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Treatment Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

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 ...

Description GENERAL The Lead Treatment Plant Operator is responsible for performance of on-site water/wastewater treatment plant operation and for the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall ...

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 ...

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 ...

$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 ...

Lead Treatment Plant Operator

Ocala, FL · On-site

$85K - $87K/yr

Supervises certified plant operators in the daily operation of the treatment facility. This position reports to the Plant Manager or designee. Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS -Plans ...

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

$53K

$85.5K

How much do treatment plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 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 skills does an STP operator need?

A Treatment Plant Operator needs strong technical skills, including knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes, equipment operation, and safety procedures. Good problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are essential. Certifications such as a wastewater treatment license are often required or preferred.

How much do wastewater operators make?

Wastewater treatment plant operators in Alabama typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific facility. Entry-level operators may start at lower wages, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher salaries and additional benefits.

How much do water treatment operators make?

Water treatment operators in North Carolina typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific facility. Entry-level operators may start at lower wages, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher salaries and additional benefits.

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.

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 role can be physically demanding and often requires certification and knowledge of equipment such as pumps and filters, but it is generally manageable with proper training and experience.
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:
Infographic showing various Treatment Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,962 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

City of Rocky Mount

Rocky Mount, NC • On-site

$20.45 - $37.29/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

DESCRIPTION OF WORK ** THIS IS A RE-POST, ALL PREVIOUS AND CURRENT APPLICANTS ARE STILL BEING CONSIDERED AND DO NOT NEED TO RE-APPLY** To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation 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 considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.

DEFINITION: This position is responsible for participating in the operations of the wastewater treatment plant and related facilities and systems. Incumbents may be hired at different classification levels, either as a Trainee (uncertified) or as a Grade 1 - 4 Operator (based on documented proof of the corresponding NC Biological Water Pollution Control System Operator Certification). While the level of certification influences the degree of required supervision and technical expectations, the core job responsibilities remain consistent, with expectations of proficiency, independence and technical mastery increasing at each certification level.

REPORTS TO: The Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator assigns work in terms of general instructions. NOTE: An incumbent in this position may be designated as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, I, II, III, or IV; based on level certifications. Certifications are obtained from the North Carolina Water Pollution Control System Operators Certifications Commission.

SALARY RANGE: $20.45- $30.68 per hour (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee) $21.48- $32.21 per hour (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I) $22.55- $33.82 per hour (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II) $23.68- $35.52 per hour (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III) $24.86- $37.29 per hour (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator IV) Hours: Standard 40-hour workweek with potential overtime. Shifts: Rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends. For a detailed breakdown of the work schedule, please see the "Work Schedule Requirement" section under Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS Operator- Trainee: Arrive to work on time for your shift Ability to learn the WWTP system Ability to understand the nomenclature of the equipment Ability to understand the meaning and purpose of the round sheets Ability to be trained on routine tasks within the scope of plant operations Ability to attend Grade I Class Ability to pass North Carolina WPCSOCC Grade I exam Operator I: Working with an entry level of proficiency, monitoring conditions and making required changes in operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency. Monitor conditions and suggest to Supervisor required changes in wet and dry end operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency with minimum assistance. Working with a level of proficiency, accurately recording all operational parameters to document proper procedures and regulatory compliance.

Working with a level of proficiency, troubleshoot problems maintaining equipment in good working order and minimizing downtime in operations. Perform various maintenance functions essential to the upkeep of the grounds, equipment and building. Adherence to following standard safety and housekeeping procedures to minimize risk of injury and to comply with the City, State and Federal regulations and guidelines.

Demonstrate color vision and normal/ corrected vision. Have normal since of smell and touch. Evaluates changing conditions and initiates suggestions to Supervisor treatment procedures to ensure continued effective plant operations.

Assists in tracking sufficient chemical and materials inventory to ensure continued plant operations. Constantly communicate with other team members and your supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned.

Operator II: Working with an increased level of proficiency, to monitor conditions and to make required changes in operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency. Monitor conditions and make required changes in wet and dry end operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency with minimum assistance. Working with an increased level of proficiency, accurately recording all operational parameters to document proper procedures and regulatory compliance.

Working with a level of proficiency, troubleshoot problems maintaining equipment in good order and minimizing downtime in operations. Ability to start up and shut down various pieces of equipment such as thickeners and tertiary filters. Perform various maintenance functions essential to the upkeep of the grounds, equipment and building.

Adherence to following standard safety and housekeeping procedures to minimize risk of injury and to comply with the City, State and Federal regulations and guidelines. Demonstrate color vision and normal/corrected vision. Have normal since of smell and touch.

Evaluates changing conditions and initiates treatment procedures to ensure continued effective plant operations. Assists in tracking sufficient chemical and materials inventory to ensure continued plant operations. Constantly communicate with other team members and your supervisor.

Performs other duties as assigned. Operator III: Working with a high level of proficiency, monitor conditions and make required changes in operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency. Monitor conditions and make required changes in wet and dry end operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency with minimum assistance.

Working with a high level of proficiency, accurately recording all operational parameters to document proper procedures and regulatory compliance. Working with a high level of proficiency, troubleshoot problems maintaining equipment in good order and minimizing downtime in operations. Ability to start up and shut down various pieces of equipment including the VPSA plant Perform various maintenance functions essential to the upkeep of the grounds, equipment and building.

Adherence to following standard safety and housekeeping procedures to minimize risk of injury and to comply with the City, State and Federal regulations and guidelines. Demonstrate color vision and normal/ corrected vision. Have normal since of smell and touch.

Evaluates changing conditions and initiates treatment procedures to ensure continued effective plant operations. Assists in tracking sufficient chemical and materials inventory to ensure continued plant operations. Ability to mentor the new Operator Trainees and teach system, nomenclature and processes.

Can acquire Backup ORC status Constantly communicate with other team members and your supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned. Operator IV: Working with an advanced level of proficiency, to monitor conditions and to make required changes in operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency.

Monitor conditions and make required changes in wet and dry end operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maximize plant efficiency with minimum assistance. Working with an advanced level of proficiency, accurately recording all operational parameters to document proper procedures and regulatory compliance. Working with an advanced level of proficiency, troubleshoot problems maintaining equipment in good order and minimizing downtime in operations.

Perform various maintenance functions essential to the upkeep of the grounds, equipment and building. Adherence to following standard safety and housekeeping procedures to minimize risk of injury and to comply with the City, State and Federal regulations and guidelines. Demonstrate color vision and normal/ corrected vision.

Have normal since of smell and touch. Evaluates changing conditions and initiates treatment procedures to ensure continued effective plant operations. Assists in tracking sufficient chemical and materials inventory to ensure continued plant operations.

Ability to mentor the new Operator Trainees and teach system, nomenclature and processes. Can acquire Backup ORC status Constantly communicate with other team members and your supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned.

**Work Schedule Requirement:** All roles require the ability to work a standard 40-hour workweek, with potential for overtime. Employees must be available to work rotating shifts-including holidays and weekends-according to the following schedule: Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM, and 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM and 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Operator- Trainee: 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.

Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. 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 N.C. Wastewater Certification or the ability to obtain N.C

Wastewater Treatment Grade I certification within 18 months of hire date. Operator I: In addition to the standard qualifications required for the Operator-Trainee position, candidate must possess a valid North Carolina Wastewater Treatment Grade I Certification. Operator II: In addition to the standard qualifications required for the Operator-Trainee position, candidate must possess a valid North Carolina Wastewater Treatment Grade II Certification.

Operator III: In addition to the standard qualifications required for the Operator-Trainee position, candidate must possess a valid North Carolina Wastewater Treatment Grade III Certification Operator IV: In addition to the standard qualifications required for the Operator-Trainee position, candidate must possess a valid North Carolina Wastewater Treatment Grade IV Certification. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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 interpersonal relations. Skill in oral and written communication. GUIDELINES: Guidelines include plant standard operating procedures, operators task sheets, the City Policy Manual, NCPDES requirements, and other state and federal regulations.

These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application. COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related plant operations duties. Frequent changes to environmental and plant conditions contribute to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to participate in the operations of the wastewater treatment plant. Success in this position ensures compliance with state and federal regulations. PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with other City personnel, co-workers, vendors, contractors, members of the state and federal regulatory agents.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services. SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES None PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, climbs ladders, and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work area can involve a working environment indoors, as well as outdoors, which could cause exposure to outdoor elements; proper environmental attire will be required. Some areas can have loud noise, active machinery, high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, airborne 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. Within a 12-hour time-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, wearing and using appropriate safety equipment.