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Water Authority Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sunrise Water Authority

Project Engineer

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

$108K - $125K/yr

Exempt Description Sunrise Water Authority (SWA) is looking for a licensed professional engineer to serve a key role advancing our asset management and capital construction programs. This position ...

Bedford Regional Water Authority

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Facility Maintenance Trainee

Bedford, VA · On-site

$38K - $45K/yr

The Bedford Regional Water Authority is seeking a Facilities Maintenance Trainee to work under the direction of the Facilities Maintenance Supervisor. This role is responsible for performing assigned ...

Regional Water Authority

Plumber/Technician

Franklin, CT · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

At the South-Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA), we provide more than just water-we deliver life-sustaining resources to nearly 430,000 consumers every day. As a nonprofit public ...

Regional Water Authority

Technician

Marlborough, CT · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

At the South-Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA), we provide more than just water-we deliver life-sustaining resources to nearly 430,000 consumers every day. As a nonprofit public ...

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Water Authority information

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$35K

$86.8K

$142.5K

How much do water authority jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for water authority in the United States is $86,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Water Authority?

A Water Authority is a governmental or quasi-governmental organization responsible for managing, supplying, and maintaining water resources and infrastructure within a specific region or community. Their main duties often include overseeing water treatment, distribution, quality testing, and sometimes wastewater management. Water Authorities ensure residents and businesses have access to safe, reliable water, and they enforce regulations to protect water sources. They also play a key role in planning for future water needs and responding to emergencies such as droughts or contamination events.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at a Water Authority, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals at a Water Authority often face challenges such as maintaining aging infrastructure, ensuring regulatory compliance, and responding to emergencies like water main breaks or contamination events. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication with both technical teams and the public. Staying updated on the latest regulations, participating in ongoing training, and working collaboratively with engineers, operators, and administrative staff can help address these issues and ensure safe, reliable water service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Authority professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Water Authority role, you generally need expertise in water resource management, environmental regulations, and a relevant degree such as civil or environmental engineering. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), water quality monitoring tools, and compliance management systems is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills help in coordinating with stakeholders and managing projects effectively. These capabilities ensure safe, efficient water distribution and compliance with environmental standards, which are crucial for public health and sustainability.
More about Water Authority jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Authority jobs? Cities with the most Water Authority job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Authority jobs? The most popular types of Water Authority jobs are:
What states have the most Water Authority jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Authority jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water Authority jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Authority jobs are:
Water Authority jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Authority job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,796 per year, or $41.7 per hour.
Water Operator Trainee - Entry Level

Water Operator Trainee - Entry Level

Bedford Regional Water Authority

Bedford, VA • On-site

$38K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Bedford Regional Water Authority is seeking a Water Operator trainee to join our team. The candidate will perform skilled and responsible work related to the efficient, safe, and compliant operation of the Authority’s water treatment, distribution, and support facilities.

Responsibilities

  • Operate and monitor multiple water system facilities including:
    • Conventional surface water treatment
    • Membrane filtration systems
    • Groundwater facilities with filtration and chemical addition
    • Distribution system components such as water tanks, valve vaults, and water mains
  • Read, interpret, and record data from meters, gauges, and instrumentation.
  • Perform and document laboratory equipment calibrations.
  • Collect and analyze water samples for regulatory compliance and process control.
  • Perform routine preventative maintenance and minor repairs; document all work using Authority software.
  • Operate, maintain, and assist with repair or replacement of valves and pumps.
  • Adjust chemical dosages, flow rates, and system controls as authorized by the responsible operator.
  • Complete accurate and timely data entry for monthly operational and regulatory reports.
  • Flush water lines according to schedule and record data in tracking software.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of all buildings and grounds, including breakrooms and restrooms.
  • Investigate customer water quality concerns and assist as needed.
  • Operate forklifts, tractors, mowers, and a service elevator.
  • Maintain assigned vehicle in clean and operable condition.
  • Perform all work safely and in accordance with Authority policies and procedures.
  • Respond to emergency call-outs on a 24-hour basis.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Water Operations Manager.

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Valid Virginia Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record per Authority policy
  • Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Excel
  • Ability to maintain accurate operational logs and prepare reports
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, agencies, and the public
  • Organized, dependable, and self-motivated
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, and respond to emergencies as required

Training and Certification

  • Completion of Sacramento Volume 1 within six (6) months of hire
  • Obtain and maintain Virginia Waterworks Operator License – Class IV within twelve (12) months of hire


Work Schedule

  • Typically 8–12 hour shifts, 40 hours per week
  • 30-minute unpaid lunch break
  • Regular weekend and holiday work required
  • Emergency call-in work required

Working Conditions

  • Prolonged standing and walking; minimal sitting
  • Frequent climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and repetitive motions
  • Manual dexterity required
  • Ability to meet standard vision and hearing requirements

Company Description

A Water Authority is a public or quasi-public organization responsible for the management, protection, treatment, and distribution of safe drinking water and, in many cases, wastewater and stormwater services within a defined geographic area. Its primary mission is to ensure reliable access to clean, affordable water while protecting public health and the environment.
Water Authorities plan, operate, and maintain water supply infrastructure such as reservoirs, treatment plants, pipelines, pumping stations, and sewer systems. They are also responsible for monitoring water quality to meet or exceed federal, state, and local regulatory standards, including environmental and public health requirements.
In addition to daily operations, Water Authorities engage in long-term planning to support population growth, infrastructure sustainability, and climate resilience. They may oversee conservation programs, emergency preparedness, infrastructure upgrades, and customer education initiatives to promote responsible water use.