1

Water Distribution Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... water distribution and sewer collecting system including digging, breaking pavement, mixing and ... Working knowledge of operating procedures for various light equipment. * Ability to read and ...

The engineer provides support to six operating units (water plant, wastewater plant, water distribution, wastewater collections, including 80+ pump stations, natural gas distribution, and sanitation)

... re-purified water distribution, stormwater, and wastewater collection systems. EXAMPLES OF ... Vacuum/Jet Wash truck operators must have tanker (N) endorsement. The City of Murfreesboro is an ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Water Distribution Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$23

$36

How much do water distribution operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution operator in Tennessee is $23.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $27.50 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 Tennessee? For Water Distribution Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Distribution Operator jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Water Distribution Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Water Distribution Operator job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,281 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Water/Wastewater Construction Worker I - Senior

Water/Wastewater Construction Worker I - Senior

City of Clarksville, TN

Clarksville, TN • On-site

$43K - $71K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Salary : $43,066.00 - $71,220.00 Annually
Location : GAS and WATER 2215 Madison Street Clarksville
Job Type: Fulltime
Job Number: 10184G
Department: Gas & Water
Division: Water
Opening Date: 07/27/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
***PLEASE NOTE: THIS VACANCY IS LOCATED IN THE WATER CONSTRUCTION DIVISION OF THE GAS AND WATER DEPARTMENT. ***
CLASS SUMMARY:
This is the first of four levels in the Water/Wastewater Construction series. Incumbents participate in the general repair and installation of water distribution and/or wastewater collection systems as trained and directed. Responsibilities may include operating power and hand tools to excavate water and sewer lines; performing labor related to the installation of water distribution and/or wastewater collection systems; inspecting and repairing existing water/wastewater infrastructure; recording activities; and filing paperwork.
CLASS SUMMARY:
This is the second of four levels in the Water/Wastewater Construction series. Incumbents perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled work in the construction and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Responsibilities may include: locating, inspecting, and maintaining manholes, valves, and hydrants; plumbing and pipefitting water and wastewater lines; ordering supplies and equipment; cleaning and exercising valves and hydrants; recording utility locations in a GIS system; maintaining records of activities; and performing the duties of lower levels.
CLASS SUMMARY:
This is the third of four levels in the Water/Wastewater Construction series. Incumbents perform specialized, skilled work in the construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of water distribution and/or wastewater collection systems. Responsibilities may include maintaining system documentation; inspecting the work of lower levels and/or contractors; locating utilities; responding to customer complaints; locating, inspecting, and maintaining manholes, valves, and hydrants; plumbing and pipe fitting water and wastewater lines; ordering supplies and equipment; cleaning and exercising valves and hydrants; and performing the duties of the lower levels. Incumbents may provide work direction to the lower levels.
***PLEASE NOTE: THREE DESCRIPTIONS ARE DISPLAYED BUT THE INCUMBENT WILL BE HIRED AT THE HIGHEST SKILL LEVEL MET BASED ON EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE.***
***PLEASE NOTE: THIS VACANCY IS LOCATED IN THE WATER CONSTRUCTION DIVISION OF THE GAS AND WATER DEPARTMENT. ***
Example of Duties
TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)
  • Maintains, operates and checks the operation of collection systems and facilities, which includes: locating, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing manholes, valves, and hydrants; plumbing and pipe fitting water and wastewater lines; cleaning and exercising valves and hydrants; and/or performing related duties.
  • Performs inspections of equipment and remote facilities and reports on failures or operating difficulties, which includes stopping and starting equipment as required for repair; and cleaning, lubricating, and performing routine maintenance of equipment and facilities.
  • Maintains records and logs of systems operation and maintenance activities.
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)
  • Maintains, operates, and checks the operation of collections systems and facilities, which includes: locating, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing manholes, valves, and hydrants; plumbing and pipe fitting water and wastewater lines; cleaning and exercising valves and hydrants; and/or performing related duties.
  • Performs inspections of equipment and remote facilities and reports on failures or operating difficulties which includes stopping and starting equipment as required for repair; and cleaning, lubricating, and performing routine maintenance of equipment and facilities.
  • Maintains records and logs of systems operation and maintenance activities. Records utility locations using a GIS system.
  • Monitors and maintains inventory; ordering supplies and equipment as necessary.
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)
  • Maintains, operates, and checks the operation of collection systems and facilities, which includes: locating, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing manholes, valves, and hydrants; plumbing and pipe fitting water and wastewater lines; cleaning and exercising valves and hydrants; and/or performing related duties.
  • Performs complex repairs and upgrades to equipment and facilities which may include adjusting system operations; locating utilities; and performing related duties.
  • Performs inspections of equipment and remote facilities and reports on failures or operating difficulties; and performs related duties.
  • Responds to a variety of customer complaints and inquiries.
  • Performs record keeping functions such as logging operations, maintenance work performed, and unusual operating conditions encountered; prepares reports as required.
  • May prioritize and assign work to lower level staff; monitor the performance of lower level staff; train staff on work methods and procedures.
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Typical Qualifications
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (positions in this class typically require):
High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) and a combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (positions in this class typically require):
High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.), three years experience in water distribution and/or wastewater collection system maintenance and construction; or, an equivalent combination of education, state certification, and experience sufficient to successfully perform essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (positions in this class typically require):
High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) and six years experience in water distribution and/or wastewater collection system maintenance and construction. An equivalent combination of education, state certification, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above will be considered in lieu of experience-only time requirements.
Supplemental Information
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS(positions in this class typically require):
Licensing Requirements:
  • Driver's License
  • Must obtain a Class "A" Commercial Driver's License typically within the first 6 months of employment.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS (positions in this class typically require):
Licensing Requirements:
  • Class A Commercial Driver's License required for the position.
  • Position typically requires one of the following:
    • TN Grade 2 Water Distribution System Operator Certification
    • TN Grade 2 Wastewater Collection Systems Operator Certification
    • Three years of experience in water distribution/wastewater collection construction (in lieu of one Certification)

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS: (positions in this class typically require):
Licensing Requirements:
  • Class A Commercial Driver's License required for position.
  • Position typically requires two of the following:
    • TN Grade 2 Water Distribution Systems Operator Certification
    • TN Grade 2 Wastewater Collection Systems Operator Certification
    • Three years of experience in water distribution/wastewater collection construction in lieu of each Certification (Six years total experience in lieu of any Certification).

KNOWLEDGE (position requirements at entry):
Knowledge of:
  • Operation and maintenance of applicable power and hand tools, equipment, and machinery;
  • Basic inspection principles;
  • Safe work methods;
  • Recordkeeping principles.

KNOWLEDGE (position requirements at entry):
Knowledge of:
  • Operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment and water/wastewater lines as assigned;
  • Water/wastewater treatment principles, methods, and practices;
  • Operation and maintenance of applicable power and hand tools, equipment, and machinery;
  • Basic inspection principles;
  • GIS equipment and systems;
  • Safe work methods;
  • Recordkeeping principles;
  • Computers and related software applications.

KNOWLEDGE (position requirements at entry):
Knowledge of:
  • Operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment and water/wastewater lines as assigned;
  • Water/wastewater treatment principles and methods;
  • Operation and maintenance of applicable tools, equipment, and machinery;
  • Water collection and testing techniques;
  • Inspection principles;
  • Customers service principles;
  • Safe work methods;
  • Recording keeping principles;
  • Computers and related software applications.

SKILLS (position requirements at entry):
Skill in:
  • Recognizing unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions;
  • Maintaining records;
  • Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

SKILLS (position requirements at entry):
Skill in:
  • Performing routine maintenance on water/wastewater systems;
  • Recognizing unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions;
  • Performing routine inspections;
  • Reading and recording GIS information;
  • Maintaining records;
  • Using a computer and related software applications;
  • Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

SKILLS (position requirements at entry):
Skill in:
  • Performing routine maintenance on water/wastewater systems;
  • Recognizing unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions;
  • Performing equipment and facility inspections;
  • Performing water collection and testing;
  • Providing customer service;
  • Maintaining records;
  • Using computer and related software applications;
  • Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, and intense noises.
NOTE:
The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.
Please see the City of Clarksville's for applicable benefits information.