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Wastewater Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aiken County Government

ESO Trainee

SC · On-site

$41K - $47K/yr

Examples of Duties Operates the wastewater treatment plant, ensuring the proper and efficient ... Must obtain Class "D" Wastewater Operator certification within two years of Trainee registration.

Aquaamerica

Facility Operator Trainee

Avon, IN · On-site

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 ...

Aqua

Facility Operator Trainee

Avon, IN · On-site

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 ...

Aqua

Facility Operator Trainee

Avon, IN · On-site

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 Elko

WRF Technician Trainee - IV

Elko, NV · On-site

$44K - $79K/yr

Experience at wastewater plants or related work experience preferred, including experience with ... Required Certifications and Licenses Trainee Possession of valid driver's license at time of hire.

Metro Water Recovery

Operator Technician Trainee

Denver, CO · On-site

$25.27 - $34.19/hr

This position is a trainee opportunity. The selected candidate will be expected to work toward ... Assists with the operation of a wastewater plant. Performs skilled and unskilled work and assists ...

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Wastewater Trainee information

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$13

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$36

How much do wastewater trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater trainee in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wastewater trainee?

Wastewater Trainees are entry-level professionals who assist in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities. They work under supervision to learn how to monitor, test, and treat water to ensure it meets environmental and safety standards. Their duties often include collecting water samples, operating equipment, recording data, and learning proper handling of chemicals and machinery. The trainee role is designed to provide on-the-job training and prepare individuals for certification and advancement in the wastewater treatment field.

What are some typical challenges a wastewater trainee might encounter during their initial months on the job?

As a Wastewater Trainee, you may find adapting to the technical and safety protocols of the facility to be one of the biggest challenges, especially if you are new to industrial environments. Learning to operate and monitor complex equipment, interpreting data from different control systems, and adhering to strict environmental regulations can be demanding at first. Additionally, working alongside experienced operators requires strong communication skills and a willingness to ask questions. With time, hands-on experience and mentorship will help you become more comfortable and proficient in the role.

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

To thrive as a Wastewater Trainee, you need a basic understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with monitoring equipment, laboratory testing tools, and the ability to work toward relevant operator certifications are often expected. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help trainees excel in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient wastewater treatment operations.

What is the difference between Wastewater Trainee vs Wastewater Operator?

AspectWastewater TraineeWastewater Operator
CredentialsEntry-level, often requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some certifications may be preferredRequires relevant certifications or licenses, such as a wastewater operator license
Work EnvironmentSupervised training in treatment plants, labs, or field sitesFull responsibility for operating and maintaining wastewater treatment systems
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning procedures, assisting with basic tasks, gaining experienceMonitoring equipment, adjusting processes, ensuring compliance with regulations

In summary, a Wastewater Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience, while a Wastewater Operator is a fully qualified professional responsible for managing treatment processes. Trainees typically work under supervision, whereas operators handle daily operations independently.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Wastewater jobs?

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What states have the most Wastewater Trainee jobs?

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Wastewater Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wastewater Trainee job openings in the United States 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 $43,990 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

ESO Trainee

Aiken County Government

SC • On-site

$41K - $47K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Salary : $41,736.49 - $47,996.96 Annually
Location : PSA, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300216
Department: Public Service Authority
Division: PSA Plant Operations
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Under supervision, operates the wastewater treatment plant in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, regulations and standards of quality and safety. Prepares and maintains required records and reports. Performs related technical work as required. Reports to the ESO Shift Manager.
Examples of Duties
Operates the wastewater treatment plant, ensuring the proper and efficient treatment of wastewater.
Collects samples for laboratory analysis; performs routine laboratory tests and prepares related records and logs.
Adjusts chemical feed levels to maintain proper operations.
Inspects all pumps and equipment for proper and safe working condition; initiates and/or performs preventive and corrective equipment maintenance as required.
Adjusts, cleans, maintains, repairs and/or replaces pumps, valves, filters, etc., to maintain proper operations.
Conducts industrial hygiene inspections when required; inspects outdoor facilities and grounds periodically; initiates and/or performs general building/grounds maintenance and custodial work as necessary.
Inspects and maintains safety equipment and gear.
Assists with the sludge conditioning process, processes scavenger waste.
Maintains accurate technical records, charts and logs as required; enters operational and laboratory data into computer.
Records activities and incidents in the shift log, as well as any unusual odors, colors and appearances in the wastewater stream or in any system operation.
Assists in coordinating shift duties; prepares and coordinates the completion of work orders.
Maintains assigned vehicles and equipment.
Attends classes, meetings or seminars to enhance job knowledge and skills and to obtain/maintain certifications.
Receives and reviews various records and reports including shift reports, work orders, etc.
Prepares a variety of documents, including but not limited to work orders, shift reports, charts, logs, and various other records and reports.
Refers to policy and procedure manuals, computer manuals, equipment manuals, safety manuals, safety sheets, technical diagrams, regulations, etc.
Operates a vehicle, backhoe, dump trucks, all plant equipment, water sampling equipment; operates a computer, printer, calculator, telephone, etc.
Uses computer and clerical supplies, safety gear and equipment, laboratory instruments, meters, gauges, various hand tools, chemicals, custodial and maintenance supplies, etc.
Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers, other County personnel.
Performs general clerical duties as required, including preparing reports and records, entering and retrieving computer data, attending meetings, etc.
Performs related duties as required.
Physical Requirements
Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate, though not constant, physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (up to 50 pounds).
Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Must obtain Class "D" Wastewater Operator certification within two years of Trainee registration. Must possess a valid state driver's license.
Aiken County Government offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, state retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work an average of 30 are benefit eligible.

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