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Water Distribution Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Distribution Operator I

Denton, TX ยท On-site

$23.39 - $30.41/hr

Water - Distribution Opening Date: 08/27/2026 Closing Date: 9/5/2026 11:59 PM Central FLSA: Non-Exempt Summary This requisition expires on July 29, 2026, but may close earlier if the position is ...

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Water Distribution information

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$9

$25

$57

How much do water distribution jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution in the United States is $25.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $30.77 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.
More about Water Distribution jobs

What cities are hiring for Water Distribution jobs?

Cities with the most Water Distribution job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Distribution jobs?

The most popular types of Water Distribution jobs are:

What states have the most Water Distribution jobs?

States with the most job openings for Water Distribution jobs include:

Infographic showing various Water Distribution job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,962 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR

City of Columbia

Columbia, SC โ€ข On-site

$39K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Installs, tests, inspects, locates, troubleshoots, evaluates, maintains, and repairs components and assets of the water distribution system.

  • Operates, evaluates, and maintains light and heavy equipment used in the water distribution system, including loading/unloading materials and performing routine maintenance.

  • Conducts analysis of the water distribution system, inspects equipment for safety and proper functioning, and maintains accurate work records.


Job description

Description This position installs, tests, inspects, locates, troubleshoots, evaluates, maintains and repairs all components and assets associated with standard operational and maintenance practices of the water distribution system; operates, evaluates and maintains light and heavy equipment in operation and maintenance of the water distribution system; and performs related duties as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision. The work is considered medium-to-heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, stooping, lifting, digging, pushing or raising objects and involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking. Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, animals/wildlife, toxic/caustic chemicals, confined spaces, disease/pathogens, dangerous gases. Work involves light to heavy equipment and machinery that could result in bodily harm to co-workers or others.

Safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands. Work is dynamic and requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs. Essential Job Functions Installs, tests, inspects, locates, troubleshoots, evaluates, maintains and repairs all components and assets associated with standard operational and maintenance practices of the water distribution system; Operates, evaluates and maintains light and heavy equipment in operation and maintenance of the water distribution system; Loads/unloads materials onto/from vehicles; Operates light to heavy off-road equipment or trucks (e.g., dump trucks and other trucks, excavators, cranes, motor graders, bull dozers, bob cats, front-end loaders, skid steers, bush hogs, back hoes, compactors, trailers, tractors, low boys, or trenchers) to excavate or compact earth, load or unload materials, move or haul materials, install pipe, etc

Maintains assigned trucks and equipment; performs cleaning, preventive and routine maintenance and simple repair work as required; Uses hand and power tools in various manual tasks as required; Performs general manual labor tasks as required; Conducts analysis of water distribution system. Inspects equipment to ensure proper and safe working condition; reports defects or required maintenance to the supervisor; Maintains accurate and complete work records as required; Prepares and submits detailed work records and reports; Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility; Provides leadership to or assists co-workers with various duties as required. Attends meetings, training, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills; Performs all duties in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety; May be required to work additional hours, holidays, weekends, nights and on-call rotation as needed in order to accomplish assigned work; and Required to work on call rotation; and Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications to Perform Work: High school diploma or GED; One (1) year relevant prior experience. Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License. Must obtain DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical examiner's certificate within thirty (30) days from date of hire; Must possess or obtain a South Carolina Class "A" CDL within timeframe required in the CDL Program; Must possess a LLR Water Distribution System Operator Class "D" License.

Able to demonstrate competency and complete the minimum requirements for Operator D as defined in the Water Distribution System Operator Training Program within two (2) years of date of hire; Must possess or obtain Asbestos certification, A Frame certification, and Trench and Shoring certification within one (1) year from date of hire. Pay grade will be dependent upon certification and work experience for applicants who possess Class "A, B, C or D" level of certification: Level Pay Grade Salary Range Trainee 107 $39,024.00 Operator Level "D" 108 $40,975.00 - $52,243.00 Operator Level "C" 109 $43,024.00 - $54,855.50 Operator Level "B" 110 $46,251.00 - $58,970.00 Operator Level "A" 111 $49,720.00 - $63,393.00 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to read routine sentences, instructions, regulations, procedures or work orders; writing routine sentences and completing routine job forms and incident reports; speaking routine sentences using proper grammar; Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in doing data entry and in the use of Microsoft Office preferred 2000, utilizing Outlook, word processing and spreadsheet software programs preferred; Ability to make decisions, requiring very few decisions affecting only the individual; works in a very stable environment with clear and uncomplicated written/oral instructions; Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to capture accurate measurements and calculate ratios, rates and percentages; Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates; Ability to perform semi-routine work following procedures with occasional problems; Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring moderate instruction and experience, such as line locating devices, light off-road equipment; may repair power tools and light equipment; Ability to perform routine work using common sense; Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but which may require computation, the use of several procedures, and the use of independent judgments with obvious choices; requires normal attention for accurate results; Ability to compare or inspect items against a standard; and Ability to follow instructions and orders of supervisor.