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Water Distribution Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Inspector Contracted Services job classification is responsible for inspecting, facilities location, street repair, outdoor lighting, Electric Distribution, Gas Distribution, and/or Water ...

Machine Operator I

Cleveland, TN ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

MWA) is the nation's leading manufacturer of flow control devices for the water and gas distribution industries and North America's largest and only full-line supplier of potable water distribution ...

Machine Operator I

Cleveland, TN ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

MWA) is the nation's leading manufacturer of flow control devices for the water and gas distribution industries and North America's largest and only full-line supplier of potable water distribution ...

W/WW Civil Project Manager

Knoxville, TN ยท Hybrid

$100K - $125K/yr

Manage projects spanning treatment facility planning and design, water distribution lines, and booster pump station design * Oversee sanitary sewer system planning and design, asset management ...

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Water Distribution information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$26

$57

How much do water distribution jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution in Tennessee is $26.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $31.06 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 are the most commonly searched types of Water Distribution jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Water Distribution jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Water Distribution job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $54,466 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory Technician

City of Clarksville, TN

Clarksville, TN โ€ข On-site

$53K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Salary : $53,918.00 Annually
Location : GAS and WATER 2215 Madison Street Clarksville
Job Type: Fulltime
Job Number: 10357G
Department: Gas & Water
Division: Water
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/21/2026 4:30 PM Central
Description
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
This is the first of three levels in the Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory series.Incumbents perform and interpret lab results. Responsibilities may include maintaining a quality assurance plan; interpreting lab results; writing and updating lab procedures; maintaining lab records; calculating chemical dosages, chemical usage, flow rates, detention times, and other similar calculations; and performing the duties of the lower level. This is a technical and skilled position collecting and analyzing samples ensuring overall water quality in the Clarksville Water System or Clarksville Wastewater System meets or exceeds all relative water quality regulatory standards.
Example of Duties
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Functions:
  1. Performs sample analyses utilizing highly technical laboratory equipment; interprets lab results which includes performing routine laboratory tests of applicable samples using standard laboratory methods; drawing conclusions; interpreting results; analyzing findings; calculating chemical dosages, chemical usage, flow rates, and detention times; writes and updates lab procedures as necessary; and performing related duties.
  2. Collects, preserves, and disposes of lab samples following established guidelines, which may include collecting samples from applicable sites; handling preserved or hazardous samples; determining acceptable hold times; disposing of samples based on sample types and applicable preservatives; and/or, performing other related activities.
  3. Cleans and organizes lab facilities and equipment; monitors and maintains applicable equipment, supplies, information technology items, and/or inventory; orders equipment and supplies; stocks materials, supplies, and products; and maintains lab cleanliness.
  4. Prepares and maintains various records related to laboratory activities, ensuring data accuracy and integrity following all city, state and federal standards and regulations; notifies supervisor(s) of results indicative of potential impact to the water quality.
  5. Assists in development and implementation of water quality monitoring plans, standard operating procedures, and other plans as required; maintains the standards for laboratory certification by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
  6. Performs other related work as required.

Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Education and Experience:
  • High school graduate or GED equivalent.
  • Two (2) years of experience in a lab environment.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the job's essential duties.

License and Certifications:
  • Possession of a valid Class D driver's license.
  • Must obtain Grade IV Water Treatment/Wastewater Plant Operator Certification (respective to plant assignment) within 24-30 months of assignment.
  • Must obtain Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certification (respective to plant assignment) within 12 months after obtaining Grade IV Certification.

Supplemental Information
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS REQUIRED
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
  • Chemical and biological testing principles.
  • Basic analysis methods.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) principles.
  • Laboratory principles and practices in assigned area of responsibility.
  • Safe work methods and procedures.
  • Mathematical principles.
  • Applicable laboratory equipment.
  • Hazardous waste handling procedures.
  • Recordkeeping principles.
  • Basic inventory management principles.
  • Computers and related software applications.
Skill in:
  • Performing basic laboratory tests and analyses.
  • Collecting applicable samples.
  • Handling hazardous waste and materials.
  • Maintaining laboratory records.
  • Performing mathematical calculations.
  • Monitoring inventory and supply levels.
  • Using a computer and related software applications.
  • Maintaining operational records.
  • Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The work is medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:
  • Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
  • Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.
  • Crawling: Moving about on hands, knees, hands, and feet.
  • Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
  • Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
  • Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
  • Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
  • Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination sound.
  • Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
  • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. It occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
  • Mental Acuity: Making rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
  • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
  • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something steady to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
  • Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
  • Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
  • Speaking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.
  • Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
  • Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. It occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
  • Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
  • Visual ability 1: sufficient to perform an activity like preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading.
  • Visual ability 2: sufficient to include color, depth perception, and field vision.
  • Visual ability 3: sufficient to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
  • Visual ability 4: sufficient to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment, both day and night.
  • Visual ability 5: sufficient to perform an activity such as: visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, operation of machines; using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes.
  • Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or move from one work site to another.

Please see the City of Clarksville's for applicable benefits information.
01
Do you currently possess a valid Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

02
How many years of experience do you have working in a laboratory environment?
Required Question