requirements and makes operational changes to ensure the processes are operated in a safe manner and compliant with ODEQ rules and regulations, and all effluent is compliant with the facility operating permit
  • Performs compliance sampling for required parameters for wastewater quality analysis, in accordance with facility operating permit.
  • Maintains on site complete and accurate operating logbook and records on wastewater facility in accordance with DEQ requirements.
  • Performs field testing to include, but not limited to, dissolved oxygen concentration, pH, settable solids, microscopic examination of activated sludge, alkalinity, ammonia, turbidity, and any other such field testing necessary for plant process control to maintain compliance with the plant operating permit, company or plant operating protocol and DEQ rules and regulations.
  • Performs calibration procedures on all field-testing equipment as per DEQ requirement and maintains calibration log on each field instrument as well as maintaining all equipment in good working order.
  • Calculate, maintain and record plant hydraulic and organic loading rates to include but not limited to waste sludge rates, surge loading rates, influent and effluent flow rates when applicable, tank transfer rates, and any other hydraulic loading rate within the control of the plant operator to maintain compliance with plant operating permit.
  • Perform plant equipment repair and maintenance to include repair of chemical feed pumps and injection points, lubrication of pumps, motors, blowers, drive assemblies, mixers, aerators, etc. Replace air filters on plant equipment, perform routine instrumentation cleaning and maintenance and report any required maintenance necessary to maintain efficient equipment operations and compliance with plant operating permit.
  • Perform general housekeeping duties such as, but not limited to, picking up and disposal of various debris and screenings, empty trash cans, washing down of basins, wet wells and other plant equipment, clean up any sludge spills and sludge splashing, netting treatable debris from tanks and keep walkways clear of obstruction and debris.

Additional Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Completes monthly reports and laboratory analysis prior to submittal to regulatory agencies.
  • Reports abnormal events and events resulting in noncompliance with the operating permit, DEQ Rules and Regulations, the facility operating protocol or Oklahoma Administrative Code in accordance with company abnormal reporting protocol.
  • Reports any unsafe working conditions to supervisor immediately upon discovery to the Project Manager
  • Performs other similar duties as assigned or requested.
  • Must be available from time to time to work scheduled or unscheduled overtime in order to satisfy plant-staffing requirements.
  • Assist Project Manager with Operator's scheduling and ensures adequate staffing levels needs are met at all times.
  • Ensures that the staff operators adhere to company policies at all times, and reports any failure to adhere

Compensation and Benefits: Pay is commensurate with experience and market-reflective. US Water/USW Utility Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short/long-term disability, paid time off, holiday pay and 401(k) with company match.

US Water/USW Utility Group offers competitive wages and benefits and is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.