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Wastewater Operator I Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inframark

Wastewater Operator I

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$19.75 - $27.50/hr

JOB FUNCTION/PURPOSE The Wastewater Operator I is responsible for operation and maintenance of equipment in wastewater treatment facilities. RESPONSIBILITIES * Operates a variety of equipment ...

Inframark

Wastewater Operator I

Downingtown, PA · On-site

$22.50 - $31/hr

JOB FUNCTION/PURPOSE The Wastewater Operator I is responsible for operation and maintenance of equipment in wastewater treatment facilities. Shift is 12 hour shift, 7-7 Rotating Bi-Weekly Days and ...

City of Santa Rosa

Wastewater Operator I/II

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$93K - $125K/yr

Wastewater Operator I : $93,809.00- $113,985.00Annually - For full s CLICK HERE Wastewater Operator II : $102,132.00- $125,392.00Annually - For full s CLICK HERE The Benefits of City Employment In ...

City of Santa Rosa

Wastewater Operator I/II

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$93K - $125K/yr

Wastewater Operator I : $93,809.00- $113,985.00Annually Wastewater Operator II : $102,132.00- $125,392.00Annually The Benefits of City Employment In addition to offering a rewarding work environment ...

Inframark

Wastewater Operator I

Edmond, OK · On-site

$19.75 - $27/hr

The Operator I is responsible for operation and maintenance of equipment in water or wastewater treatment facilities. The schedule will be Sunday through Wednesday, 7:30pm-6:00am. Responsibilities

City of Fairhope, AL

WASTEWATER OPERATOR I

Fairhope, AL · On-site

$18.50/hr

Wastewater Opening Date: 05/20/2026 Closing Date: 8/15/2026 11:59 PM Central FLSA: Non-Exempt Description Under the close supervision of a higher-level Operator, the employee learns the position of ...

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Wastewater Operator I information

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$15

$25

$38

How much do wastewater operator i jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater operator i in the United States is $25.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Wastewater Operator I do?

A Wastewater Operator I is responsible for monitoring and maintaining equipment at wastewater treatment facilities to ensure proper treatment of water before it is released back into the environment. Their duties include collecting samples, performing routine inspections, recording data, and assisting with basic repairs and maintenance tasks. They help ensure compliance with environmental regulations and contribute to protecting public health and local ecosystems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wastewater Operator I?

To thrive as a Wastewater Operator I, you need a basic understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, lab testing equipment, and safety procedures is important for daily operations. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient treatment operations and regulatory compliance, protecting public health and the environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Wastewater Operator I professionals during their shift?

As a Wastewater Operator I, you may frequently encounter challenges such as responding to unexpected equipment malfunctions, handling fluctuating flow rates, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Troubleshooting issues with pumps, valves, or chemical dosing systems often requires quick thinking and collaboration with maintenance teams. Additionally, maintaining accurate records and monitoring water quality parameters throughout your shift is essential, requiring attention to detail and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. Working in this role offers valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to learn from senior operators, which can support career advancement.

What is the difference between Wastewater Operator I vs Wastewater Technician?

AspectWastewater Operator IWastewater Technician
CertificationsTypically requires a state wastewater operator license or certificationMay require similar certifications, often overlapping with operator licenses
Work EnvironmentOperates and maintains wastewater treatment equipment, often outdoors or in treatment plantsAssists with equipment operation, sampling, and maintenance, often in similar settings
Job DutiesMonitoring treatment processes, performing tests, and ensuring complianceSupporting operational tasks, data collection, and minor maintenance

Wastewater Operator I and Wastewater Technician roles share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on maintaining wastewater treatment systems. The main difference lies in scope: Wastewater Operator I typically has more responsibility for operational decision-making, while Wastewater Technicians often support technical tasks. Both roles are essential in ensuring efficient and compliant wastewater treatment.

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What states have the most Wastewater Operator I jobs?

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Wastewater Operator I jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wastewater Operator I job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,624 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Wastewater Treatment Operator I, II, III, IV

Spartanburg Water & Sewer

Spartanburg, SC

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Wastewater Treatment Operator I, II, III, IV

WWT Operator I-IIUnder general supervision, operates the assigned waste water treatment plants in accordance with established guidelines, regulations, standards and rules ensuring the quality of effluent meets NPDES permit requirements. Reports to the Lead Operator.

WWT Operator III-IV

Under general supervision, assists the Lead Operator in the day-to-day operation of the assigned treatment facilities/programs. Assists with maintenance, process control, safety and training requirements for the assigned section of the WWT Department. Secondary responsibilities include special projects, and assistance with regulatory concerns. Reports to the Lead Operator.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

WWT Operator I

· High school diploma or equivalent and five to eleven months of experience in wastewater treatment principles and theory.

· Must possess a valid driver’s license and obtain First Aid/CPR certification.

· Must obtain Wastewater Operator Class "D" certification within two years of employment.

WWT Operator II

· High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two years of experience in wastewater treatment principles and theory.

· Must possess a valid driver’s license and obtain First Aid/CPR certification.

· Must possess a Wastewater Operator Class "C" certification.

WWT Operator III

· High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of three years of experience in wastewater treatment principles and theory.

· Must possess a valid driver’s license: Class B CDL (with tanker endorsement) is preferred.

· Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification.

· Must possess a Wastewater Operator Class "B" certification.

· Must obtain Biosolids/Residuals Operator’s Certification.

· Must be efficient in the use of computers and related software, e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

WWT Operator IV

· High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of four years of experience in wastewater treatment principles and theory.

· Must possess a valid driver’s license: Class B CDL (with tanker endorsement) is preferred.

· Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification.

· Must possess a Wastewater Operator Class "A" certification for more than one year.

· Must obtain Biosolids/Residuals Operator’s Certification.

· Must be efficient in the use of computers and related software, e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

Additional Requirements: The WWT Operator Trainee must be willing to work towards advancement through Biological Wastewater progressions (e.g. Trainee D to C to B to A) in a scheduled time frame.