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Wastewater Operator I Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wastewater Operator

Carmel, NY ยท On-site

$20 - $23/hr

JOB FUNCTION/PURPOSE The Wastewater Operator I is responsible for operation and maintenance of equipment in wastewater treatment facilities. Salary range - $20.00-$23.00 hr depending on level of ...

Wastewater Operator

Kingfisher, OK ยท On-site

$17.50 - $24.25/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 ...

Wastewater Operator

Lewes, DE ยท On-site

$21.50 - $29.75/hr

JOB FUNCTION/PURPOSE The Wastewater Operator I is responsible for operation and maintenance of equipment in wastewater treatment facilities. A Wastewater license would be beneficial but not required ...

Wastewater Operator

Elkton, MD ยท On-site

$21 - $29/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 ...

Water/Wastewater Operator I

Harrisburg, PA ยท On-site

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

The Harrisburg office is looking for a Wastewater Operator I responsible for providing operations and maintenance services for potable water and wastewater treatment systems as part of a circuit ...

Wastewater Operator

Parkston, SD ยท On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

The City of Parkston is accepting applications for part-time water and wastewater operator. Duties ... Must have Wastewater Treatment 1 & 2, Wastewater Collection 1 & 2 and Water Distribution I Wage ...

Water/Wastewater Operator I

Harrisburg, PA ยท On-site

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

The Harrisburg office is looking for a Wastewater Operator I responsible for providing operations and maintenance services for potable water and wastewater treatment systems as part of a circuit ...

Wastewater Operator

Newport, OR ยท On-site

$18.20 - $22.39/hr

As Wastewater Operator I, you will assist in the operation and maintenance of wastewater operations, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards. You will play a crucial ...

Utility Operator I or II

Elmhurst, IL ยท On-site

$30.35 - $46.27/hr

Operates equipment used in the water and wastewater division, including motors, pumps, bar screens ... Operator I performs necessary repairs based on findings identified. * Performs equipment ...

Showing results 41-60

Wastewater Operator I information

See salary details

$15

$25

$38

How much do wastewater operator i jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Wastewater Operator I job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% 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.

Water/Wastewater Operator I

SouthWest Water Company

Rhome, TX โ€ข On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

What We Offer:
  • Paid Time Off: Starting at 3 weeks annually along with 11 company-paid holidays.
  • Health and Wellness Benefits: The first day of the month after your start, you'll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well.
  • 401(k) Program with Matching Contribution: We offer a 100% match on contributions up to 4% of your salary, plus an additional 3% employer contribution.
  • Grow With Us: Professional development opportunities through training, professional certifications, and education allowance.
  • Additional Benefits: Other great benefits include company provided life insurance and Employee Assistance Program just to name a few.
  • Employee Resource Groups (ERG): ERGs are voluntary employee groups that form based on shared characteristics or backgrounds and are sponsored by the organization.ย 
Overview:
The Field Technician I performs routine checks of water and/or wastewater treatment systems; responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local rules/regulations. Assist in all areas of operations, maintenance, and customer service as needed for all facility systems within the company. Certifications required for the job must be obtained within the specified period of time.
What You'll Do:
  • Performs routine checks of the facilities; responsible for compliance with TCEQ or NPDES permit. Observes and monitors equipment and operations daily; assesses problems, diagnoses equipment failures; checks water well(s), lift station(s), treatment plants, etc.
  • Operates belt presses; ensures that facility is clean at all times - scrubs and washes down facility as required.
  • Orders supplies as needed in order to maintain inventory.ย 
  • May provide functional supervision of Field Technician in Training; establishes priorities, determines duties, schedules work, provides training as needed.ย 
  • Performs daily analyses of effluent samples; makes any adjustments necessary to keep facility within permit limits; sets up sampler for required regulatory samples.
  • Maintains daily log of data for EPA and TCEQ reports.ย 
  • Assists with scheduling and performing routine preventive maintenance on equipment.
  • Assists with water and wastewater line repairs, new line installation, other work as directed.ย 
  • Inspect and maintains pumps, motors, valves and other plant equipment in working order, troubleshooting problems as they arise.
  • Pull motors and pumps for repair, and fabrication of parts as necessary.ย 
  • Respond to and investigate customer service calls.

Reasonable Accommodations Statementย 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What You'll Bring:

Education: Requires knowledge normally acquired through attainment of a High School Diploma or GED plus job-related skills and technical knowledge of water and wastewater operations and maintenance attained by specialized course and on-the-job training. High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED)

Experience: Requires one year of directly related experience in water and/or wastewater system operations, maintenance, customer service, and prefer experience operating back-hoe and/or track-hoe equipment. One to two years related experience

TCEQ License: A class D Ground Water and/or Wastewater Certification issued by the TCEQ.ย 
The applicant must obtain a class D Ground Water and Wastewater Certification issued by the TCEQ within 1 year of accepting the position. Applicant must also obtain a class C Ground Water and Wastewater Certification issued by the TCEQ within 3years of accepting the position. Grade C or higher

Computer Skills: Basic computer skills and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel) preferred, attainable through education/training and/or on-the-job training. Microsoft Office Suite.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in and around wastewater and water facilities, both inside and outside. Worker is subject to adverse weather and environmental conditions, including temperature extremes, humidity and precipitation; noise and vibration from heavy equipment; exposure to physical hazards from equipment with moving parts, high voltage electrical equipment, hazardous chemicals, and bacteria in wastewater.ย