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Water And Wastewater Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inframark

Water/Wastewater Operator

Lititz, PA · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Water/Wastewater Operator I JOB FUNCTION / PURPOSE The Water/Wastewater Operator I is responsible for operation and maintenance of equipment in water and/or wastewater treatment facilities.

Nexus Water Group

Water/Wastewater Operator

Spring, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Overview The Water/Wastewater Operator performs routine checks of water and/or wastewater treatment systems; responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local rules/regulations ...

Southwest Water Company

Water/Wastewater Operator

Magnolia, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.75/hr

Overview The Water/Wastewater Operator performs routine checks of water and/or wastewater treatment systems; responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local rules/regulations ...

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Water And Wastewater Operator information

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$38

How much do water and wastewater operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for water and wastewater operator in the United States is $25.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges water and wastewater operators face, and how can they be managed?

Water and Wastewater Operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, regulatory compliance, and responding to emergencies like system overflows or contamination events. Managing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. Operators typically rely on preventive maintenance, regular monitoring, and clear communication with their team to minimize risks and ensure safe, efficient operations. Ongoing training and familiarization with new technologies also help operators stay prepared for evolving industry standards.

What is a water and wastewater operator?

Water and Wastewater Operators are professionals responsible for managing and maintaining systems that treat and distribute drinking water, as well as systems that collect and treat wastewater. They monitor equipment, take water samples, conduct tests, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Their work is essential for protecting public health and the environment by making sure water is safe to use and wastewater is treated before being released back into the environment.

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

To thrive as a Water and Wastewater Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, chemistry, biology, and environmental regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and state-issued operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and safety protocols is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators respond to issues and maintain compliance. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring safe, reliable water and wastewater services that protect public health and the environment.

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

AspectWater And Wastewater OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsState-specific licenses, operator certificationsState-issued water treatment operator license
Work EnvironmentWater and wastewater treatment facilities, often outdoorsWater treatment plants, primarily indoor facilities
Industry UsagePublic utilities, municipal and industrial sectorsMunicipal water treatment facilities

Both roles require similar certifications and work in water treatment environments, but Water And Wastewater Operators handle both water and wastewater systems, while Water Treatment Plant Operators focus solely on potable water treatment. The choice depends on the specific facility and certification requirements.

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What states have the most Water And Wastewater Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Water And Wastewater Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water And Wastewater Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water And Wastewater Operator jobs are:
Water And Wastewater Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water And Wastewater Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,624 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Water-wastewater Operator II

SouthWest Water Company

Rhome, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Who We Are

Nexus Water Group is a leading regulated water and wastewater utility serving more than 1.3 million people across 12 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces.

"Nexus" means connection. Through the essential water and wastewater services we deliver, we have a very personal connection to the people, businesses, and communities we serve. This is why our operations are locally led and managed. Every day, over 1,200 professionals deliver vital, safe, and reliable service through over 670 water systems and 360 wastewater systems.

What We Offer
  • Paid Time Off: Starting at 3 weeks annually along with 11 company-paid holidays and 2 floating holidays.
  • Health and Wellness Benefits: The first day of the month after your start, you'll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well. 
  • 401(k) Program with Matching Contribution: We offer a 100% match on contributions up to 4% of your salary, plus an additional 3% employer contribution.
  • Grow With Us: Professional development opportunities through training, professional certifications, and education allowance.
  • Additional Benefits: Other great benefits include company provided life insurance and Employee Assistance Program just to name a few.
  • Employee Resource Groups (ERG): ERGs are voluntary employee groups that form based on shared characteristics or backgrounds and are sponsored by the organization.
Overview

The Texas Water Utilties team is seeking a Water-wastewater Operator II.  The Water-wastewater Operator II I performs routine checks of water or wastewater treatment facilities; responsible for compliance with TCEQ rules or  permit. The Water-wastewater Operator IIwill assist in preventive and corrective maintenance and sometimes investigate customer issues.

Work Location and Schedule

The Water-wastewater Operator II is located in Garford, TX. Scheduel Monday - Friday. Travel within service areas.

What You'll Do

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The  Water-wastewater Operator II does the following:

  • Performs routine checks of the facilities; responsible for compliance with TCEQ permit.
  • Must be familiar with industry standard analyses such as but not limited to:
  • Chlorine residual
  • pH
  • Dissolved Oxygen
  • Turbidity
  • Total Suspended Solids
  • Total Dissolved Solids
  • Settleability
  • Alkalinity
  • Hardness
  • Free ammonia
  • Must be also be able to do the following:
  • Inspect distribution or collections system for leaks
  • Perform routine distribution system flushing
  • Recognize lift station alarms
  • Interpret circular charts
  • Change charts
  • Perform standard maintenance tasks
  • Backwash filters
  • When on duty or on call: reports water leaks, sewer backups, and any other maintenance issues to the maintenance supervisor.
What You'll Do

Experience

  • 2 years of directly related experience in water and/or wastewater system operations, maintenance, customer service, and prefer experience operating back-hoe and/or track-hoe equipment.

Education and Licenses

  • High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED)
  • TCEQ License: Grade C or higher
  • Valid Driver's License

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

  • Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
  • Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
  • Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
  •  Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
  • Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals.
  • Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.
  • Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.
  • Ability to comprehend complex technical topics and specialized information.
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Requires interaction and cooperation to coordinate work, resolve problems and obtain information.
  • Requires application of a variety of procedures and guidelines and the adaptation of standard methods to differing situations.
  • Job may require occasional irregular hours, shift work, working weekends, being on call.
Work Environment
  • Work is performed in and around wastewater and water facilities, both inside and outside. Worker is subject to adverse weather and environmental conditions, including temperature extremes, humidity and precipitation; noise and vibration from heavy equipment; exposure to physical hazards from equipment with moving parts, high voltage electrical equipment, hazardous chemicals, and bacteria in wastewater.
About Our Company

We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state, or local law. 

We are an E-Verify participating employer.   

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