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Solids Control Operator Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Solids Control Operator information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$11

$23

$37

How much do solids control operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for solids control operator in Pittsburgh, PA is $23.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.89 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Solids Control Operator job?

A Solids Control Operator is responsible for managing and maintaining equipment that separates drilling fluids from solid waste during drilling operations. They operate centrifuges, shakers, and other filtration systems to ensure efficient drilling fluid recycling and minimize waste. Their role helps maintain drilling efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Operators also perform equipment maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and monitor fluid properties to optimize the process. This position is crucial in the oil and gas industry for cost reduction and environmental protection.

What does a typical workday look like for a Solids Control Operator?

A typical day for a Solids Control Operator involves monitoring and maintaining equipment such as shale shakers, centrifuges, and mud cleaners to ensure optimal separation of solids from drilling fluids. You’ll conduct regular inspections, troubleshoot mechanical issues, and report performance data to supervisors, often while working outdoors in varied weather conditions. Collaboration with rig crews and drilling engineers is common, as you help maintain fluid properties essential to the drilling process. Shift work, including nights and weekends, is frequent in this role, so flexibility and a strong commitment to safety are vital.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Solids Control Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solids Control Operator, you need a solid understanding of drilling fluid systems, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional safety certifications often preferred. Experience operating centrifuges, shakers, desanders, and knowledge of SCADA systems are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe and efficient drilling operations, minimize equipment downtime, and help maintain environmental compliance on drilling sites.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solids Control Operator jobs in Pittsburgh, PA? The most popular types of Solids Control Operator jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
What job categories do people searching Solids Control Operator jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Solids Control Operator jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
Infographic showing various Solids Control Operator job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,750 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Energy Innovation Center Institute

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

**PROGRAM IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. PLEASE CONTINUE TO APPLY. CLASS WILL BE SCHEDULED BASED ON APPLICANT INTEREST. THANK YOU.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification Job DescriptionPosition Summary
The Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting water and wastewater treatment systems to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant plant operations. This position supports the protection of public health and the environment by maintaining treatment processes, performing routine testing, documenting operational data, and responding to equipment or process issues in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Operate and monitor water and wastewater treatment plant equipment, including pumps, motors, valves, filters, clarifiers, aerators, blowers, chemical feed systems, disinfection equipment, and related control systems.
  • Monitor plant processes using gauges, meters, laboratory results, visual inspections, SCADA systems, and other operating data.
  • Collect water and wastewater samples and perform routine laboratory tests, such as pH, chlorine residual, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, and other process-control measurements as required.
  • Adjust chemical feed rates, flow rates, equipment settings, and treatment processes to maintain compliance with operating standards and permit requirements.
  • Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, minor repairs, calibration, cleaning, and housekeeping of plant facilities and equipment.
  • Maintain accurate daily logs, operating reports, laboratory records, maintenance records, and regulatory documentation.
  • Identify equipment malfunctions, process abnormalities, safety concerns, and operational issues; report or correct problems in a timely manner.
  • Follow standard operating procedures, safety practices, confined space procedures, chemical handling requirements, and emergency response protocols.
  • Assist with sludge handling, solids processing, equipment start-up and shutdown, and other plant operational tasks as assigned.
  • Respond to alarms, emergencies, after-hours calls, weekends, holidays, and rotating shift assignments as required.
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED required; technical coursework in water treatment, wastewater treatment, environmental science, chemistry, biology, mechanical systems, or a related field is preferred.
  • Valid driver's license required; commercial driver's license may be required depending on employer needs.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain the required state water and/or wastewater treatment plant operator certification within the timeframe established by the employer or regulatory agency.
  • Previous experience in water treatment, wastewater treatment, utilities, mechanical maintenance, laboratory testing, or industrial operations is preferred but not always required for entry-level positions.
  • Ability to read and understand operating manuals, safety procedures, permits, technical instructions, gauges, meters, maps, and process-control data.
  • Ability to pass required background checks, physical exams, and drug screening, if applicable.
Certification Requirements
The employee must obtain and maintain the appropriate Water Treatment Plant Operator and/or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification required by the state regulatory authority for the facility's classification, treatment process, and system size. Certification level, subclass, testing requirements, continuing education, and renewal requirements may vary by state and by facility. The employer may require certification at hire or may allow an entry-level operator to obtain certification within a specified period after employment.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of basic water and wastewater treatment processes, laboratory testing, chemical safety, and mechanical equipment operation.
  • Skill in observing process conditions, interpreting data, troubleshooting routine problems, and making sound operational adjustments.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare routine reports clearly and on time.
  • Ability to work independently, follow instructions, communicate effectively, and coordinate with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and regulatory personnel.
  • Mechanical aptitude and ability to use hand tools, power tools, meters, safety equipment, and basic computer systems.
  • Commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and reliable public service.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
Work is performed in treatment plant, laboratory, mechanical, and outdoor environments. The position may require standing, walking, climbing stairs or ladders, lifting, bending, reaching, working near moving mechanical parts, working in varying weather conditions, and exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, confined spaces, electrical hazards, and wet or slippery surfaces. Personal protective equipment and adherence to safety procedures are required.Preferred Qualifications
  • Current state water or wastewater operator certification.
  • Experience operating SCADA or computerized plant control systems.
  • Experience with preventive maintenance, pumps, motors, valves, chemical feed systems, and process-control equipment.
  • Knowledge of regulatory reporting, permit compliance, and sample collection procedures.
  • Commercial driver's license, equipment operation experience, or additional safety certifications, if required by the employer.

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