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Water Distribution Operator Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Water Distribution certification is a plus. Valid state-issued motor vehicle operating license. Commercial Driver's License (CDL)-Class A is required within ...

Equipment Operator-Excavation

Beloit, WI · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

The Equipment Operator-Excavator is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the public water supply distribution system, sanitary sewer system and storm sewer system. This position also ...

Filter Plant Operator

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$34.40 - $37.12/hr

Water Utility Filtration Plant, 6183 Finger Road, Luxemburg, WI Job Type: Full-time Job Number ... Monitors SCADA control systems for the filtration and ozonation plants and distribution system ...

General Description Help keep our community's drinking water safe and reliable. We're looking for a ... distribution system; makes proper adjustments; determines dosages. Adjusts chemical doses in ...

From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our ... Steel toed shoes are required on the distribution floor. * Attention to detail * Teamwork ...

From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our ... Steel toed shoes are required on the distribution floor. * Attention to detail * Teamwork ...

From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our ... Steel toed shoes are required on the distribution floor. * Attention to detail * Teamwork ...

From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our ... Steel toed shoes are required on the distribution floor. * Attention to detail * Teamwork ...

From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our ... Steel toed shoes are required on the distribution floor. * Attention to detail * Teamwork ...

From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our ... Steel toed shoes are required on the distribution floor. * Attention to detail * Teamwork ...

... Standard Operating Procedures, and in compliance with the State/Federal Govt./OSHA's Codes ... hot & cold water distribution systems (plumbing, pressure/pneumatic/storage tanks, variable ...

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Water Distribution Operator information

See Wisconsin salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do water distribution operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution operator in Wisconsin is $26.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $30.58 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 Wisconsin? For Water Distribution Operator jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Distribution Operator jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Water Distribution Operator jobs in Wisconsin are:
Construction Utility Worker

Construction Utility Worker

City of Racine

Racine, WI

$60K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Description We strongly encourage City of Racine residents to apply. We're committed to building a workforce that reflects and understands the community we serve. City residents will earn a 4% differential on top of the hourly pay range.

Learn more and apply today. Purpose of Position: The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of construction duties and tasks in maintaining the mains, valves, hydrants, pipeline appurtenances and services in the Racine Water Utility distribution system. Starting pay range is $28.90 - $31.45 Essential Duties Repairs mains, valves, hydrants, pipeline appurtenances and services using currently accepted construction practices

Unloads and loads pipe, fittings and chemicals. Drives trucks ranging in size from ton to 54,000 G.V.W. Operates the compressor, or a combination of backhoe and hydro crane in excavating for main breaks and service leaks

Maintains physical structure using hand tools and power equipment. Compiles field data and information on file into reports as assigned. Maintains clean and orderly equipment storage areas, locker facilities, and vehicles.

Assists in departmental functions and tasks with those of other Utility departments, including plant projects, as required. Adheres to all safety procedures as defined by the Utility work and safety rules, as well as work zone traffic, and excavation/trenching safety procedures. Available to work overtime beyond the normal 40 hour work week during emergency.

infrastructure repair events; Participation as a rotating crew standby member required. Ability to work year-round outdoors and in trenches subject to weather conditions; exposure to loud noises, damp, wet, cold, mud, and unpleasant odors; outside on streets, and in varying traffic conditions. Ability to work under moderately unsafe and uncomfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as heavy machinery and power equipment, trenched earth, and construction materials poses a moderate risk of injury.

Qualifications Additional Tasks and Responsibilities Strong mechanical skills, including a working knowledge of mechanical functions, principles and techniques. Working knowledge of all fittings and materials used in maintaining a water distribution system. Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED equivalent One year of experience in municipal or commercial water/sewer pipeline or service installation or repair is desired.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Water Distribution certification is a plus. Valid state-issued motor vehicle operating license. Commercial Driver's License (CDL)-Class A is required within 6 months of hire; a temporary CDL is preferred within 3 months of hire.

Language and Interpersonal Communication: Ability to analyze and categorize data and information in order to determine the relationship of the data with reference to established criteria/standards. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, classify, compute, tabulate, measure and/or sort data, as well as assemble, copy and record and transcribe data and information. Ability to utilize, interpret, and apply a variety of advisory data and information such as blueprints, plat book of water/sewer mains, charts, graphs, as-built drawings, and general operating manuals.

Ability to communicate orally and in writing with varied and diverse contacts, such as Utility personnel, general public customers, and contractors. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions, including safety procedures and policies. Judgement and Situational Reasoning: Ability to apply rational and ethical judgment, tact, courtesy, and diplomacy when dealing with Utility personnel, public customers, contractors, and city representatives.

Supplemental Information Physical Demands of the Position: Must have good dexterity with ability to hand operate heavy equipment, tools, and instruments, some requiring complex and rapid adjustments in coordination with eye movement, such as leak detection equipment, power hand tools, motor vehicles, computer, calculator, two-way radio and telephone. Ability to exert strenuous physical effort to lift and carry objects up to 100 lbs, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing ladders, and turning/torqueing valves and apparatus. Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarity or difference between characteristics of color, sound and odors.

Equipment Used: Heavy construction equipment such as backhoes, varying size trucks, powered hand tools, manual hand tools and shovels, valve turner, locating equipment, leak detection equipment, computer/laptop, calculator, two-way radio, and telephone. Software technology used may include Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Time Management Software (TMS), and Geographic Information System (GIS); Other software may be applied. The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer