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Water Distribution Operator Jobs in Pennsylvania

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Water Distribution Operator information

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$13

$26

$40

How much do water distribution operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution operator in Pennsylvania is $26.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.72 and $30.38 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.

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 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 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 utilities seek skilled workers to operate and maintain water systems, often requiring certifications and technical knowledge.

How much does a water distribution operator make?

The average salary for a water distribution operator in California ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher wages and additional benefits.

Is it hard to become a water distribution operator?

Becoming a water distribution operator typically requires completing relevant training, obtaining a state certification or license, and gaining experience in water systems. The difficulty varies depending on local requirements and the level of technical knowledge needed, but it generally involves passing exams and demonstrating practical skills. Strong attention to detail and understanding of safety protocols are also important for success in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Water Distribution Operator jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Water Distribution Operator jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Distribution Operator jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Distribution Operator jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Water Distribution Operator jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Water Distribution Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Distribution Operator job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,428 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Systems Integrity Technician

City of Goldsboro

Goldsboro, PA

$44K - $71K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Hiring range is negotiable between $44,620 and $57,997 depending on a candidate's qualifications and experience Performs semi-skilled to skilled work in the maintenance, repair and replacement of the City's water distribution and sewer collection infrastructure systems, requiring significant experience and skill in the operation of highly specialized robotic cameras, smoke testing equipment and computers. An employee in this class is responsible for investigating, locating and mapping potential problem areas in the City's sanitary sewer and water distribution systems. Work involves running cameras, utilizing acoustic detection methods and smoke testing sanitary sewer lines to collect data needed to prioritize maintenance and repairs.

Additionally, employee maintains an inventory of all backflow preventers connected to the City's Water Distribution System and ensures annual tests are scheduled and completed on time. Employee tests all backflow preventers connected to City owned facilities in-house and sends notices to private citizens/business when their inspections are due, requiring completed test results to be returned to update internal records. Employee performs work in accordance with established safety rules and regulations.

Employee may be required to work shifts or on weekends when responding to water leaks, meter malfunctions, sewer clogs, and other similar customer service issues. Employee may also be expected to perform "on-call" duties as directed. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.

Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary. Operates and maintains highly specialized equipment, including robotic cameras, smoke testing equipment and computers with specialized software used to detect damaged infrastructure. Operates, maintains, and repairs Envirosight Crawler cabled camera and mobile push camera.

Analyzes and codes resulting video images from each robotic camera operation to insure defects are inspected and automatically assigned a pipe condition number in accordance with NASSCO Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP). Works with a specialized database program for entering, storing and retrieving information pertaining to City utility lines. Establishes and maintains GIS-based coding for utility infrastructure, per NASSCO standards.

Oversees the City's backflow prevention program, tracking and maintaining an up-to-date inventory of all backflow preventers connected to the City's Water Distribution System. Perform minor repairs to backflow preventers on City owned facilities. Performs field investigations to locate, map and resolve inflow and infiltration issues.

Assists with inflow and infiltration mitigation measures that include installing upgraded manhole lids and pans, and raising manholes. Uses various pneumatic, gas or electric power tools, including compressors, jack-hammers, tapping machines, boring machines, tamps, concrete saws, drills, etc. Assists CityWork crews, private contractors, and other interested parties in locating utility lines and assessing potential problems.

Performs "on-call" duties on a rotational basis as needed. Performs "flagger" operations on roadways as needed during maintenance and repair operations. Assists other departments and agencies as needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITITES Knowledge of the tools, materials and methods used to maintain and repair water distribution and sewer collection infrastructure and associated appurtenances. Knowledge of the occupational hazards and proper safety precautions associated with working around raw sewage and traffic, operating heavy construction equipment, and performing daily responsibilities.

Knowledge of related engineering specifications, AWWA requirements, and related environmental laws Knowledge of the municipal water and sewer service policies and procedures. Knowledge of street locations and the geographic layout of the City. Knowledge backflow preventers and how they are incorporated into the water distribution system.

Skill in the advanced use of computers and various software applications. Ability to operate robotic cameras, smoke testing equipment and computer software related to primary operations. Ability to utilize the City's GIS based computer programs and mapping functions as it relates to the sanitary sewer and water systems.

Ability to test and perform minor repair on backflow preventers. Ability to develop step-by-step plans to narrow alternatives and to find the source of inflow and infiltration problems. Ability to safely and skillfully operate and maintain light to medium equipment and various pneumatic, gas or electric power tools.

Ability to work independently and use sound judgment. Ability to deal with courteously and tactfully with City personnel, contractors and the public. Ability to read utility line maps, as well as operation and service manuals.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma or GED equivalent; Three (3) years of experience in utility maintenance, working with computers, and various software programs or related experience; Or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES Possession of a valid North Carolina Class "B" Driver's License, or ability to obtain with six (6) months of hire date.

Possession of Cross Connection Control certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire date. Possession of a NASSCO certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire date. Possession of a Grade 2 Collections System Operators certificate issued by the State of North Carolina or ability to obtain within two years of hire date.

Possession of Grade C Water Distribution System Operators certificate issued by the State of North Carolina or ability to obtain within two years of hire date. Employee must also meet DOT requirements for flagging vehicular traffic within six months of hire date. ArcView/ArcGIS experience preferred PHYSICAL DEMANDS Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing and raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis. UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT) Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken. Involves routine and frequent exposure to: Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.

Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions. Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife. Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.

Traffic; Moving machinery. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE The City of Goldsboro is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities.

Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. STANDARD CLAUSES May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job.

Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor.

Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations.

In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.