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Water Distribution Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Civil / Environmental Engineer

Columbus, OH

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support the planning, design, and rehabilitation of water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, force mains, gravity sewers, pump stations, and conveyance infrastructure. * Perform ...

New

Civil / Environmental Engineer

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support the planning, design, and rehabilitation of water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, force mains, gravity sewers, pump stations, and conveyance infrastructure. * Perform ...

New

Civil / Environmental Engineer

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support the planning, design, and rehabilitation of water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, force mains, gravity sewers, pump stations, and conveyance infrastructure. * Perform ...

New

WASTEWATER MAINTENANCE/OPERATOR

Mason, OH ยท On-site

$31 - $40.11/hr

Obtain Ohio Department of Commerce Backflow Certification by possessing an OEPA- Class 1 Water Distribution or Water Treatment Operator 1 License. The backflow course will be paid for by the City of ...

$25 - $38.19/hr

This position supervises utility crews who perform construction, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and wastewater collection systems for Charlotte Water. Work involves performing lead and ...

Water / Wastewater Engineer

Cincinnati, OH

$75K - $103K/yr

Create detailed designs of water/wastewater treatment plants, pump stations and collection/distribution systems. * Prepare drawings write specifications, analysis and study-level reports for water ...

Showing results 41-60

Water Distribution information

See Ohio salary details

$8

$23

$52

How much do water distribution jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 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.

How does water distribution work?

Water distribution involves the process of delivering treated water from treatment plants through a network of pipes, pumps, and storage tanks to homes and businesses. Water distribution workers install, maintain, and repair these systems, ensuring safe and reliable water supply while adhering to safety standards and using tools like leak detectors and valves.

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 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 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 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 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,328 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Project Manager - Water / Wastewater

Prime AE Group Inc

Akron, OH โ€ข On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

We Make Everything Around Us Better

At PRIME AE, that’s not a slogan, it’s how we work.

Every bridge, building, campus, park, and roadway we design exists to improve how people live, move, learn, and connect. Through architecture, engineering, planning, and consulting, we partner with clients to create thoughtful, practical solutions that leave communities stronger than we found them.

If you want your work to matter, and to be surrounded by smart, collaborative people who care about doing things the right way, you’ll feel at home here.


Who We Are:

PRIME AE Group, Inc. (www.primeeng.com) is a nationally ranked, full-service architecture and engineering firm driven by collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to strengthening the communities we serve. With a growing footprint of offices across the country and a diverse team of more than 550 professionals, we partner with public and private sector clients to deliver thoughtful, high-impact solutions across transportation, education, healthcare, municipal, federal, commercial, and recreational markets.

Our culture blends entrepreneurial energy with the resources of a scaled, multidisciplinary platform—giving our people the opportunity to shape meaningful projects while influencing the future direction of the firm. As PRIME AE continues to expand its capabilities, geographic reach, and leadership bench, this is an exciting time to join a team that is building momentum, investing in growth, and empowering leaders to make a lasting impact.


The Opportunity:

We are currently seeking a Project Manager – Water / Wastewater to join our growing team in our Columbus or Akron, Ohio offices.

In this role, you will lead the design and management of complex water and wastewater treatment and infrastructure projects from initial planning and regulatory coordination through detailed design and project delivery. This position combines technical leadership, project management, and client engagement, offering the opportunity to play a key role in supporting critical water infrastructure improvements for municipal and public-sector clients.

The ideal candidate is a licensed Professional Engineer with strong experience in water and wastewater systems, proven project leadership capabilities, and a passion for mentoring junior staff and building client relationships.

PRIME AE offers a hybrid work environment, allowing employees to work part-time remotely and part-time in the office. Our culture is centered on putting people first, providing mentorship, training, and clearly defined career paths that support long-term professional growth.

What You’ll Do:
As a Project Manager, you will lead the planning, design, and delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure projects while providing technical guidance and mentorship to project teams. You will collaborate with clients, regulatory agencies, and internal teams to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, meet regulatory requirements, and support the long-term needs of the communities we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as Project Manager and/or Design Manager on water and wastewater infrastructure and treatment projects.
  • Plan, schedule, and coordinate project activities across multiple phases of design and delivery.
  • Develop and evaluate project plans, schedules, and budgets to ensure successful project execution.
  • Provide technical leadership and guidance on water and wastewater system design and infrastructure improvements.
  • Assess feasibility and technical soundness of engineering evaluations and design solutions.
  • Ensure quality control and quality assurance procedures are implemented throughout project delivery.
  • Conduct peer reviews, technical presentations, and design evaluations.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
  • Identify potential clients and project opportunities and support business development efforts.
  • Collaborate with the Marketing team on proposal preparation, statements of qualifications, and contract development.
  • Mentor and support the development of junior engineers and technical staff.

What You’ll Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related field.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain reciprocity.
  • 6+ years of experience in water and wastewater engineering.
  • Experience with projects involving:
    • Water and wastewater system studies and master planning
    • Water quality analyses
    • Pump station design
    • Water distribution and storage systems
    • Water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities
    • Wastewater collection systems
  • Experience with NPDES permitting, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure improvement projects.
  • Experience working with municipal clients and utility operators, including start-up support and commissioning activities.
  • Demonstrated project management and leadership experience; experience serving as Design Manager is a strong plus.
  • Experience supporting business development and client relationship management.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

Why PRIME AE:

We don’t just fill positions; we invest in people.

At PRIME AE, you’ll find a supportive, flexible environment where careers are built intentionally, not accidentally. You’ll work on projects that improve everyday life, alongside colleagues who challenge and respect one another.

What sets us apart:

  • Career Growth: Flexible career paths across disciplines, from technical expertise to project and people leadership.
  • People-First Culture: We value trust, integrity, and collaboration, and we mean it.
  • Meaningful Work: Projects that strengthen communities, infrastructure, and public spaces.
  • Growth with Purpose: Strategic expansion backed by strong leadership and investment.
  • National Reach, Local Feel: Big-firm resources with the agility and relationships of local offices.


Our Commitment:

PRIME AE Group is committed to creating an inclusive environment where differences are respected, voices are heard, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

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