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Water Distribution Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

City of Dayton - Water

Water & Sewer Crew Leader

Dayton, OH · On-site

$26.78 - $119/hr

OR\r\n \r\n Two years of experience as a City of Dayton Water & Sewer Worker I or Water & Sewer Worker II with an Ohio EPA Class I Water Distribution or Class I Wastewater Collections certification ...

City of Stow, OH

Working Foreman - Water

OH · On-site

$34.79 - $41.50/hr

Must have a minimum of three (3) years of water distribution experience. * Must possess, minimally, an Ohio EPA Class II Operator License, or obtain one within one (1) year of the effective date of ...

City of Dayton

Water & Sewer Crew Leader

Dayton, OH · On-site

$26.78/hr

Two years of experience as a City of Dayton Water & Sewer Worker I or Water & Sewer Worker II with an Ohio EPA Class I Water Distribution or Class I Wastewater Collections certification. License ...

Aquaamerica

Distribution Technician

Massillon, OH

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... S. The Distribution Technician performs a variety of activities to support the operation ...

Aquaamerica

Distribution Technician

Mentor, OH · On-site

$22.30 - $37.15/hr

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... S. The Distribution Technician performs a variety of activities to support the operation ...

Aquaamerica

Distribution Technician

Marion, OH

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... S. The Distribution Technician performs a variety of activities to support the operation ...

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All JobsWater Distribution Operator JobsWater Distribution Operator Jobs in Ohio

Water Distribution Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do water distribution operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution operator in Ohio is $24.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $28.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Water Distribution Operators?

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.

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.

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.

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 Ohio? For Water Distribution Operator jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Distribution Operator jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Water Distribution Operator jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Water Distribution Operator jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Water Distribution Operator job openings:
Water Distribution Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Distribution Operator job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,620 per year, or $24.8 per hour.
Water Distribution Operator I (Vacancy)

Water Distribution Operator I (Vacancy)

City of Columbus

Columbus, OH • On-site

$30.70 - $40.01/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Definition The City of Columbus, Division of Water & Power is seeking a Water Distribution Operator I in the Division of Water. Under general supervision, this position will be responsible for maintaining system operations within the Operation's Control Center. This will be accomplished by operating the Division of Water's water storage tanks and pumping stations via Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) interface.

This position will coordinate with field maintenance staff for the repair and maintenance of all our Water Distribution sites and locations. This position will monitor pumping in the distribution system from our Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) and will coordinate with the WTP's to maintain system pressures and levels. This position will also be responsible to maintain critical customer lists, perform remote exercising operations of all SCADA controlled pressure reducing valves (PRV's), update and maintain our internal system data files, keep accurate logbook entries for shift-to-shift operations, and record call-in information from the other Control Center work groups employees.

Performs related duties as required. Minimum qualifications require possession a valid Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) State of Ohio Class I Water Distribution Operator or higher certificate and valid driver's license. This position is located at 910 Dublin Road, and the schedule is Tuesday-Saturday 3pm-11pm with no lunch.

Examples of Work (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.) Operates a computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) to monitor and control a water distribution system; Monitors the SCADA server computers and reports problems to immediate supervisor; Isolates and reroutes water, via computer control, to water districts to ensure continuous service for daily demand and for emergency use; Directs emergency personnel to maintain control of water distribution facilities; Dispatches maintenance personnel to correct and repair water distribution equipment malfunctions in person, by telephone, or via two-way radio; Inputs data for daily water pumping reports; generates daily rate demand reports; retrieves archived data for reports; under supervision, creates custom reports and creates trend reports using live and historical data; Sets up secure remote communication links with vendors and/or backup systems; Reconfigures computer graphics and modifies SCADA programming for control purposes; Assists in the recommendation, installation, and evaluation of new computer software and hardware to update the system; Coordinates with contractors or other agencies to resolve problems affecting the water distribution system; Communicates with emergency services, other utility agencies, and the general public on the status of water distribution services during emergency situations; Stays current with rules and regulations impacting water distribution and with developments in information technology that impact SCADA system operation and security; May manually operate pump control system at remote stations. Minimum Qualifications Possession of a valid Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) State of Ohio Class I Water Distribution Operator or higher certificate. Possession of a valid driver's license

Test/Job Contact Information Recruitment #: 26-3864-V1 Employment Type: Full-Time (Regular) Should you have questions regarding this vacancy, please contact: Alisha Ardolino Columbus Water & Power Division of Water 37 W. Broad St. Columbus, Ohio 43215 P: (614) 645-3751 E: aaardolino@columbus.gov The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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