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Wastewater Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veolia

Wastewater Operator

Crockett, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Train and mentor junior staff or trainees as required. Work Environment: * Work is performed in ... Valid California SWRCB Wastewater Operator Certification. Physical Requirements: * This position ...

Aquaamerica

Operator Trainee

Beaver Falls, PA

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... Aqua has an opening for a Wastewater Operator Trainee to work at the Beaver Falls wastewater system.

Veolia Environnement SA

Wastewater Operator

Crockett, CA

$37 - $43/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Train and mentor junior staff or trainees as required. Work Environment: * Work is performed in ... Valid California SWRCB Wastewater Operator Certification. Physical Requirements: * This position ...

Veolia Environnement SA

Wastewater Operator

Crockett, CA · On-site

$37 - $43/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Train and mentor junior staff or trainees as required. Work Environment: * Work is performed in ... Valid California SWRCB Wastewater Operator Certification. Physical Requirements: * This position ...

Aquaamerica

Facility Operator Trainee

Richmond, VA · On-site

$38.11/hr

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... Facility Operator Trainee Entry Rate: $23.52/hr 12-Month Rate: $24.52/hr 24-Month Rate: $25.52/hr ...

Aquaamerica

Facility Operator Trainee

Avon, IN

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... We have a great opportunity for a Facility Operator Trainee . This role is under the direction of ...

City of Eustis

Wastewater Operator C

Eustis, FL

$20.87/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

Oversees and trains Operator Trainees, when required; Reviews and maintains records and reports ... Wastewater Department - drives and operates sludge truck Performs other related duties, as required.

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Wastewater Operator Trainee information

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How much do wastewater operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater operator trainee in the United States is $25.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.
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What states have the most Wastewater Operator Trainee jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wastewater Operator Trainee jobs include:

Wastewater Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wastewater Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,224 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Treatment Plant Operator Trainee I

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description


Essential Functions:
  • Support 24/7 operations.
  • As a trainee, operate, maintain, and adjust process systems and a variety of pumps, blowers, compressors, conveyors, sludge controls, air diffusers, filters, tanks, collectors, chemical equipment, mixer valves, incinerators, and other mechanical, instrumentation, computer process controls and electrical equipment.
  • Take samples of wastewater and other process flows and perform basic wastewater laboratory analysis.
  • Clean plant units such as bar screens, communutors, grit removal units, heat exchangers, aeration tanks, and equipment chlorinators, sludge pumps and pipe galleries.
  • Replenish chemical solution tanks, unloads chemicals, perform routine plant maintenance and cleaning work.
  • Operate electrical and computer controls, as needed.
  • Keep records.
  • Assist plant's trades employees.
  • Replenish chemical solution tanks.
  • Unload chemicals.
  • Perform routine plant maintenance and cleaning work.
  • Meet requirements of the Wastewater Operator Training Program.

Additional Responsibilities:
Perform related work as required or as delegated by Senior Operators, Team Leaders, and Supervisor.
Qualifications
Training and Experience:
  • Graduation from high school, equivalent, or vocational school PLUS basic knowledge in the operation and maintenance of mechanical equipment.
  • Must be able to obtain a Missouri Class "D" wastewater treatment operator's license within 1 year of placement in this position.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Some knowledge of the operation and maintenance of pumps, motors, and related electrical and mechanical equipment.
  • Ability to use common hand tools effectively.
  • Working knowledge of safe work practices.
  • Ability to take accurate readings, keep records, logs, and make reports.
  • Ability to learn quickly and follow prescribed routines.
  • Ability to read, comprehend, and pass exams given on wastewater training program materials and manuals.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
  • Missouri Class "D" Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's license must be obtained prior to progression to Treatment Plant Operator Trainee III.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state in which the employee resides.
  • Pursuant to MSD's "Substance Abuse Policy and Procedures," this position has been designated as safety sensitive, and candidate must pass a Non-D.O.T. Drug Test for this position. Employees occupying this position are not subject to Federal (D.O.T.) Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations
  • Employees of MSD must have a meets expectations.

Physical DemandsWork Environment
About Us
The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District provides comprehensive wastewater and storm water management services to residents and businesses in both St. Louis City and County. As one of the most recognized employers in the region and a fixture in the downtown area, MSD employs over 900 individuals in a wide-range of roles including skilled crafts and laborers, engineering, information technology, finance, human resources and administration support. We invite you to be part of the team!

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