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Treatment Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

myHR Partner

Treatment Plant Operator

Allentown, PA

$31.44/hr

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 ...

MyHR Partner, Inc

Treatment Plant Operator

Allentown, PA · On-site

$31.44/hr

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 ...

MalaceHR

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Annandale, NJ · On-site

$38 - $42.25/hr

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 ...

V2X

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.

City of Pharr

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Pharr, TX · On-site

$30K/yr

Join the City of Pharr's dynamic team as a Full-Time Water Treatment Plant Operator and dive into a rewarding career that makes a tangible impact in the community. This onsite position allows you to ...

City of Pharr

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Pharr, TX · On-site

$30K/yr

Join the City of Pharr's dynamic team as a Full-Time Water Treatment Plant Operator and dive into a rewarding career that makes a tangible impact in the community. This onsite position allows you to ...

Government of the Virgin Islands

$39K/yr

Under supervision (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I), general supervision (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator m, or direction (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Ill), performs a variety of ...

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Treatment Plant Operator information

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$30.5K

$53K

$85.5K

How much do treatment plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 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 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 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 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 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.

More about Treatment Plant Operator jobs
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:
What are popular job titles related to Treatment Plant Operator jobs? For Treatment Plant Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Treatment Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Treatment Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,962 per year, or $25.5 per hour.
WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

City of Rocky Mount, NC

Rocky Mount, NC • On-site

$20.45 - $35.52/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Salary: $20.45 - $35.52 Hourly
Location : Water/Sewer Services, 720 Albemarle Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600029
Department: Water Resources
Opening Date: 03/31/2026
Closing Date: 8/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Work Schedule: Rotating, 07:00AM to 3:00PM, 3:00PM to 11:00PM, 11:00PM to 07:00 AM, 7:00AM-7:00PM
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Range: 11
12
13
14
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
JOB SUMMARY :Responsible for assisting in the operation of the water treatment plants.
An incumbent in this position may be designated as Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, A, B or C; based on level of experience and certifications
Applicants without an active Surface Water certification will be designated WTP Operator Trainee.
SALARY RANGE:
$20.45-$30.68 per hour (Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee) $21.48-$32.21 per hour (Water Treatment Plant Operator - C) $22.55-$33.82 per hour (Water Treatment Plant Operator - B)$23.68-$35.52 per hour (Water Treatment Plant Operator - A)
HOURS: 40 hour workweek - possibly overtime. Shifts: Rotating Shifts to include holidays and weekends
JOB REQUIREMENTS
WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR/TRAINEE
  • Checks water samples for pH, chlorine, and turbidity to ensure best possible water for customers and to be in compliance with local, state, and federal standards.
  • Makes chemical adjustments as appropriate.
  • Washes filter to allow for best possible turbidity, iron, and manganese removal.
  • Records operational changes in log book.
  • Runs process control tests at treatment plants and dewatering facility.
  • Uprates and downrates plant to meet customer water demand.
  • Unloads chemicals into holding tanks.
  • Makes plant rounds to monitor operations.
  • Monitors tank levels throughout the system.
  • Maintains plant, including sweeping, dusting, and mopping.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR TRANIEE/(C,B,A)
Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Knowledge and level of competency are commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
  • Possession of a valid driver's license with an active and consecutive 3-year verifiable driving history. Driving history will be checked. (Must be able to be licensed in the State of North Carolina).
  • Possession of or ability to readily obtain an appropriate state-certified license for surface water treatment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS
WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE /(C,B,A)
  • Knowledge of water and wastewater treatment procedures and technology, chemistry, equipment, and process control.

  • Knowledge of computerized and automated system monitoring and control equipment, procedures, and operation.

  • Knowledge of federal, state, county, and city potable water, wastewater, and effluent quality standards and compliance procedures.

  • Knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding safety training and safe work practices.

  • Skill in the interpretation and application of federal, state, and local policies, codes, and laws.

  • Skill in analyzing problems and identifying solutions.

  • Skill in preparing clear and accurate reports.

  • Skill in establishing cooperative and productive working relationships.

  • Skill in setting priorities for competing projects.

  • Skill in performing mathematical calculations.

  • Skill in operating computers and other standard office equipment.

  • Skill in interpersonal relations.

  • Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
  • The Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES:
  • Guidelines include local, federal, and state water quality standards; federal, state, and division safety guidelines; and division policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY:
  • The work consists of related plant operation duties. Strict regulations contribute to the complexity of the position.

SCOPE AND EFFECT:
  • The purpose of this position is to participate in the operation of the Water Treatment Plants. Success in this position results in the provision of a safe water supply in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

PERSONAL CONTACTS:
  • Contacts are typically with co-workers, members of the public, public health agents, and fire personnel.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS:
  • Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:
  • Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
  • Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand
  • Hearing 1: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination sound.
  • Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
  • Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
  • Visual Acuity 2: Including color, depth perception, and field vision.
  • Visual Acuity 5: Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, operation of machines; using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes.
  • Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • The work is typically performed in an office, a water treatment plant, and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.

PROPER ENVIRONMENT ATTIRE WILL BE REQUIRED. Some areas can have loud noise, active machinery, high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confine spaces, heights and depths, fumes, air borne particles high pressure fluid systems, noxious electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, air borne particles, noxious gases, pathogens and various chemicals. Safety is of the utmost importance. The use of appropriate safety equipment will be mandatory in these areas to prevent hazardous contact.
Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, twist and bend at the waist, turn, kneel, squat, raise arms above shoulder height, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination when preparing reports and using a computer keyboard, have vision sufficient to read computer screens; printed documents and operate office equipment, have hearing in the normal range with or without correction. In an 8-hour period must be able to transport self across the facility, ascend and descend stair steps, lift objects up to 50 pounds from floor level to waist height, wear and use appropriate safety equipment.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.
Full time jobs are provided Benefits.
Benefit information can be found on the City's website
01
What is your highest educational degree obtained?
  • High School Degree of GED (Equivalent)
  • Associate degree
  • Baccalaureate Degree or Above
  • None of the Above

02
Do you possess a valid driver's license? (Must have a satisfactory driving history; driving record will be checked)
  • Yes
  • No

03
After reading the job description are you able to perform the essential functions of the position?
  • Yes
  • No

04
What is your level specialized training in this position?
  • No Experience
  • Apprenticeship only
  • Specialized Training in this position

05
How many years of comparable experience do you have in the major job requirements for this position?
  • No Experience
  • Less than 2 years of experience
  • 2 - 5 Years of experience
  • 5+ years of experience

Required Question

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