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Wastewater Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Staff Water Operations Specialist

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Water/Wastewater Operator License is Preferred Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering technology or sciences preferred or any other degree, specialized training, or experience, that ...

Staff Water Operations Specialist

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Water/Wastewater Operator License is Preferred Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering technology or sciences preferred or any other degree, specialized training, or experience, that ...

Conduct site visits and investigations; analyze influent wastewater characteristics, facility design, and operating data to assess treatment performance; and provide recommendations for treatment and ...

Water/Wastewater Practice Lead

Raleigh, NC

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

Develop Water/Wastewater Practice across the Southeast At McAdams, we invest in growth-minded leaders who are eager to build, innovate, and elevate those around them. We are looking for a Water ...

Water/Wastewater Practice Lead

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

Develop Water/Wastewater Practice across the Southeast At McAdams, we invest in growth-minded leaders who are eager to build, innovate, and elevate those around them. We are looking for a Water ...

Develop Water/Wastewater Practice across the Southeast At McAdams, we invest in growth-minded leaders who are eager to build, innovate, and elevate those around them. We are looking for a Water ...

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to ...

Operator

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

The essential function of the position within the organization is to operate wastewater treatment plants and/or well systems. This position working outside, adding chemicals, running laboratory ...

We have an immediate opportunity within our Water practice in the Carolinas for a Water/Wastewater Engineer to pursue and manage municipal and industrial projects including water, wastewater, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Wastewater Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$14

$25

$37

How much do wastewater operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater operator in Raleigh, NC is $25.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $28.03 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 is a wastewater operator?

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 the most commonly searched types of Wastewater Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Wastewater Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Wastewater Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Wastewater Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wastewater Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Wastewater Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Wastewater Operator jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Wastewater Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Wastewater Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,124 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer

Ardurra Group, Inc.

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Ardurra is seeking an experienced Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer to join our team in Raleigh, NC.
Our innovative water and wastewater engineers collaborate closely with clients to plan, design, permit, and construct systems that address their needs comprehensively. This approach allows our clients to make smarter investments, resulting in lower life cycle costs and additional benefits. As a recognized leader in the mid-Atlantic water industry, our projects encompass treatment and infrastructure initiatives for municipal and institutional clients, ranging from drinking water supply to water reuse and wastewater management. We support projects of all sizes within a flexible and innovative team environment.
Primary Function:
This position will serve as a subject matter expert on multidisciplinary projects involving drinking water, water and wastewater collection and distribution systems, and treatment facilities for municipal and institutional clients throughout the region.
The role includes providing technical expertise in the design, management, and optimization of water and wastewater treatment and conveyance systems, including linear infrastructure ("outside the fence") such as gravity and pressure piping, pump stations, and booster pump stations. You will be responsible for technical leadership and supporting strategic direction for a wide variety of projects, performing or overseeing technical design and hydraulic modeling requirements.
Primary Duties:
  • Lead the planning, design, and implementation of water and wastewater treatment, conveyance, and infrastructure projects, including collection and distribution systems.
  • Design and permitting of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water pipelines, including gravity and pressure systems.
  • Lead process design in feasibility studies and facility plans.
  • Design and upgrades for wastewater pump stations and booster pump stations.
  • Hydraulic modeling and analysis of water distribution, reclaimed water transmission systems, and wastewater collection/transmission systems.
  • Support client service managers and business development efforts, serving as a technical subject matter expert at meetings and project interviews.
  • Participate in project pursuits and interviews, including developing treatment process innovations, technical approaches, and scope items.
  • Develop scope and budget for new project opportunities.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to colleagues interested in water and wastewater treatment and infrastructure projects.

Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering required
  • Professional Engineer (PE) preferred
  • Approximately 8+ years of experience in water/wastewater engineering.
  • Experience in drinking water a plus

Why Ardurra?
While Ardurra offers competitive compensation and rich benefits programs, it is our culture that truly sets us apart from our peers. We nurture a family-like culture, striving to create a work environment that is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding but also fun. We are acutely focused on developing our staff, whether through our internal Ardurra Academy or through our industry-leading Leadership program. We have made a deliberate and focused commitment to nurture a people-centric culture where people are: valued as individuals; supported in their professional and career development with multiple, varied career paths; provided the tools and resources to be successful, engaged, and satisfied in their work; and positive benefits, time-off programs, and flexibility to help maintain a healthy balance between work and home.
Ardurra is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
Ardurra does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Agency Agreement, Ardurra will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. If a resume or candidate is submitted to any hiring manager without a previously signed agreement, Ardurra reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. These candidates will be considered property of Ardurra. We're not currently looking to add any more agencies to our list of approved vendors, so please do not contact any of our managers or recruitment team with sales calls or details of your candidates.
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.