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Water Distribution Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

WAT Pipefitter

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Install, repair, and maintain water distribution systems including pipes, valves, meters, fittings ... Experience operating excavation equipment. * Familiarity with trench safety, confined space entry ...

WAT Pipefitter

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Install, repair, and maintain water distribution systems including pipes, valves, meters, fittings ... Experience operating excavation equipment. * Familiarity with trench safety, confined space entry ...

WAT Pipefitter

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Install, repair, and maintain water distribution systems including pipes, valves, meters, fittings ... Experience operating excavation equipment. * Familiarity with trench safety, confined space entry ...

WAT Pipefitter

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Install, repair, and maintain water distribution systems including pipes, valves, meters, fittings ... Experience operating excavation equipment. * Familiarity with trench safety, confined space entry ...

WAT Pipefitter

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Install, repair, and maintain water distribution systems including pipes, valves, meters, fittings ... Experience operating excavation equipment. * Familiarity with trench safety, confined space entry ...

WAT Pipefitter

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Install, repair, and maintain water distribution systems including pipes, valves, meters, fittings ... Experience operating excavation equipment. * Familiarity with trench safety, confined space entry ...

WAT Pipefitter

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Install, repair, and maintain water distribution systems including pipes, valves, meters, fittings ... Experience operating excavation equipment. * Familiarity with trench safety, confined space entry ...

WAT Pipefitter

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Install, repair, and maintain water distribution systems including pipes, valves, meters, fittings ... Experience operating excavation equipment. * Familiarity with trench safety, confined space entry ...

WAT Pipefitter

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Install, repair, and maintain water distribution systems including pipes, valves, meters, fittings ... Experience operating excavation equipment. * Familiarity with trench safety, confined space entry ...

WAT Pipefitter

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Install, repair, and maintain water distribution systems including pipes, valves, meters, fittings ... Experience operating excavation equipment. * Familiarity with trench safety, confined space entry ...

Operating Engineer

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

Air compressors and distribution systems * Water filters, softeners, piping, pumps, sinks, toilets, drains, sprinkler systems * Electrical motors and engines powering pumps, compressors, and fans

... distribution construction for gas systems, and turnkey solutions for a variety of water, sewer, and ... DOT Operator Qualification. * DOT Flagger certification. * OSHA 20 certification. Physical Demands ...

... distribution construction for gas systems, and turnkey solutions for a variety of water, sewer, and ... DOT Operator Qualification. * DOT Flagger certification. * OSHA 20 certification. Physical Demands ...

... distribution construction for gas systems, and turnkey solutions for a variety of water, sewer, and ... DOT Operator Qualification. * DOT Flagger certification. * OSHA 20 certification. Physical Demands ...

Showing results 41-60

Water Distribution Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do water distribution operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution operator in Virginia is $25.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $30.05 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 job categories do people searching Water Distribution Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Water Distribution Operator jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Water Distribution Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,832 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Civil Engineer - Water / Wastewater Engineering

AMT Engineering

Herndon, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

A. Morton Thomas and Associates, Inc. (AMT) is hiring a Civil Engineer - Water/Wastewater Engineering to collaborate in the planning, design, and implementation of infrastructure solutions for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water projects.ย  Our water engineering practice is growing, and we are looking for good people who want to be part of something special.
ย 
How You Fit In
ย 
AMT does serious work but has a casual work environment. We work in teams and share expertise across those teams. To that end, we support our employees in their association and educational endeavors.
ย 
As a Project Engineer in our Water and Wastewater Engineering Team, you will prepare engineering design files, specifications, cost estimates, models, and reports for water/sewer projects.ย  We are looking for someone who wants to be counted on and is ready for the next step in their career.
ย ย 
This growth-oriented opportunity enables you to:
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Have a voice as an important part of our dynamic team
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Coordinate work of multiple engineering disciplines and subconsultants
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Assist with client relationship building and marketing efforts
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Represent AMT at professional association events
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Support engineering staff in the preparation of construction documents
ย 
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis without employer sponsorship. This position is not eligible for employment-based immigration sponsorship, either H1-B or OPT Based future sponsorship.
Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience in the planning, design and construction of water distribution and sewer collection systems
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental or other related Engineering field
  • EIT required
  • Experience in preparing plans, specifications and cost estimates for water/sewer pipeline projects for public agencies
  • Experience with project permitting
  • Technical proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Experience with OpenRoads Designer a Plus
  • Experience with water and/or sewer modeling a plus
  • Experience in designing pumping, treatment and/or storage facilities a plus
Why Join AMT?
ย 
At AMT, we understand that our most valuable asset is our staff. For 70 years, we have worked diligently to build a team of talented employees who fully embody our values as an organization - values such as teamwork, integrity, and innovation. Now that we have transitioned into an employee-owned firm, we are excited to place the future of AMT into over 500 sets of dedicated hands.
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The AMT Difference
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AMT's company culture is characterized by a workforce that holds the highest standards of ethics and integrity, focused client care, and commitment to AMT's Core Values of safety, respect, integrity, commitment, quality, teamwork. leadership, responsibility, and profitable growth.
ย 
Operating as an ESOP allows us to reward our dedicated and loyal employees with additional benefits from the company's stock as well as an incentive to continue building a high-performance ownership culture. To strengthen and support its employees, AMT invests in programs and processes to sustain an engaging work environment. AMT also recognizes the importance of employee benefits and policies and remains committed to providing programs that are both comprehensive and competitive in the industry.
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Competitive Benefit Package
ย 
To strengthen and support its employees, its greatest asset, AMT invests in programs and processes to sustain an engaging work environment. AMT also recognizes the importance of employee benefits and policies and remains committed to providing programs that are both comprehensive and competitive in the industry. With AMT, you will get:
ย 
Tiered medical coverage
Dental/Vision
401(k) with a 6% company match
Short- and long-term disability
College savings plan
Life insurance
Paid time off
Holidays
Training/Certifications
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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