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Water Distribution System Operator Jobs in Arizona

Metro Water District

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Utility Technician I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$45K - $66K/yr

Primary responsibilities include operating, monitoring and maintaining automated and manual ... Performs flushing operations to maintain water quality in the distribution system. * Cleans and ...

Cordia

Control Operator III

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$38 - $42/hr

... water distribution system piping. The system supplies cold water to 47 buildings in the downtown area for comfort cooling. The Control Operator III will report to the Downtown Phoenix Operations ...

Oro Valley, AZ

Water Utility Operator I

Oro Valley, AZ · On-site

$41K/yr

Assists with maintenance of water distribution components and water production equipment. * Assists ... Knowledge of the operations and maintenance of automated water metering systems, repair and ...

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Water Distribution System Operator information

What are some common challenges faced by water distribution system operators, and how are they addressed on the job?

Water Distribution System Operators often face challenges such as unexpected equipment malfunctions, water main breaks, and maintaining water quality during peak usage periods. To address these issues, operators rely on routine system inspections, preventative maintenance, and quick response protocols for emergencies. Collaboration with other utility staff and clear communication with supervisors are key to troubleshooting and resolving problems efficiently, ensuring safe and reliable water delivery for the community.

What is the difference between Water Distribution System Operator vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater Distribution System OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater Distribution Certification, CDL often preferredWater Treatment Certification, State Operator License
Work EnvironmentInspecting and maintaining water distribution pipes, valves, and metersOperating and maintaining water treatment equipment at treatment plants
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal water departments, public utilitiesWater treatment facilities, public utilities

The Water Distribution System Operator primarily focuses on maintaining and operating the infrastructure that delivers water to consumers, while the Water Treatment Plant Operator manages the processes that treat water to meet safety standards. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the same industry, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water distribution system operator?

To thrive as a Water Distribution System Operator, you need a solid understanding of water system operations, hydraulics, and safety protocols, usually supported by a high school diploma and state certification or licensure. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance tools is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help operators respond to emergencies and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure the safe, efficient delivery of clean water and compliance with regulatory standards.

What is a water distribution system operator?

Water Distribution System Operators are professionals responsible for managing and maintaining the systems that deliver clean, safe drinking water to homes and businesses. They monitor water quality, operate pumps and valves, repair pipes, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Their work is essential to public health, as they help prevent contamination and ensure a reliable supply of water to communities.
What are popular job titles related to Water Distribution System Operator jobs in Arizona? For Water Distribution System Operator jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Distribution System Operator jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Water Distribution System Operator jobs in Arizona are:
Water Distribution System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Distribution System Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Water Resources Environmental Compliance Inspector I/II - Industrial Pretreatment

City of Mesa, AZ

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$60K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

City Of Mesa rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

218th of 844 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 17360
Department: (H310)Water Resources
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description/Duties
There are currently two vacancies is in the Industrial Pre-treatment assignment, which will be filled at either a level I or level II.
The first review of
all applications will be on Monday, June 8, 2026, and weekly thereafter.
Water Resources Environmental Compliance Inspector I ($57,975.63 - $84,314.26 annually)
The Environmental Compliance Inspector I position is the first position in a series responsible for performing work and program administration duties in support of the Regulatory Compliance Program. The primary function of the Environmental Compliance Inspector I position is to maintain compliance with state, federal, county, and local regulations, and to protect the health and safety of Mesa's citizens and employees, the water distribution system, and the Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) systems.
The Industrial Pretreatment Inspector samples, inspects, and monitors industrial and commercial establishments for compliance with city code and ordinances, and to support regulatory activities for Industrial Pretreatment programs.
This class is distinguished from the Environmental Compliance Inspector II by performing more routine inspections, technical work, program administration duties, and has a more limited knowledge of environmental regulations. The Environmental Compliance Inspector II has extensive knowledge regarding applicable regulations and works with the more complex inspections. This class is supervised by the supervisor in their assigned area and may take direction from an Environmental Compliance Inspector II. Employees in this class can progress to the Water Resources Environmental Compliance Inspector II class by noncompetitive, criteria-based promotion. This class is subject to frequent emergency call-out and must be available to work scheduled stand-by and overtime on nights, weekends, and holidays as required. This class is FLSA non-exempt.
Water Resources Environmental Compliance Inspector II ($60,903.44 - $88,572.85 annually)
An Environmental Compliance Inspector II position performs advanced level work in water quality inspections, reclaimed/air quality inspections, industrial pretreatment inspections, and backflow/cross-connection inspections. An individual in this class possesses and applies considerable independent judgement and knowledge in environmental regulations and performs the more complex inspections. The primary function of the Environmental Compliance Inspector is to maintain compliance with State, Federal, County, and Local regulations and to protect the health and safety of Mesa's citizens, employees, the water distribution system, and the Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) systems.
The Industrial Pretreatment Inspector samples, inspects, and monitors industrial and commercial establishments for compliance with City Code and Ordinances, and to support regulatory activities for Industrial Pretreatment programs.
This class is distinguished from the Environmental Compliance Inspector I by performing more complex inspections, completing and submitting the more detailed reports to the various regulatory agencies, and having a more diverse knowledge in environmental regulations. This class is supervised by the supervisor in their assigned area and does not supervise but may provide direction to an Environmental Compliance Inspector I. This class is subject to frequent emergency call-outs and must be available to work scheduled stand-by and overtime on nights, weekends, and holidays as required. This class is FLSA non-exempt.
Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.
Qualifications & Requirements
Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Water Resources Environmental Compliance Inspector I
Minimum Qualifications Required Graduation from high school or GED. Any combination of education and experience equivalent to three years' technical experience in water resources (water or environmental quality, wastewater systems, water/wastewater treatment, industrial pretreatment, water distribution, backflow, stormwater, etc.). Two years of college level coursework, including 12 credit hours of environmental, physical, or biological science coursework may substitute for one year of required work experience (official or unofficial transcripts must be attached with application for verification).
Special RequirementsMust possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Must obtain within one year of hire date and maintain a Grade I operator certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) in either Wastewater Treatment or Collections certification. Must obtain within one year of hire date and maintain a forty-hour HazWoper certification. If assigned to Industrial Pretreatment, must meet the qualifications to wear a tight-fitting respirator by passing a medical evaluation in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.134 by hire or promotion date and must maintain certification.
Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug, and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.
Water Resources Environmental Compliance Inspector II
Minimum Qualifications Required. Graduation from high school or GED. Any combination of education and/or experience equivalent to five years' experience in the field of water quality, wastewater or environmental quality, backflow, stormwater, industrial pretreatment, water/wastewater treatment, water distribution, wastewater collections, or closely related field. An Associate's degree in a physical or biological science or closely related field may substitute for two years' of experience.
Special Requirements. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Must obtain and maintain by start date, a Grade I operator certification in Wastewater Treatment or Collections (Wastewater) as appropriate from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). If in the Industrial Pretreatment assignment, must meet the qualifications to wear a tight-fitting respirator by passing a medical evaluation in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.134 by hire or promotion date and must maintain certification. Must possess, obtain, and maintain within one year of hire a Forty Hour HAZWOPER certification.
Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug, and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.
Link to Job Description
Water Resources Environmental Compliance Inspector I
Water Resources Environmental Compliance Inspector II
https://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4802.pdf
A is linked here.
01
Did you receive a High School Diploma or GED? You MUST include and detail your education information on your application to receive credit.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Did you graduate from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree (or higher) in a physical or biological science or closely related? You MUST include and detail your degree(s) and major(s) information on your application to receive credit.
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have at least 48 college level credits hours, including 12 credit hours of environmental, physical, or biological science coursework? Official or unofficial transcripts MUST be attached with application for verification.
  • Yes
  • No

04
Please list the college level environmental, physical, or biological sciences coursework that you successfully completed, including the number of credit hours. You must also include this education information on your application AND attach an official or unofficial college transcript for verification. If none, type N/A.
05
How many years of full-time experience do you have in the field of water quality, wastewater or environmental quality, backflow, stormwater, industrial pretreatment, water/wastewater treatment, water distribution, wastewater collections, or closely related field? You must detail this experience on your application to receive credit.
  • None
  • Some but less than 2 years
  • 2 years or more but less than 3 years
  • 3 years or more but less than 5 years
  • 5 years or more

06
Please describe your experience in the field of water quality, wastewater or environmental quality, backflow, stormwater, industrial pretreatment, water/wastewater treatment, water distribution, wastewater collections, or closely related field below; include employment dates and names of employer(s). You must also detail this experience on your application to receive credit. If none, type N/A.
07
Do you have a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License, or can you obtain one by hire or promotion date?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Please select the ADEQ Certifications that you currently possess. Please select all that apply. Please also detail your certifications on your application.
  • Grade 1 or higher Wastewater Collections Operator
  • Grade 1 or higher Wastewater Treatment Operator
  • None of the above

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