ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Wastewater Operator I Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Beloit

Wastewater Operator I/II/III

Beloit, WI

$23.77 - $35.88/hr

Qualifications MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Wastewater Operator I 1. High School Diploma or equivalent 2. A valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record is required. 3. Class A Commercial Driver ...

City of Baytown

Wastewater Operator I/II/III

Baytown, TX · On-site

$36K - $45K/yr

Job Summary Join our team as a Wastewater Operator I/II/III and contribute to maintaining the essential water services in our community. We are looking for dedicated individuals with a strong work ...

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 ...

New

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWastewater Operator I Jobs

Wastewater Operator I information

See salary details

$15

$25

$38

How much do wastewater operator i jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wastewater Operator I, and why are they important?

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 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 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.

More about Wastewater Operator I jobs
What cities are hiring for Wastewater Operator I jobs? Cities with the most Wastewater Operator I job openings:
What states have the most Wastewater Operator I jobs? States with the most job openings for Wastewater Operator I jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wastewater Operator I jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wastewater Operator I jobs are:
Wastewater Operator I jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wastewater Operator I job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,624 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Wastewater Operator I/II/III

Wastewater Operator I/II/III

City of Baytown, TX

Baytown, TX • On-site

$36K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

City Of Baytown rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

351st of 693 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary : $36,316.80 - $45,406.40 Annually
Location : Public Works, 2123 Market St Baytown, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-00092
Department: PUBLIC WORKS & ENGINEERING
Opening Date: 05/06/2026
Job Summary
Join our team as a Wastewater Operator I/II/III and contribute to maintaining the essential water services in our community. We are looking for dedicated individuals with a strong work ethic and a commitment to environmental stewardship, who can effectively operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities. If you have a passion for ensuring water quality and are ready to advance your career in a supportive and growth-oriented environment, apply today!
Protects public health and welfare. Learns all aspects of the plant including maintaining equipment and cleaning clarifiers. Participates in training to learn wastewater plant operations and maintenance.
Duties
Wastewater Operator I
  • Participates in training of plant operations, equipment and grounds maintenance.
  • Participates in training of preventive maintenance of plant mechanical equipment.
  • Participates in training of laboratory testing, recording results, and reporting and monitoring all data.
  • Participates in cleaning of the plant such as clarifiers, bar screen area, and digester.
  • Participates in keeping the Treatment Plant compliant with the EPA's Risk Management Plan, and the TCEQ's Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan permits.
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Wastewater Operator II
  • Performs general plant cleanup and yard maintenance, checks and maintains equipment, oil or grease machinery, and wash down the plant on a daily basis.
  • Makes plant inspections, takes readings: totalizer, water meter, flow meter, and hour meters on various equipment.
  • Changes out empty chlorine and sulfur dioxide cylinders as needed. Changes out polymer.
  • Collects samples and runs tests on effluent, mixing basins, and clarifiers - DO, pH, CL2, 30 minute settling tests. Plant operations: waste solids, runs belt press, supernatant digesters, operates valves and pumps to transfer sludge from one place to another. Sometimes supervises operations.
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Wastewater Operator III
  • Collect and run daily/weekly samples and storm water sampling during inclement weather as required by TCEQ.
  • Ensure proper chlorination and dechlorination, clean clarifies, running of belt press. Makes plant inspections, takes readings: totalizer, water meter, flow meter, and hour meters on various equipment.
  • Prepare work orders, retrieve purchase orders to complete work ordered Acquire bids for work to be completed following HUB vendors list.
  • Complete monthly reports for water intake/output averages and weekly reports for daily averages.
  • Provide routine maintenance and groundskeeping as needed in the plant. Changes out empty chlorine and sulfur dioxide cylinders as needed. Changes out polymer.
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned.

We encourage continuing education, assist with testing for certifications, and reimburse for testing. We offer certification pay in addition to the hourly rate for TCEQ certs.
Minimum Qualifications
Wastewater Operator I ($17.46 - $21.83/hour DOQ, + Cert Pay)
Required:
  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver's license within 90 days).
  • Six months of related experience.
  • Must be able to obtain a Class "C" Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within 18 months from date in position.
Wastewater Operator II ($19.76 - $24.7/hour DOQ, + Cert Pay)
Required:
  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) plus specialized technical courses.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver's license within 90 days).
  • Two years of related experience.
  • Class "C" Wastewater Treatment Certification from the TCEQ.

Preferred:
  • Class "B" Wastewater Treatment Certification from the TCEQ.

Wastewater Operator III ($22.11 - $27.64/hour DOQ, + Cert Pay)
Required:
  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) plus specialized technical courses.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver's license within 90 days).
  • Two years experience in a paraprofessional related role.
  • Class "B" Wastewater Treatment Certification from the TCEQ.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Wastewater Operator I
Knowledge of basic math. Ability to keep daily records of operation. Ability to get along appropriately with co-workers and the public.
Wastewater Operator II/III
Knowledge of math. Ability to operate machinery, equipment necessary to run a treatment plant and keep records of daily activities. Computer literate in Word and Excel. Ability to get along appropriately with co-workers and the public.
Here at the City of Baytown, in recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you bring. We strive to provide a workplace where differences are honored, with a workforce that reflects the diversity of the people we serve.
Attendance is an essential function of this position. The City reserves the right to require an employee in this position to work overtime. This position provides services or performs duties for the benefit of the general public during emergency situations. These may include services or duties different from those performed in the usual course and scope of your job. In the event of an evacuation, the incumbent in this position may be required to remain to perform needed services.
Overall Position Strength Demands
Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
To promote health and wellness, we provide a comprehensive benefits program (listed below) to meet the needs of you and your family. Our goal is to help you live and work well - 365 days a year.
Medical
  • United Healthcare
  • Effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment
  • Annual Deductible (Network) $750 Indiv/$2,250 Family
  • In-Network Benefit 80%/20% after plan deductible
  • $50 co-pay (general visit)
  • RX - $10 Generic/$40 Formulary/$75 Non-Formulary
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and Dependent Care expenses
  • FREE virtual visits
Dental
  • Cigna Dental PPO & DHMO
  • Effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment
  • Preventative & diagnostic covered at 100%
  • Annual Deductible: $50/Indiv (Cigna PPO) - No annual deductible for Cigna DHMO
Vision
  • Superior Vision
  • Effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment
  • In-Network exam co-pay $10 & $25 materials co-pay
  • Frames: $140 Allowance - Contact Lenses: $160 Allowance
Holistic Health & Wellness
  • Employee Wellness Center offering FREE primary care medical treatment for employees & dependents on the Medical plan
  • FREE access to gyms, Shipt, and Walmart+ through our employee medical insurance
  • Gym partnership with Lee College Wellness Center & swimming pool for $58/year
  • Employee Assistance Program providing employees and their household family members up to 8 FREE counseling sessions per issue per year, legal and financial assistance, will generator tools, and more!
  • Sick Leave Pool providing participants additional paid sick time if accruals are exhausted.
  • SmartDollar: free online program providing tips and tools from Dave Ramsey for getting out of debt and building good saving practices
Retirement
  • Texas Municipal Retirement System:
    • 7% employee contribution with a 14% employer match
    • 5 year vesting
    • Retirement Eligibility: 20 years of service/any age - or - 5 years of service/at least age 60
    • FREE Life Insurance coverage up to 1X your base annual salary
  • MissionSquare 457 and 457 Roth IRA plans: additional voluntary employee participation
Disability Insurance
  • Equitable:
    • Long-term Disability: voluntary elected coverage. Pays 60% of monthly earnings up to $8,000 per month up to social security age, depending on the disability
    • Short-term Disability: voluntary elected coverage. Pays 60% of weekly earnings up to $1,000 per week for up to the first 13 weeks of a disability
Training and Tuition Assistance
  • The HUB Employee Training Center: we invest in you by equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to live out our Purpose and Core Values
  • Access to funding up to $1,500 per semester or $3,000 per year for tuition toward courses that are job-related or will enhance your work performance
Generous Paid Sick, Vacation, & Holiday Leave
  • 10 holidays per year and one personal employee day per year
  • 15 days sick leave per year
  • Starting at 10 days of vacation per year; up to 25 days per year
  • Sick and Vacation hours roll over annually up to the maximum limit
  • 15 days Paid Parental Leave

To explore all of the benefits we offer, please visit:
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree or higher
  • None of the above

02
Do you have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record? (Must obtain TX driver's license within 90 days)
  • Yes
  • No

03
How much related experience do you have?
  • Less than 6 months
  • 6 months - 1 year
  • 1 year - 2 years
  • 2 years - 3 years
  • 3 years - 4 years
  • 5 + years
  • None of the above

04
Do you possess a Class "C" Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)?
  • Yes, I have a Class "C" Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate from the TCEQ
  • Yes, I have the ability to obtain a Class "C" Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate from the TCEQ within 18 months of being hired in this position
  • No, I do not meet this requirement

Required Question

What City Of Baytown employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply