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Wastewater Operator Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem ... Evoqua - High Purity Water & Wastewater Commissioning / Field Service Engineer The High Purity ...

Vac Truck Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

We work with municipalities, wastewater utility contractors and engineering firms to inspect, clean ... As a Vac Truck Operator at Atakapa Services , you will play a crucial role in our operations by ...

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Wastewater Operator information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$15

$25

$38

How much do wastewater operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater operator in Decatur, GA is $25.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $28.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Wastewater Operator vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWastewater OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWastewater Treatment CertificationWater Treatment Certification
Work EnvironmentWastewater treatment facilities, sewer systemsWater treatment plants, drinking water facilities
Industry UsageMunicipal and industrial wastewater managementMunicipal and industrial water supply
Job FocusManaging wastewater processing and dischargeManaging drinking water quality and distribution

While both roles involve water management and require similar certifications, Wastewater Operators focus on treating and managing wastewater, whereas Water Treatment Plant Operators handle potable water production. Both are essential in water industry operations and often work in similar environments, but their specific responsibilities differ based on the type of water they manage.

What are some common challenges Wastewater Operators face during routine plant operations?

Wastewater Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment reliability, responding to unexpected system alarms, and ensuring compliance with strict environmental regulations. Adapting to changes in influent flow or composition, especially during storms or industrial discharges, can require quick problem-solving and teamwork. Operators must also stay current with evolving technologies and safety practices, making ongoing training an important part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wastewater Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wastewater Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, chemistry, and safety regulations, usually supported by a high school diploma and state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and mechanical maintenance tools is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork help operators manage complex systems and respond to emergencies. These skills ensure the safe and efficient treatment of wastewater, protecting public health and the environment.

What are wastewater operators?

Wastewater operators are professionals responsible for managing and maintaining the systems and equipment that treat municipal or industrial wastewater. They monitor, operate, and adjust controls to ensure that water treatment processes comply with environmental regulations and public health standards. Their duties include inspecting equipment, collecting water samples, conducting tests, and keeping detailed records. Wastewater operators play a crucial role in protecting water resources and ensuring clean, safe water for communities.
What are popular job titles related to Wastewater Operator jobs in Decatur, GA? For Wastewater Operator jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wastewater Operator jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Wastewater Operator jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Wastewater Operator jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Wastewater Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Wastewater Operator job openings in Decatur, GA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,355 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
DWM Wastewater Collection Operator III (D) (OLIO - Collections)

DWM Wastewater Collection Operator III (D) (OLIO - Collections)

City of Atlanta, GA

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


City Of Atlanta (Georgia) rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 663 rated public administrative organizations


Job description


Posting expires: July 10, 2026
Salary Range: $44,369 - $59,232
General Description and Classification Standards:
Operates rubber tire backhoe/loader, track backhoe, excavator, tandem, and/or dump trucks, front-end loader, track loader, bull dozier, excavator, low-boy tractor trailer, construction equipment and all other medium to heavy equipment as assigned. Transports to and from the motor transport facilities to support wastewater collection system operation and maintenance. Load, haul and unload equipment materials and supplies to and from worksites to complete jobs
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.
• Organizes truck for specific tasks so that work can be performed efficiently and in a timely manner.
• Performs for daily preventative maintenance and inspection on equipment to ensure proper operation use; such equipment may include dump trucks, front end loaders, backhoes, mini excavators and excavators.
• Operates multiple vehicles during the course of completing daily assignments. The vehicle may be a dump trucks; front end loaders; backhoes; mini excavators and excavators.
• Transports equipment and material to and from specific job sites and loads and unloads materials so that specific projects can be completed.
• Communicates with Watershed Crew Supervisor and co-workers to receive instructions, directions and exchange information. May use two-way radio as a form of communication.
• Communicates with a two-way radio to keep in contact with supervisor and to receive instructions.
• Communicates with the general public to give directions and answer questions.
• Ensures that all duties assigned on the daily task sheets are completed and documented.
• May assist crew with other supporting functions on-site (i.e. placing traffic control devices; general site clean-up).
• May perform other duties as assigned.
The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.
• Knowledge of general site safety as it pertains to water operations and maintenance.
• Skill in operating light to heavy duty trucks along with trailers loaded with construction excavation equipment to and from construction work sites.
• Skill in operating trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading various equipment, materials and supplies.
• Ability to utilize mechanics tools to perform preventative maintenance; uses air compressor, battery charger, and shovels.
• Ability to operate heavy construction excavation equipment, loaders, forklifts, backhoes that may necessary for the handling and setting of trench shoring equipment.
• Ability to operate rubber tire loader to clean vacant lots and clean roadside dumping stations, as well as load trucks and push dirt.
• Ability to utilize tools such as shovels to mix coals, chains to load plates, sledgehammer to drive spikes, and coal mix to secure plates.
• Skill in digging operations in city and urbanized areas around existing utilities.
• Ability to transport materials using low-bed trailers to and from work site so that jobs may be completed.
• Skill in operating trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading various equipment, materials and supplies.
• Ability to contribute to the resolution of project related problems.
• Ability to trouble shoot as it pertains to heavy equipment maintenance.
• Ability to communicate diplomatically with customers to successfully address concerns.
• Ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Ability to document work status with photos and data input.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience -
1. High school diploma, or equivalent and
2. four (4) years of experience in the operation of light to medium-sized trucks or related equipment; or any combination of education, training and experience which proved the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
3. Proficiently operate three (3) of the following pieces of equipment: backhoe, crane truck, excavator, rubber tire loader, or lo-boy.
Licensures and Certifications - Valid Class A Georgia Commercial driver's license.
Preferred Requirements -
1. Six (6) years of experience operating an excavator during deep excavation and light to medium-sized trucks or related equipment.
2. Supervisory experience
3. Certified Crane Operator
4. Certified Heavy Equipment Operator
5. Certified Wastewater Collection Operator License
Work Environment:
Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.
Lifting Requirements:
Very heavy work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
It is the policy of the City of Atlanta ("COA") that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.
The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran's status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.

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