1

Wastewater Operator Trainee Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Wastewater Operator Trainee information

See Utah salary details

$12

$23

$36

How much do wastewater operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater operator trainee in Utah is $23.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wastewater operator trainee?

Wastewater Operator Trainees are entry-level professionals who assist in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities. They work under the supervision of experienced operators to learn how to monitor equipment, collect samples, and ensure that water treatment processes comply with environmental regulations. As trainees, they gain hands-on experience and knowledge required to obtain certification and advance to higher-level operator positions. Their work helps protect public health and the environment by ensuring wastewater is properly treated before being released.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wastewater operator trainee?

To thrive as a Wastewater Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with monitoring equipment, SCADA systems, and the pursuit of relevant state operator certifications are typically expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills help trainees excel in this role. These competencies ensure safe and efficient facility operations, compliance with regulations, and protection of public health and the environment.

What are some common challenges faced by wastewater operator trainees during their initial training period?

As a Wastewater Operator Trainee, one common challenge is adapting to the technical complexity of plant operations, including learning to monitor and maintain various mechanical and chemical systems. Trainees often need to quickly become familiar with safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and emergency response procedures. Additionally, the work frequently involves shift schedules, including nights and weekends, which can require flexibility. However, with the guidance of experienced operators and structured on-the-job training, most trainees build confidence and proficiency over time.

What is the difference between Wastewater Operator Trainee vs Wastewater Operator?

AspectWastewater Operator TraineeWastewater Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma; may need a state-issued trainee or apprentice licenseRequires a valid wastewater operator license or certification
Work EnvironmentSupervised, learning environment at treatment plants or pumping stationsFull responsibility for operating and maintaining wastewater treatment equipment
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with daily operations, learning procedures, performing basic tasksManaging treatment processes, troubleshooting, and ensuring regulatory compliance

The main difference between a Wastewater Operator Trainee and a Wastewater Operator is experience and certification level. Trainees are in learning roles, often supervised, while Wastewater Operators are fully responsible for plant operations with proper licensing. Trainees focus on gaining skills, whereas Operators perform independent work to maintain wastewater treatment systems.

What cities in Utah are hiring for Wastewater Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Wastewater Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Wastewater Operator Trainee job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,453 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Wastewater Lift Station Worker

City of Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$23.57 - $31.04/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Position Title:
Wastewater Lift Station Worker
Bargaining Unit:
AFSCME
Job Description:
Reports to the lift station supervisor and/or lead worker and assists in the configuration, installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of pumps used in Salt Lake City's 72 Waste/Storm water lift stations and pump stations throughout the Waste/Storm water system varying in size from 1/4 hp. to 500 hp.; electric, diesel and natural gas engines and numbering over 190 pumps in the system. The pumps are critical to preventing backup of wastewater in customer's basements or flooding from storm runoff.
Position Salary Range:
  • $23.57 - $31.04

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • Paid vacation and personal leave
  • Six to Twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment
  • Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
  • A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  • Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
  • Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

IMPORTANT: Early application submittal is encouraged. This position will remain open until filled and may close at any time without notice.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Performs preventive and routine maintenance of lift stations including motors, re-packing pumps, replacing mechanical seals, shimming pumps, sonic systems, variable frequency drives, set point controllers, plumbing and all other related facilities, both inside and outside. Responsible for job safety, such as vehicle placement, flagging requirements, and use of personal protective equipment. Assists electricians and telemetry personnel on general job-related tasks.
  • Reports to crew lead workers and supervisors, progress and problems of crews and assigned programs. May discuss specifications and make recommendations to lead workers or supervisors.
  • Assists in implementing new installations of pumps and peripheral equipment, including piping, and concrete work. Knowledge and use of wide variety of pump parts including shafts, seals, bearings, impellers, wear plates, shims, lip plates, check valves and air relief valves.
  • Performs general maintenance on department lift facility grounds and buildings including painting, carpentry, roofing, siding, plumbing and concrete work. Plants and trims vegetation and perform landscaping. Knows and uses various landscaping chemicals and fertilizers. Maintains and installs various irrigation systems and controls. Operates various lawn care equipment such as string trimmers, edgers, blowers, push and rider mowers.
  • Uses and operates generators, portable pumps for bypass pumping, safety equipment such as lock out tag out, gas testers, A-frames, hand, pneumatic and power tools, airless sprayer, oxy-acetylene torch and drill press. Operates overhead crane and other lifting devices. motors, pumps, and trucks. Changes pumps and motors and hooks up portable generators in emergency situations. Periodically makes own tools. Operates equipment, snow removal equipment, plows, and other similar equipment as needed.
  • Assists with major projects and completes pre-assigned work orders with responsibility for accounting of time and materials.
  • Operates specialized equipment such as dump trucks, frontend loaders, forklifts, compressors and related heavy equipment as required. May operate backhoe in the absence of the lead worker or in emergency situations or for training purposes.
  • May perform the duties of a Wastewater Lift Station Lead Worker in their absence.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent and 1-year experience in water or wastewater system maintenance. Six months' experience as a SLC Public Utilities Department Wastewater Collection Maintenance Worker Trainee may be substituted for the foregoing experience requirement.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform heavy manual labor and lifting under extreme working conditions, in a confined area and in contact with untreated sewage.
  • Ability to fit through a street opening (manhole).
  • Demonstrated knowledge of wastewater/storm water lift stations or water pump stations maintenance and repair procedures.
  • Possession of a valid Driver's License or Utah Driving Privilege card.
  • Successfully complete a ten-year criminal background check to obtain an airport SIDA badge.
  • Possession of Wastewater Collection Operator Grade II certification or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Continuous pushing, pulling, or lifting heavy weights. Continuous difficult working conditions. Subject to year-round outside weather conditions and extreme hazards including continuous contact with raw sewage, biological, and chemical waste and toxic discharges. Exposure to electrical hazards in wet conditions.
  • Intermittent stress as a result of human behavior.

NOTE:
Persons employed in this position must pass a physical examination which shows the ability to perform heavy manual labor. Persons in this classification: 1) Are subject to callback and overtime. 2) Are subject to continual exposure to raw sewage and various types of disease.
3) Should consult with their physician on whether immunizations/vaccinations are advisable.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.
All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
POSITION TYPE
Full-Time
POSITION SALARY RANGE
$23.57 - $31.04
DEPARTMENT
Public Utilities
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
Scheduled Hours:
40