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Water Distribution Operator Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Monitors panel boards and adjusts controls to regulate flow and distribution of water * Cleans ... operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect problems

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Water Distribution Operator information

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$11

$23

$36

How much do water distribution operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution operator in Alabama is $23.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $27.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water distribution operator?

Water Distribution Operators are professionals responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of clean drinking water to homes, businesses, and other facilities. They monitor water distribution systems, maintain equipment such as pipes, pumps, and valves, and test water quality to comply with health and safety regulations. These operators also respond to emergencies like leaks or contamination and keep detailed records of system performance. Their work is essential for public health and the reliable operation of municipal water systems.

How much does a water distribution operator make?

A water distribution operator in California typically earns an average annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher wages and additional benefits.

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

AspectWater Distribution OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater Distribution Certification, State LicensingWater Treatment Certification, State Licensing
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, maintaining pipelines, valves, and metersPlant environment, operating treatment equipment
Job FocusDistributing potable water, repairing infrastructureTreating water to meet safety standards
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal water departments, utility companiesWater treatment facilities, municipal agencies

While both roles involve working with water systems, the Water Distribution Operator primarily manages the distribution network, ensuring safe water delivery, whereas the Water Treatment Plant Operator focuses on treating water to meet health standards. Certifications and work environments differ, but both are essential for maintaining safe and reliable water services.

Are water distribution operators in high demand?

Water distribution operators are in high demand due to ongoing infrastructure needs and the importance of maintaining safe drinking water. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as municipalities and utilities upgrade aging systems and require skilled workers with certifications such as Class A or B licenses. The job often involves working in outdoor environments and operating specialized equipment.

What are some common challenges faced by water distribution operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Water Distribution Operators often encounter challenges such as responding to emergency repairs, maintaining water quality standards, and managing aging infrastructure. These situations require quick problem-solving, clear communication with team members, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Staying up-to-date with training and industry regulations can help operators handle these challenges efficiently, while strong teamwork ensures that issues are resolved promptly to maintain uninterrupted water service.

Is it hard to become a water distribution operator?

Becoming a water distribution operator typically requires completing relevant training, obtaining necessary certifications such as a water distribution operator license, and gaining experience in water systems. The difficulty varies depending on local regulations and the level of certification required, but it generally involves technical knowledge, physical work, and adherence to safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water distribution operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Distribution Operator, you need a solid understanding of water distribution systems, hydraulics, and basic math, typically supported by a high school diploma and state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance tools is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help operators quickly identify and resolve issues while coordinating with team members. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safe, reliable delivery of potable water and compliance with regulatory standards.
What are popular job titles related to Water Distribution Operator jobs in Alabama? For Water Distribution Operator jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Distribution Operator jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Water Distribution Operator jobs in Alabama are:
Infographic showing various Water Distribution Operator job openings in Alabama 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 $49,214 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Maintenance/Construction Operator (DU)

City of Dothan

Dothan, AL

$17.89 - $28.59/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


City Of Dothan rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE MAINTENANCE/CONSTRUCTION OPERATOR (PUBLIC WORKS) POSITION, YOU MUST COMPLETE A SEPARATE APPLICATION. Physical Agility Test is scheduled for August 24, 2026. This position participates in the maintenance and construction of the city's wastewater collection and/or water distribution system.

Major Duties Assists a crew engaged in the construction, repair, and maintenance of sanitary sewer and/or potable water distribution lines; assists contract crews as needed. Assists in the work of a crew engaged in cleaning rights-of-way, including removing debris, trees and brush in order to ensure access to main lines, force mains, and manholes. Assists in the work of a crew engaged in the inspection, construction, installation, and maintenance of manholes, wastewater flow meters, pumping stations, water meters, fire hydrants, water and sanitary sewer lines, and/or new water and sewer taps as assigned.

Performs cuts in asphalt/streets to make repairs or install new lines. Meets with customers to exchange information and resolve problems; checks for leaks, odor, and other problems. Locates underground utilities, including water and sewer lines.

Assists in monitoring the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to identify problems or issues that require a response. Ensures work is performed in compliance with ALDOT and other work safety guidelines. Responds to emergency storm or outage situations; maintains related logs; assists with FEMA documentation.

Responds to after-hours calls related to wastewater collection and/or water distribution system situations. Acts as first responder to hazardous situations to make the area safe for entry by police, fire, other public safety personnel, and the general public. Assists in responding to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) in accordance with EPA and ADEM guidelines as assigned; takes photographs, sanitizes and cleans the area, obtains GPS coordinates, places public notifications for hazardous materials, determines cause, and makes repairs.

Assists in the work of a crew engaged in the operation of CCTV and vac-truck equipment to inspect and maintain sanitary sewer lines as assigned. Assists engineering staff with drawings and blueprints for water line/meter installations as assigned. Disinfects water mains to ensure the safety of the water system and public health when completing installations or making repairs as assigned.

Completes reports in current Work Order System Software (Cityworks) consisting of all data resulting from pumping station operation, maintenance, and repair. Performs related duties. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION Knowledge of federal and state regulatory requirements for wastewater collection and/or water distribution.

Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Knowledge of water distribution and/or wastewater collection construction and maintenance methods and techniques. Knowledge of city and department policies and procedures.

Skill in the use of hand and power tools. Skill in the use of job-related construction equipment. Skill in problem solving.

Skill in prioritizing and planning. Skill in interpersonal relations. Skill in oral and written communication.

Skill in operation of computers and ability to learn associated software - Microsoft Office, Work Order System (Cityworks), and GraniteNet. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The supervisor assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES Guidelines include EPA and ADEM regulations, OSHA regulations, other state and federal regulations, industry standards, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application. COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK The work consists of related maintenance duties.

Heavy traffic, inclement weather, and the risk of exposure to hazardous materials contribute to the complexity of the work. The purpose of this position is to assist in the repair and maintenance of the water distribution and/or wastewater collection system. Successful performance helps ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services to the general public.

CONTACTS Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city personnel, vendors, customers, and members of the general public. Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, or walking.

The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell. The work is typically performed in an office, at other department facilities, and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dirt, dust, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals.

The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc. SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY None. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from a standard senior-high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Six (6) months recent experience in the installation, repair and inspection of utility work to include water or sanitary sewer systems or plumbing to include the installation, repair and inspection of pipes as associated water/sewer systems preferred. A certificate of satisfactory completion/graduation from a Vocational High School Program; a Diploma/Certificate of Completion from an accredited Technical College in welding, plumbing, pump maintenance, mechanics, electric, or closely related field; or military training in the above fields preferred. CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT/PROMOTION/DEMOTION/TRANSFER: Employees are required to complete/sign the Certification & Condition of Employment /Promotion/Demotion/Transfer form(s).

[See condition(s) for details.] NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Valid operator's driver license and an acceptable driving record. (PBA 9/10/01) Employees are required to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) within 120 days of date of employment/promotion/transfer/demotion to this position. (See condition for details.) In an emergency and/or standby situation, an employee in this position must be able to report to his/her regular workstation in a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of notification

(Sec. 2-30. (2) / PBA 1/9/95) This requirement must be met within six (6) months of employment/promotion /demotion/transfer.

An employee in this position must be available to be contacted via phone within 30 days of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer, due to call out requirements. An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks. Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy, which includes pre-employment and ransom tests for the duration of employment in this position.

(PBA 8/13/12) Must meet the City of Dothan's employment physical standards, which include drug/alcohol testing. Application / Examination Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on training and experience as documented on their application. This evaluation will comprise 50% of their final grade and the other 50% will be based on the Physical Ability/Agility course/test.

Physical Ability/Agility testing is scheduled for August 24, 2026.. If qualified, an email notification inviting you to self-schedule your slot for the Physical Ability/Agility Examination will go out at a later date. You MUST self-schedule your slot or you will not be allowed to test

NOTE: An applicant on vacation is responsible for attending the examination on the date scheduled. An applicant falling under federally protected leave (i.e., FMLA, USERRA) is responsible for notifying the Personnel Department no later than the closing date by emailing jobs@dothan.org or calling (334) 615-3180. Applicants with a disability who feel they need accommodation should contact the Personnel Department in writing on or before the closing date of this advertisement by emailing jobs@dothan.org

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer


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