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Wastewater Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Water / Wastewater Engineer

Atlanta, GA

From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly ...

HDR

Water / Wastewater Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly ...

Arcadis

Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Arcadis is looking for a Senior Water Wastewater Engineer to join our Resilience Water Team in Atlanta, Georgia! We offer a flexible hybrid work culture with a balance between remote and in-office ...

Arcadis

Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer

Atlanta, GA · Hybrid

Arcadis is looking for a Senior Water Wastewater Engineer to join our Resilience Water Team in Atlanta, Georgia! We offer a flexible hybrid work culture with a balance between remote and in-office ...

Inframark

Wastewater Operator

Roswell, GA · On-site

$20 - $27.50/hr

Leading the Way in Water Management Inframark's Operations and Maintenance team is an award-winning team that delivers cutting-edge water, wastewater, and public works services to municipalities ...

Inframark

Wastewater Operator

Conyers, GA · On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

Award-winning Employer of Water and Wastewater Operators Our dedication to sustainability and community impact drives us to ensure clean, safe water for future generations. Whether you're at the ...

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Wastewater information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$15

$25

$38

How much do wastewater jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater 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 a wastewater operator?

Wastewater operators are professionals responsible for the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants. They monitor and adjust equipment, manage the treatment process, and ensure that water released into the environment meets regulatory standards. Their role is essential for protecting public health and the environment by treating sewage and industrial waste safely and effectively. Wastewater operators also conduct routine testing, keep detailed records, and respond to emergencies or system malfunctions.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in wastewater treatment, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in wastewater treatment often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable influent quality, maintaining complex equipment, and adhering to strict environmental regulations. Staying current with technological advancements, participating in ongoing training, and collaborating closely with maintenance and laboratory teams can help overcome these obstacles. Additionally, clear communication with regulatory agencies and proactive problem-solving are key to ensuring compliance and efficient plant operations.

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 maintenance tools is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and compliant operation of wastewater treatment facilities, protecting public health and the environment.

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

AspectWastewaterWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWastewater Treatment Certification, State LicensesWater Treatment Certification, State Licenses
Work EnvironmentWastewater treatment plants, sewer systemsWater treatment facilities, drinking water plants
Industry UsageMunicipal, industrial wastewater managementMunicipal, public water supply management

Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant Operators both work in water-related industries, often requiring similar certifications and working in treatment facilities. Wastewater operators focus on treating sewage and industrial effluents, while water treatment operators manage drinking water supplies. Their roles are distinct but complementary within water management systems.

What are the qualifications to get a wastewater job?

The qualifications for a wastewater job include a high school diploma or GED certificate and on-the-job training. Many employees prefer job candidates with an associate or a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field. States also require a license for wastewater positions, with requirements varying depending on where you live. Pursuing certification may improve your employment opportunities and help with advancement to supervisory positions. The American Water Works Association offers several accreditation programs. Wastewater jobs often involve physically demanding work, which requires physical fitness. Excellent mechanical and technical skills are also necessary to operate the equipment efficiently.

More about Wastewater jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Wastewater jobs in Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Wastewater jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What are popular job titles related to Wastewater jobs in Decatur, GA? For Wastewater jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wastewater jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Wastewater jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Wastewater jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Wastewater job openings:
Wastewater jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wastewater job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,355 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Wastewater Treatment Engineering Leader

Goodwyn Mills Cawood LLC

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) is a leading architecture and engineering firm dedicated to creating opportunities for people to build thriving communities. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Wastewater Treatment Engineering Leader to join our Treatment Practice. This critical role involves leading the planning, technical design, and process optimization for a diverse range of wastewater treatment facilities for municipal and industrial clients. The ideal candidate will leverage their deep technical expertise, project management skills, and commitment to sustainable solutions to deliver projects that contribute to the health and vitality of the communities GMC serves.

Essential functions and responsibilities:

  • Contribute to business development activities, including proposal preparation, scope definition, and client presentations.
  • Engage with clients to understand their needs, present technical solutions, and build strong, lasting relationships.
  • Manage project technical scope, budget, and schedule for process engineering components, ensuring project milestones are met and deliverables are of the highest quality.
  • Lead and perform complex process engineering design for water and wastewater treatment plants, including master planning, feasibility studies, conceptual design, preliminary design, and detailed design.
  • Conduct process modeling, mass balance calculations, hydraulic analyses, and prepare design criteria, process flow diagrams (PFDs), and piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
  • Develop equipment specifications, selection, and layouts for various water and wastewater treatment technologies (e.g., activated sludge, biological nutrient removal, membrane bioreactors, filtration, disinfection).
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and design staff, fostering their professional growth and development.
  • Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation/control engineers, as well as operations staff and clients.
  • Assist with permitting, regulatory compliance, and agency coordination for water and wastewater projects.
  • Perform site visits during design, construction, and commissioning phases to support process optimization and troubleshooting.

Minimum qualifications:

  • Minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in water and/or wastewater process engineering within a consulting environment.
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
  • Technical Skills:
    1. Demonstrated expertise in process design for water and/or wastewater treatment facilities.
    2. Proficiency with process modeling software (e.g., BioWin, GPS-X, WaterCAD, SewerCAD).
    3. Strong understanding of PFDs and P&IDs development.
    4. Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, or other relevant design software.
    5. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills for complex process challenges.
  • Soft Skills:
    1. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing and client presentations.
    2. Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
    3. Demonstrated project leadership capabilities, including delegation and team coordination.
    4. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
    5. Proactive and self-motivated with a strong commitment to quality.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Environmental Engineering or a related field.
  • Board Certified Environmental Engineer (BCEE) certification.
  • Experience in a diverse range of water and wastewater treatment technologies across municipal and/or industrial sectors.
  • Proven track record in business development, including successfully winning new projects and clients.
  • Active participation and leadership roles in professional organizations (e.g., AWWA, WEF).
  • Considered Subject Matter Expert (SME) in some treatment technologies (e.g., activated sludge, filtration, MBR, disinfection, biosolids, etc.).
  • Proficiency in process modeling (e.g., BioWin, GPS-X, or similar).
  • Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing water and wastewater systems.

Benefits:

GMC is committed to fostering an environment where our employees can thrive both professionally and personally. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and growth of our team members, including:

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Robust Professional Development Opportunities (Continuing Education, Licensure Reimbursement, Conference Participation)
  • Performance-based Incentives and Bonuses
  • Opportunities for Community Involvement

Company Culture/Values:

At Goodwyn Mills Cawood, our culture is the foundation of our success. We are driven by a commitment to quality, integrity, creativity, and care in everything we do. We believe in:

  • Fostering a Positive and Inclusive Environment: Where every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
  • Client-Centric Approach: Building lasting relationships by truly understanding and exceeding our clients' expectations.
  • Collaboration and Innovation: Encouraging diverse perspectives and embracing creative solutions to complex challenges.
  • Community Impact: Actively engaging with and serving the areas where we live and work, supporting local non-profits and initiatives that create thriving communities.
  • Employee Growth and Development: Investing in our people, providing opportunities for continuous learning, and helping you achieve your professional goals.

Join GMC and contribute to designing and building a better future!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veterans

About GMC

We believe in community, collaboration, and using the power of creativity and hard work to make a difference. Whether designing schools, parks, hospitals, commercial developments, or providing clean water, safe streets and restoring resilient environments, GMC takes great pride in serving our communities through the transformative work we do. Every project is guided by the foundational concept that communities are built by people, not companies, and we strive to serve our communities with quality, integrity, creativity and care. One of the Southeast’s most comprehensive multi-disciplined firms, GMC is equipped to provide all the services associated with architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, civil engineering, environmental services, planning, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, electrical engineering, surveying and disaster recovery.

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