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Wastewater Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

GFT is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team!This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring attendance at one of our many offices. Joining the water resources team ...

GFT is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring attendance at one of our many offices. Joining the water resources team ...

GFT is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team!This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring attendance at one of our many offices. Joining the water resources team ...

GFT is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team!This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring attendance at one of our many offices. Joining the water resources team ...

As a Wastewater Treatment Design Manager at RK&K you will have an opportunity to deliver complex and rewarding projects while marketing municipal clients in the Mid and South Atlanticregions.

The Water Engineer in Alexandria will lead the delivery of water and wastewater engineering services to a variety of clients in the DMV region. Near term assignments in the region could include ...

The Water Engineer in Alexandria will lead the delivery of water and wastewater engineering services to a variety of clients in the DMV region. Near term assignments in the region could include ...

The Water Engineer in Alexandria will lead the delivery of water and wastewater engineering services to a variety of clients in the DMV region. Near term assignments in the region could include ...

Dewberry has an excellent career opportunity available for a Water/Wastewater Staff Enginee r in our Fairfax, VA office to join our growing Mid-Atlantic Water Group with a focus on municipal or ...

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Wastewater information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$15

$26

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How much do wastewater jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater in Silver Spring, MD is $26.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $29.81 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.

What are popular job titles related to Wastewater jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Wastewater jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wastewater jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Wastewater jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Wastewater jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Wastewater job openings:
Infographic showing various Wastewater job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,435 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Wastewater Treatment Design Engineer

GFT.

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$90K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

GFTis seeking a Wastewater Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team!This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring attendance at one of our many offices.

Joining the water resources team at GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission. With a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and compliance, we consider each water resources and environmental remediation project a chance to innovate and evolve to protect public health and enhance quality of life. Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.  

What you'll be challenged to do: 

In this role you will lead and support design, optimize, and manage systems that treat and transport wastewater to ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.

 

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

System Design: Designing wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations, and collection networks, including detailed CAD drawings and equipment selection. Design new treatment systems or upgrade existing ones, including biological nutrient removal, sludge handling, and filtration processes.

Process Optimization: Analyzing and enhancing treatment techniques (e.g., pH adjustment, chemical dosing, aeration) to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

System Hydraulics: Performing hydraulic analysis of existing and new wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, and piping systems, making pump selections, and evaluating performance of existing pumps.

Testing and Monitoring: Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve efficiency.

Compliance and Safety: Ensure that treated wastewater meets municipal or industrial regulatory standards, protecting public health and the environment.

Project Management: Conducting feasibility studies, upgrading existing infrastructure, and managing projects from design to completion. Develop cost projections, feasibility studies, and supervise construction or commissioning of new technology

Data Analysis: Monitoring operator reports and lab results to refine treatment techniques

Technical: Function as a technical specialist in the areas of conventional and advanced wastewater treatment. Use processes such as physical/chemical primary treatment, conventional activated sludge, biological nutrient removal, fixed-film processes, membrane bio-reactors (MBR), side stream treatment, tertiary filtration, auxiliary wet-weather treatment, and disinfection

What you will bring to our firm: 

  • BS in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering (MS is preferred)
  • Professional Engineer Licensed required (PE) or the ability to obtain in 6-12 months
  • 8 + years of experience required in wastewater discipline, particularly as a wastewater engineer designing (study, plans and specifications) water and/or wastewater infrastructure (i.e. treatment and collection/distribution projects)
  • Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • EPC project experience preferred; design and construction of wastewater treatment facilities, including three or more years leading process design of wastewater projects with full responsibility for the budget, schedule, contractual obligations, client service, and quality standards preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience and knowledge in preliminary treatment, primary treatment, biological treatment (including BNR), disinfection, hydraulics, and solids processing and handling preferred. 
Compensation:The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $200,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Featured Benefits:  Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment. Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan. Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual. Tuition reimbursement for continued education. Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. 

Location: Fairfax, Newport News, Richmond, Virginia Beach,VA; Raleigh, NC; Baltimore or Owings Mills, MDCore Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME