1

Wastewater Treatment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wastewater Treatment Operator

Avon, CO ยท On-site

$27.74 - $52.05/hr

Eagle River Water and Sanitation District is hiring a Wastewater Operator to join our team of dedicated environmental professionals at the Avon Wastewater Treatment Facility. This role combines ...

Join Tradebe as a Wastewater Treatment Operator and play a key role in protecting the environment. This is a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy working independently, are mechanically ...

Wastewater Treatment Operator

Edmond, OK ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

As a Wastewater Treatment Operator , you'll play a hands-on role in keeping water or wastewater treatment facilities operating safely and efficiently. Working alongside an experienced team, you'll ...

Able to obtain WWTP Operator license within two years of employment. Competencies - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Basic computer skills. * Base level understanding of wastewater treatment systems.

Wastewater Treatment Operator

Casa Grande, AZ ยท On-site

$20.85 - $41.75/hr

Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate Shift Rotating 4x10s Monday-Friday 0600-1630 & 0930-2000 & Saturday-Sunday 0600-1630. ; Subject to change depending on need In compliance with ...

Showing results 21-40

Wastewater Treatment Operator information

See salary details

$14

$28

$44

How much do wastewater treatment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater treatment operator in the United States is $28.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wastewater treatment operator?

Wastewater Treatment Operators are professionals responsible for managing and maintaining the systems and equipment that treat and clean municipal or industrial wastewater. Their main duties include monitoring plant operations, adjusting chemical dosages, inspecting equipment, and ensuring treated water meets environmental and safety standards. They play a crucial role in protecting public health and the environment by ensuring that water released from treatment plants is safe and compliant with regulations.

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

To thrive as a Wastewater Treatment Operator, you need strong knowledge of water treatment processes, chemical handling, and an understanding of environmental regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma and state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and routine maintenance tools is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of treatment facilities, protecting public health and the environment.

What are some common challenges wastewater treatment operators face on the job and how are they typically addressed?

Wastewater Treatment Operators often encounter challenges such as unexpected equipment malfunctions, fluctuating influent water quality, and maintaining compliance with strict environmental regulations. These issues require quick problem-solving skills, routine maintenance checks, and close monitoring of system controls. Operators typically work as part of a team, collaborating with maintenance staff and supervisors to troubleshoot problems and implement improvements. Ongoing training and adherence to safety protocols are also essential in effectively managing these challenges and ensuring smooth plant operations.

What is the difference between Wastewater Treatment Operator vs Wastewater Collection Worker?

AspectWastewater Treatment OperatorWastewater Collection Worker
CertificationsOperator Certification, State LicensesCDL License, Wastewater Collection Certification
Work EnvironmentWastewater treatment plants, industrial facilitiesSewers, pipelines, manholes
Job FocusOperating treatment equipment, monitoring water qualityMaintaining sewer lines, inspecting pipelines

Wastewater Treatment Operators and Wastewater Collection Workers both work in the water industry, but their roles differ. Operators focus on managing treatment processes at plants, while Collection Workers handle sewer systems. Both roles require specialized certifications and are essential for maintaining public health and environmental standards.

Are wastewater treatment operators in demand?

Wastewater treatment operators are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for water quality management and environmental compliance. Employment opportunities are often available in municipal and industrial facilities, especially for those with certifications and technical skills in operating treatment equipment and monitoring systems.

What are the requirements to be a wastewater treatment operator?

Wastewater treatment operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must obtain relevant state certification or licensing, which involves passing an exam that covers topics like water chemistry, safety, and equipment operation. Some positions require prior experience or technical training, and operators often need to be familiar with tools such as SCADA systems and follow safety protocols in a plant environment.

What cities are hiring for Wastewater Treatment Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Wastewater Treatment Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Wastewater Treatment Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Wastewater Treatment Operator jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Wastewater Treatment Operator jobs?

The top employers for Wastewater Treatment Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Wastewater Treatment Operator jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Wastewater Treatment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,681 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Wastewater Treatment Operator

Summary

Avon, CO โ€ข On-site

$27.74 - $52.05/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Eagle River Water and Sanitation District is hiring aย Wastewater Operator to join our team ofย dedicatedย environmental professionalsย at the Avon Wastewater Treatment Facility. This role combines science, problem solving, and hands-on mechanical work to protect one of our communityโ€™s most valuable resources: water.ย ย 

Our wastewater treatment team works hard to create and control an environment for bacteria and microorganisms to thrive, ensuring clean water is returned to the river. If youย haveย a background in science and/or strong mechanical experience looking for a stable and fulfilling new career, then starting a career in wastewater treatment might be right for you.ย 

The work you do as a Wastewater Operator directly protects public health and the local environment, and you will see the impact of your work every single day. Additionally, we offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a robust employee housing program, and opportunities for growth and development.ย 

Dayย to Day:ย 

  • Operations:ย Control the chemical and biological treatment environment through monitoring and adjusting systems to ensure microorganisms effectively break down waste and produce clean water that meets regulatory standards.ย 
  • Mechanical Expertise:ย General mechanical work, includingย troubleshooting/diagnosing issues, performing repairs and part replacements, making routine adjustments, and coordinating fixes to keep equipment running reliably, while following safe work practices and escalating complex issuesย 
  • Laboratory:Collect samples, conduct laboratory tests, andย monitorย system data for process control and compliance.ย Identifyย trends, analyze results, and recommend adjustments to meet regulatory discharge limits.ย 
  • Equipment Operation:Operateย pumps, motors, sludge equipment, and odor control systemsย in accordance withย regulatory discharge limits. Monitor and evaluate SCADA data toย identifyย trends and anomalies.ย 
  • Preventive Maintenance:Perform general equipment inspections, adjustments, and minor repairs. Collaborate with senior staffย regardingย equipment needs or larger maintenance projects andย assistย with replacements as needed.ย 
  • Data Collection and Analysis:Collects wastewater operations and control data, making process control decisions based on plant observations, lab data, and historical trends.ย 
  • Safety and Compliance:ย Follow established safety policies,ย assistย with monthly inspections, ensure the availability of first aid and PPE materials, and clean plant areas to ensure efficient and safe operations.
  • ย High school diploma or GED, related college-level coursework in scientific fields preferredย 
  • Experience performing operations, service, or maintenance of mechanical equipmentย 
  • Laboratory experience preferredย 
  • Computer skills preferred, including Microsoft suite and SCADAย 
  • Mustย possessย a Colorado Wastewater Operator Class D certification within one yearof hireย 
  • Must have a valid Colorado Driver's license within 30 days of full-time employmentย 
  • Potentialย toย obtain a Class B CDLย 
  • CPR/First Aid Certificationย requiredย within the first six months of employment.ย 

Scheduleย 

This role is scheduled five days per week from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., following either a Sundayโ€“Thursday or Tuesdayโ€“Saturday schedule.ย Candidates must beย willing to work overtime, holidays, and weekendsย as well asย willingย to work in on-call rotationย with theย ability to respond to call outs within one hour.ย 

Salary Rangeย 

There are four levels of Wastewater Operator with different titles and pay ranges depending on certifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Theย Districtย will support you in earning your licenses. Pay range and title depend on certifications and experience:ย 

  • Operator I: $27.74ย - $38.83ย 
  • Operator II (requires CCWP Operator C License): $30.58 - $42.82ย 
  • Operator III (requires CCWP Operator B License): $32.11ย - $44.96ย 
  • Senior Operator (requires CCWP Operator A License): $37.18ย - $52.05ย 

Benefitsย 

We value life-work balance and are leaders in the industry with our holistic benefits package, which includes but is not limited to:ย 

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverageย 
  • Employee housing or $559ย monthly housing stipendย 
  • Wellness programย 
  • Retirement savings plans (414h and 457)ย 
  • 13.5 Paid Holidaysย 
  • Paid Time Offย 
  • Paid Parental Leaveย 
  • Relocation Assistance (if applicable)ย 
  • $800 Annual Recreation Benefitย 
  • Tuition Reimbursementย 
  • Loan programs for: Ski Passes, Electrical Vehicles, and Computersย 

ClickHEREto learn more from our full 2026ย Benefits Guide.ย 

All District employees mustย submitย to a pre-employment drug screen and extensive background check. For a full position description including work environment and physical requirements, emailerwsdjobs@erwsd.org.ย ย 

All applicants must apply online atwww.erwsd.orgย byย September 7, 2026.ย ย Contacterwsdjobs@erwsd.orgfor a full classification specification.ย 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employerย 

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, geneticย informationย or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.