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Sludge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fills drying beds with waste sludge; removes dried sludge from drying beds utilizing a load and dump truck; cleans return sludge pumps; and rebuilds pump and mechanical seal in return sludge pumps.

New

WRF Operator III

Gainesville, GA · On-site

$41K - $52K/yr

Cleans drying beds; pumps sludge from the sludge boxes as needed. Assists with operations of the presses as necessary; fills in for absent operators. Performs other related duties as required.

Technician, Wastewater 3

Waddell, AZ

$21.50 - $26.25/hr

Perform basic and advanced laboratory testing related to wastewater process monitoring, anaerobic treatment, aerobic biological treatment, sludge quality, and process control. * Conduct routine and ...

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How much do sludge jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 is a sludge operator?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a sludge treatment operator?

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 challenges do sludge treatment plant operators face 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 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.

What can sludge be used for?

In the context of sludge management jobs, sludge can be processed and treated for use as fertilizer or soil conditioner in agriculture, or it can be incinerated for energy recovery. Proper handling and treatment are essential to meet environmental regulations and ensure safe application or disposal.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. 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 Plant Operator D

City of Union

Union, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Description:

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to operate a wastewater treatment plant. Operates electrical and mechanical process equipment; performs electrical and mechanical repair and maintenance duties; performs preventive maintenance of equipment and machines, etc. Reports to the Wastewater Plant Supervisor.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Operates plant electrical and mechanical process equipment: performs electrical and mechanical repair and maintenance at various plant sites, buildings, and appurtenances as well as to the plant grounds.

Performs preventive maintenance tasks, following schedule for inspecting, cleaning and greasing.

Replaces empty cylinders of chlorine and sulfur dioxide at plants: checks feed monitoring and regulating equipment and pumps; transports cylinders as needed; and rebuilds chlorinator and sulfinators.

Fills drying beds with waste sludge; removes dried sludge from drying beds utilizing a load and dump truck; cleans return sludge pumps; and rebuilds pump and mechanical seal in return sludge pumps.

Fills aerobic digester: adds polymers as needed to aid in de-watering sludge.

Performs various grounds keeping functions such as cutting grass at plants and lift stations; maintaining and cleaning plants; cutting brush; spraying weed killer; maintaining fences; painting; etc.

Conducts laboratory tests and calculations as authorized under applicable certificate.

Cleans building and lift stations: washes and cleans clarifiers; and changes oil in aerators.

Takes samples for Temp, pH, DO, Chlorine determination for BOP and solid test.

Assists City contractor with wastewater projects as needed.

Attends training and continuing education classes as needed.

Operates and utilizes various equipment, machinery and tools including a case loader, dump truck, tractor, lawn mower, weed eater, weed sprayer, air compressor, pressure washer, polymer feed, boom truck, mechanics tools, hand tools, carpenters’ tools, diagnostic instruments, etc.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.


Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

High school Diploma or GED required, with vocational or technical training in wastewater treatment or a related field; supplemented by one year of experience that shows an ability to maintain steady employment in any field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license. Must possess and maintain Class D Biological Wastewater certification.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to determine, calculate, tabulate, or summarize data/information, following a prescribed plan requiring the exercise of some judgment. Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to overhaul, restore, renovate, construct, and/or rebuild equipment, machinery, or objects, requiring adherence to prescribed standards and specifications. Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of the same equipment, machinery, and/or objects.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability: Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, odors, wetness, humidity, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, water hazards, disease, or pathogenic substances.

The City of Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.