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Water Distribution Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Water & Sewer Crew Leader

Dayton, OH · On-site

$26.78 - $119/hr

OR\r\n \r\n Two years of experience as a City of Dayton Water & Sewer Worker I or Water & Sewer Worker II with an Ohio EPA Class I Water Distribution or Class I Wastewater Collections certification ...

Distribution Technician

Mentor, OH · On-site

$22.30 - $37.15/hr

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... S. The Distribution Technician performs a variety of activities to support the operation ...

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... S. The Distribution Technician performs a variety of activities to support the operation ...

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... S. The Distribution Technician performs a variety of activities to support the operation ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water Distribution information

See Ohio salary details

$8

$23

$52

How much do water distribution jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution in Ohio is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.50 and $28.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water distribution worker?

Water distribution workers are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining the systems that deliver clean, safe water to homes and businesses. Their duties include monitoring water quality, repairing pipes and valves, ensuring proper water pressure, and responding to leaks or service disruptions. They play a crucial role in public health and infrastructure by making sure that water distribution systems comply with safety regulations and function efficiently. This job often requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and sometimes certification or licensing.

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 systems, hydraulics, maintenance procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and GIS mapping software is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout operators apart. These skills ensure the safe and efficient delivery of clean water to communities, uphold regulatory standards, and minimize service disruptions.

What are some common challenges faced by water distribution professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Water distribution professionals often encounter challenges such as aging infrastructure, leak detection, maintaining water quality standards, and responding to emergency repairs. Addressing these issues requires strong problem-solving skills, familiarity with modern monitoring technologies, and close coordination with maintenance and engineering teams. Proactive maintenance, ongoing training, and clear communication with both colleagues and the public can help mitigate these challenges and ensure reliable water service.

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

AspectWater DistributionWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater Distribution Operator LicenseWater Treatment Operator License
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, pipelines, reservoirsPlant facilities, chemical handling
Industry UsageMunicipal water systems, pipelinesWater purification, treatment processes
Job FocusMaintaining and repairing water pipelines and infrastructureOperating and monitoring water treatment equipment

Water Distribution professionals focus on maintaining and repairing water pipelines and infrastructure, ensuring safe water delivery. Water Treatment Plant Operators manage water purification processes at treatment facilities. While both roles require similar certifications and work within the water industry, their primary responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What does water distribution do?

Water distribution workers are responsible for delivering clean, safe drinking water to homes, businesses, and public facilities through a network of pipes and pumps. They maintain and repair the infrastructure, monitor water quality, and ensure proper pressure and flow within the system. This role often requires knowledge of plumbing, safety procedures, and sometimes certifications in water system operations.

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Water Distribution jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Water Distribution job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Distribution job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,328 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Water Distribution Maintenance

Lake County Department of Utilities

Painesville, OH • On-site

$20.40 - $34.51/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Water Distribution Maintenance
The Water Distribution Maintenance position involves a broad range of duties associated with repair, maintenance, and inspection of the water distribution system.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Responds to emergencies, deal with the public, and safely operate and maintain the water distribution system.
  • Locate and repair buried pipes and leaks.
  • Make pipe connections and flush and clean pipes.
  • Keep accurate records.
  • Work safely in streets while protecting road users and pedestrians from work areas in streets and sidewalks.
  • Performs shop, vehicle and equipment maintenance duties.
  • Operates dump truck and heavy equipment, such as backhoes and mini excavators.

Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must have a High School diploma or GED. A valid Ohio Driver's license with a safe driving record and a drug screening are required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Applicants should have construction experience; including excavations, waterline, valve and hydrant repair and installation, service connections and meter setting; concrete finishing and asphalt repair; good written and verbal communication skills; ability to have effective working relationships with fellow coworkers, public officials and the general public. This position will include physical labor, including working outdoors in all types of weather conditions. This position requires emergency call out response at all hours of the day and night including weekends and holidays.
Job Type: Full Time
Pay:
Starting: $20.40 - $34.51/hr., (based upon experience)
Additional Premium:
  • OEPA Water Distribution Class I License: $1.50/hr.
  • OEPA Water Distribution Class II License: $1.75/hr.
  • Class A CDL: $3.50/hr.
  • Class B CDL: $1.00/hr.
  • On call Pay: $35/weekday, $50/weekend, $75/holiday

Fringe Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, Rx, Vision, Telemedicine, Gym Membership, EAP
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Sick (4.6 hrs./pay), Vacation (3.1 hrs./pay), Personal Days (6/yr. from sick time), Overtime, Compensation Time
  • PERS 10% employee contribution with 14% employer contribution, Deferred Compensation, Public Student Loan Forgiveness

An Equal Opportunity Employer
M.F.H.V.
A drug screening is required.