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Water Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role supervises the Water Foreman and oversees Water Department personnel, field operations, billing activities, and meter reading programs. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Successful ...

Water Commissioner

Alsip, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

This role supervises the Water Foreman and oversees Water Department personnel, field operations, billing activities, and meter reading programs. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Successful ...

Water Laborer

Brownsburg, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Employee serves as a Water Laborer responsible for maintenance & repairs to the water plants and distribution system. Assist in the daily operations of the Water Department including but not limited ...

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Canton Water Senior Engineer

Canton, OH · On-site

$86.70K - $127.32K/yr

Water Department Opening Date: 05/12/2026 Closing Date: 6/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Wage Information Salary Range: $86,704 - $127,317 (+$10 - $20/hour in benefits) Employment at the City of Canton ...

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Water Department information

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How much do water department jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for water department in the United States is $22.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Water Department position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Water Department role, you generally need knowledge of water systems, plumbing, and environmental regulations, often supported by relevant certifications or a background in utilities or engineering. Familiarity with SCADA systems, GIS mapping software, and water quality testing equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for this position. These skills ensure the safe and efficient delivery of water services, regulatory compliance, and prompt resolution of system issues.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a Water Department, and how can these be managed?

Professionals in a Water Department often encounter challenges such as responding to emergency water main breaks, managing aging infrastructure, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and effective communication with both team members and the public. Staying current with training and best practices, as well as fostering a collaborative environment, helps teams manage these issues efficiently and provide reliable water services to the community.

What does the Water Department do?

The Water Department is responsible for providing clean and safe drinking water to residents and businesses, maintaining water infrastructure, and ensuring water quality meets regulatory standards. They manage water treatment plants, repair water main breaks, monitor water usage, and handle billing for water services. The department also implements water conservation programs and responds to customer inquiries about water service. Their work is essential for public health, environmental protection, and community well-being.

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

AspectWater DepartmentWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsVaries; may include certifications in water systemsTypically requires a state certification/license in water treatment
Work EnvironmentMunicipal or public water systems, fieldwork, office tasksWater treatment facilities, plant operations, equipment monitoring
Industry UsagePublic utilities, municipal agenciesWater treatment facilities, public utilities
Common Search/ComparisonBroader role overseeing water servicesSpecific role focused on water treatment processes

The Water Department generally oversees water services and infrastructure, while a Water Treatment Plant Operator specifically manages the operation of water treatment facilities. Both roles are essential in ensuring safe and reliable water supply, often working closely within the same industry and requiring similar certifications.

More about Water Department jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Department jobs? Cities with the most Water Department job openings:
What states have the most Water Department jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Department jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water Department jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Department jobs are:
Infographic showing various Water Department job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 40% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,210 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

$90K - $110K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description

SALARY RANGE: $90,000 TO $110,000 PER YEAR


BENEFITS:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

BCBS PPO HCA/HSA Plan

Life Insurance

IMRF Retirement 

Supplemental Insurance 

VOYA 457 Plan

Paid Holidays 

Sick Days

Sick Bank

Vacation Days

Floating Holidays 


POSITION SUMMARY:

This management position provides leadership and oversight for the daily operations of the Water Department, including water distribution, utility billing, and meter reading functions. The position is responsible for ensuring the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of the Village's potable water system, as well as the accurate administration of water usage data and customer billing services. This role supervises the Water Foreman and oversees Water Department personnel, field operations, billing activities, and meter reading programs.


DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Successful performance of the work requires analytical skills and professional competencies to identify and implement procedures essential to municipal infrastructure operations as well as capital improvement projects. Requires the ability to communicate effectively and manage personnel to ensure departmental collaboration to achieve efficient and effective department operations.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as an illustration of the various types of responsibilities and work aligned with this position. The omission of specific statements or duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Maintenance, operation and repair of the Village's water pumping, storage and distribution systems.

Provide highly responsible staff support and assistance to the Foreman and department staff including review of daily assignment of personnel duties, equipment, and materials.

Ensure accurate and timely documentation of the hours worked, materials and equipment used to perform the daily activities.

Work effectively in a union environment and ensure compliance with all bargaining agreement requirements. Ensure that the daily, weekly and monthly testing and reporting required by the United States and Illinois Department of Environmental Protection Agency are accurately performed, compiled, prepared and submitted within the time limits established by the appropriate agencies.

Establish work schedules, productivity standards and methods for providing cost effective maintenance and repairs to the Village's infrastructure.

Prepare, review and evaluate analytical and statistical reports on the historical maintenance and conditions of the Village's water systems.

Identify resources required to meet established standards for immediate and long-term maintenance, repair and improvement needs of the Village's infrastructure.

Direct repairs and maintenance activities when needed, due to complexity of needed repairs. 

Review, monitor and approve activities for the ordering, procurement, and inventory of maintenance materials and supplies.

Prepare and develop the annual department budget and capital expenditures and provide supporting documentation.

Forecast funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies that are required to meet established service and operational needs.

Participate and assist in the implementation of the goals and objectives of the Village of Alsip's Water Department.

Attend Village of Alsip's Council meetings and other public meetings as required before and after regularly scheduled work hours.

Participate in professional group meetings and activities in order to maintain a high level of competence in the latest trends and techniques specific to the management of a municipal water distribution system.

Effectively communicate and interact with the citizens of the village of Alsip when responding to requests for services.

Effective enforcement of Village ordinances as required.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

This position requires knowledge, skills and ability specific to the operation, services and activities of a municipal water distribution system.


Knowledge of:

Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.

Backflow devices and Codes.

Complex principles and practices of project development and implementation. 

Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in the work. 

Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.

Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.

Operations of light and heavy equipment used in a municipal water distribution system. 

Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Equipment, materials and methods used to repair and maintain water distribution systems.

All devices, equipment and appurtenances essential to the operations of the water system including but not limited to municipal pumping stations, residential and industrial meters and testing devices. 

All equipment and materials required for municipal water and sewer infrastructure repairs and improvements. 


Skill in:

Computer applications for Microsoft Office and other software applications specific to municipal water operations including SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and GIS (Geographic Information System).

Research, development and composition of comprehensive infrastructure reports. Quantitative and qualitative analysis.


Ability to:

Analyze and interpret plans, specifications and reports accurately, and to determine whether they conform to provisions of the applicable codes and ordinances specific to water and sewer infrastructure. 

Plan, obtain specifications and designs and oversee the execution of work for implementation of infrastructure maintenance and improvements.

Inspect public and private improvements related to municipal mains.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, employees, consultants, contractors, agencies and other governmental units, and the public.

Effectively communicate verbally and in writing, including the ability to read and explain complex concepts and specifications related to the water system clearly and concisely.

Prepare accurate reports and records, compile data and enter required detail in GIS. 

Work independently and complete assignments in a timely manner.


MANGERIAL/SUPERVISORY RESPONSILITIES:

Responsible for management and supervision of all water department personnel.


WORKING ENVIRONMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, an employee will work in a general office environment with moderate noise and will work in outdoor work environment. During outdoor work, the employee may be occasionally exposed to extreme heat and/or cold, wet and/or humid conditions or airborne particles.

The employee is occasionally required to stand, stoop and climb or balance; speak and hear; use hand to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; repetitive arm, hand and eye movements are included. An individual in this position is frequently required to sit, walk, stand and on occasion, may need to lift, carry, push or pull objects, up to 20 pounds. There is frequent twisting, kneeling, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching, wrist turning and grasping. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. Employee is required to use cognitive ability to reason, analyze and verbalize thoughts and ideas.

This position is subject to 24-hour availability, 7 days per week, including weekends and holidays and extended hours as required for operations and to attend meetings of the Village of Alsip's Council meetings, Plan Commission and Zoning Board meetings, other committee or boards as determined by the Mayor.


TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED:

Motor vehicle, measuring and testing instruments and equipment, tape measure, flashlight, ladder, safety equipment, computer, general office equipment, cellular communications equipment and occasionally uses light mechanical equipment. Telephone, personal computer, Microsoft Office Suite of Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher), SCADA software, Geographic Information System (GIS), multi- level file cabinets and general office equipment.


SELECTION GUIDELINES:

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview, reference check, background check, physical examination and job-related tests may be required.


Requirements

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Preferred Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree or certification in Water Environment Technology or water Resources, Bachelor's Degree in Public Works Administration, Organizational Management, Project Management or other related fields and a minimum of five years of increasingly responsible supervisory or management experience in a public sector water department. A combination of education and experience may be considered commensurate with a public works certification or related education that includes training and experience substantially equivalent to a bachelor's degree in engineering, public works administration or related field with ten years of progressive supervisory experience in a public sector water department.


CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSING:

Possession of a Class "C" Water Operators License

Must possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record

Other

Candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment physical/drug screen examination and background check following a conditional employment offer.


RECOMMENDED MINIMUM PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to complete inspections at work sites that may include steps to reach locations.

Drive a motor vehicle.

Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.

Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. 

May require the performance of other essential and marginal functions.Â