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Treatment Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Treatment Plant Operator at Lehigh County Authority in Allentown, PA , you'll take the next step in your career, leading plant operations and helping guide operators-in-training, while ensuring ...

As a Treatment Plant Operator at Lehigh County Authority in Allentown, PA , you'll take the next step in your career, leading plant operations and helping guide operators-in-training, while ensuring ...

Water Treatment Plant Operator Location: New Jersey Pay: $38.00 $42.25 per hour Schedule: Monday Friday | 7:00 AM 3:30 PM Parking: Free onsite Interviews: 1st Round Virtual | 2nd Round In-Person ...

As a Treatment Plant Operator at Lehigh County Authority in Allentown, PA , you'll take the next step in your career, leading plant operations and helping guide operators-in-training, while ensuring ...

Under Supervision of the Water Treatment Plant Supervisor, the Water Treatment Plant Operator produces bulk potable and non-potable water using mobile ROWPU and other water production equipment.

DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 25210 WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR description from the Service Contract Act (SCA) Dictionary of Occupations (DOT): Controls treatment plant machines and equipment to ...

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Treatment Plant Operator information

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$30.5K

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$85.5K

How much do treatment plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for treatment plant operator in the United States is $52,962.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a treatment plant operator do?

A Treatment Plant Operator is responsible for managing the daily operations of water or wastewater treatment plants. Their main duties include monitoring and adjusting equipment, conducting tests to ensure water quality meets safety standards, and performing routine maintenance on machinery. They help ensure that treated water is safe for public use or that wastewater is properly treated before being released into the environment. Treatment Plant Operators play a critical role in protecting public health and the environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a treatment plant operator, and why are they important?

A Treatment Plant Operator needs a solid understanding of water or wastewater treatment processes, basic chemistry, and mechanical aptitude, typically backed by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and maintenance tools is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for this position. These skills ensure the safe and efficient operation of treatment facilities, regulatory compliance, and protection of public health and the environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by treatment plant operators in ensuring regulatory compliance?

Treatment Plant Operators often encounter challenges related to maintaining compliance with strict environmental and safety regulations. These may include staying updated with changing standards, accurately monitoring water quality, and ensuring proper documentation of all procedures. Operators must be vigilant in detecting and responding to equipment malfunctions or process deviations to avoid violations. Team communication and ongoing training are essential to successfully meet compliance requirements and maintain public safety.

What is the difference between Treatment Plant Operator vs Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectTreatment Plant OperatorWastewater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires state-specific licenses or certificationsOften requires similar wastewater treatment certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates in water treatment facilities, handling drinking water or industrial waterWorks primarily in wastewater treatment plants managing sewage and wastewater
Industry UsageUsed in municipal, industrial, and environmental sectorsPrimarily in municipal sewage and wastewater management

Both roles involve operating and maintaining water or wastewater treatment systems, often requiring similar certifications and working in treatment facilities. The main difference lies in the focus: Treatment Plant Operators may handle drinking water or industrial water, while Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators specialize in sewage and wastewater treatment. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

Water treatment plant operators in the US typically earn a median annual wage of around $50,000 to $55,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and certifications, with some operators earning over $70,000 annually in higher-paying regions or with advanced skills.

Is a water treatment plant operator a hard job?

A water treatment plant operator's job involves monitoring and maintaining water treatment processes, which requires attention to detail, technical skills, and adherence to safety protocols. The work can be physically demanding and often involves shift work, but proper training and certifications can help manage the job's challenges.

Where do water treatment plant operators make the most money?

Water treatment plant operators tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for skilled workers, such as urban areas or states with strong environmental regulations. Factors like experience, certifications, and the complexity of the treatment systems also influence earning potential.

What cities are hiring for Treatment Plant Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Treatment Plant Operator job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Treatment Plant Operator jobs?

The top employers for Treatment Plant Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Treatment Plant Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Treatment Plant Operator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Treatment Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,962 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

BCRUA Water Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training / Treatment Plant Operator

City of Round Rock

Round Rock, TX

$44K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


City Of Round Rock rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description The City of Round Rock and the BCRUA are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Water Treatment Plant Operator at the BCRUA water treatment plant located in Cedar Park. This role is essential to ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the BCRUA's water treatment facilities. Depending on qualifications and experience, the position may be filled at either the Operator-In-Training level or as a certified Operator.

Ideal candidates will bring strong technical skills, a commitment to operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and safety. If you're looking for an opportunity to contribute to growth and success, we encourage you to apply. Examples of Duties Operator In-Training: The hiring range for this position is $44,720 to $54,080 depending on qualifications and experience.

Under close supervision, performs routine tasks to provide operational and general maintenance support at the BCRUA water treatment plant, and water distribution system. Performs in both operations and maintenance to develop competency in both disciplines. Assists with routine rounds of the facilities to monitor the treatment process and identify process anomalies or mechanical problems with plant equipment.

Assists in handling treatment chemicals as needed. Performs lab analysis and documents results in accordance with policies. Learns to perform and record the results of various laboratory tests to assess water quality and to determine optimal chemical treatment, such as pH, alkalinity, turbidity, chlorine residual, hardness, temperature, conductivity, and other related tests.

Monitors water quality by performing laboratory tests, observing continuous monitoring equipment and the computer system. Documents and reviews test and equipment results according to policy. Makes treatment adjustments as needed.

Learns to calculate dosages for various chemicals, and the purpose for which the chemicals are used. Assists with predictive and corrective maintenance on specialized equipment such as pumps, blowers, clarifiers, and valves. Assists with preventative maintenance tasks such as lubrication; changing equipment oil/fluids; and installing packing, bearings, and seals.

Assists with process control tasks such as basic flow control, sampling, basic laboratory testing, normal operations of pumps and blowers, and adjusting chemical feeds. Maintains plant operations and maintenance records using logbooks, databases, and spreadsheets. Treatment Plant Operator: The hiring range for this position is $49,920 to $60,840 depending on experience.

Monitors remote sites and BCRUA treatment facilities, located in Cedar Park, which operate seven days per week and twenty-four hours per day; monitors quality and operation of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Operate the BCRUA surface water treatment plant located in Cedar Park, producing a product that meets or exceeds state and federal regulations. Utilize the SCADA system and reporting tools to verify and optimize treatment.

Handles treatment chemicals as needed. Performs lab analysis and documents results in accordance with policies. Performs routine and non-routine maintenance on chemical feed equipment, pumps, motors and valves.

Troubleshoots equipment as necessary. Monitors water quality through laboratory testing and observation of monitoring equipment and the computer system. Documents and reviews test and equipment results according to policy.

Adjusts treatment as needed. Performs control room duties; monitors various city facilities using the SCADA system; responds to emergencies; uses trending and reporting tools to optimize system operations. Assist with on-the-job training of Treatment Plant Operator In-Training.

Troubleshoots and resolves mechanical and process failures; conducts routine rounds of the plant to monitor treatment process, identify and troubleshoot process, resolve anomalies or mechanical problems with plant equipment; and escalates more complex issues as necessary. Ensures plant processes are always operating within regulated parameters as mandated by State, Federal, requirements; reports out-of-compliance occurrences to supervisor and superintendent. Experience and Training Treatment Plant Operator In-Training High School Diploma or equivalent.

At least six (6) months of general work experience. Treatment Plant Operator High School Diploma or equivalent. At least one (1) year of experience in treatment plant operation or a similar position.

Certificates and Licenses Required Treatment Plant Operator In-Training Class C Texas Driver's License or ability to obtain before employment. Must obtain a Class D Water License issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within one (1) year of hire, if not currently holding the license. Possession of, or ability to obtain within three (3) years of employment, a Class C Surface Water license issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Treatment Plant Operator Class C Texas driver's license or ability to obtain prior to employment Current Class C Surface Water License issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).


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