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Water Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Water Operations information

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$11

$19

$30

How much do water operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operations in the United States is $19.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is water operations?

Water Operations refer to the processes and activities involved in managing the supply, treatment, and distribution of water for public and industrial use. This includes monitoring water quality, maintaining infrastructure like pipes and pumps, ensuring regulatory compliance, and responding to emergencies such as leaks or contamination. Professionals in water operations work to ensure that safe and adequate water is delivered to communities while protecting public health and the environment.

Is being a water operations professional worth it?

Water operations professionals manage the infrastructure and systems that supply clean water and treat wastewater, often working in utility or municipal settings. The role offers stable employment, requires technical skills, and may involve shift work or outdoor environments, making it a practical career choice for those interested in public service and infrastructure management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in water operations?

To thrive in Water Operations, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, distribution systems, and relevant regulations, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree and state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help operators respond quickly to issues and work collaboratively. These skills are critical for ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient water supply and infrastructure management.

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

AspectWater OperationsWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsOften requires state-specific water operator licensesTypically requires a water treatment operator license
Work EnvironmentIncludes water distribution systems, treatment facilities, and fieldworkPrimarily focuses on operating and maintaining water treatment equipment
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal water departments, utilities, and industrial facilitiesMunicipal water treatment plants, water utilities
Job FocusOverseeing water distribution, quality, and system maintenanceManaging water treatment processes and ensuring water quality standards

Water Operations and Water Treatment Plant Operator roles share overlapping skills and certifications, but Water Operations covers a broader scope including water distribution and system management, while Water Treatment Plant Operators focus specifically on treatment processes. Both roles are essential in maintaining safe and reliable water services in municipal and industrial settings.

Are water operations in high demand?

Water operations professionals are in high demand due to ongoing needs for water treatment, distribution, and infrastructure maintenance. The sector offers stable employment opportunities, especially for those with certifications and technical skills in water systems management.

What are the typical daily challenges faced by professionals in water operations, and how can new team members best prepare for them?

Professionals in Water Operations often encounter challenges such as maintaining water quality standards, responding quickly to equipment malfunctions, and adapting to changing weather or environmental conditions. New team members can best prepare by gaining a strong understanding of regulatory requirements, familiarizing themselves with monitoring and control systems, and developing good communication skills for effective teamwork. Staying proactive with preventive maintenance and being adaptable to shift work or emergency response situations are also key to succeeding in this role.
What cities are hiring for Water Operations jobs? Cities with the most Water Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Operations jobs? The most popular types of Water Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Water Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Operations jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Operations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,222 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Water Operations - Water Repair Foreman

Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority

Pittsburgh, PA โ€ข On-site

$39.42/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Water Repair Foreman
Department: Water Operations
Shift: Monday-Wednesday, 3:00 pm-11:30 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 7:00 am-3:30 pm
Union: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), District Council 84 Local 2037
Rate: $39.42
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
The Water Repair Foreman will supervise, direct, support, and evaluate the repair, maintenance, and preservation of water mains, water service lines, valves, hydrants, including excavation and backfilling of broken mains and service lines.
RESPONSIBILITIES
โ€ข Support the Manager, Field Operations and work with front-line staff to identify, document, organize, prioritize, plan, and implement all maintenance, repair, and replacement of water mains, water service lines, valves, hydrants, broken mains and service lines.
โ€ข Plan, develop, direct, coordinate, organize, and control the materials, equipment, and personnel under jurisdiction toward the effective, efficient, and economical attainment of program goals, including maximum convenience to the public and safety of employees.
โ€ข Supervise, direct, support, and evaluate work of assigned personnel; communicate with managers, consultants, and staff in strategic assessments and improvements; provides training and/or technical assistance as requested or required; and recommends and implements approved discipline and/or corrective action as necessary.
โ€ข Manage area of responsibility in strict accordance with applicable laws, regulations and established policies, including union agreements to ensure fair and standardized treatment of employees.
โ€ข Ensure that work is performed in accordance with Authority safety rules and regulations.
โ€ข Support the development of relevant job safety analysis; and supports and implements all facility security requirements.
โ€ข Maintain accurate records of time and materials used on jobs; prepare accurate reports on each job completed.
โ€ข Respond on a 24-hour a day basis to emergencies and direct assigned personnel in routine and emergency situations.
โ€ข Notify utility companies, Pittsburgh Water dispatch, and/or PA One Call of location and time of excavation.
โ€ข Operate valves as needed for shutoffs; notify public of water shutoffs; handle complaints from affected residents.
โ€ข Oversee the installation of valves and hydrants; ensure concrete and/or brick work is repaired and in place after completing repairs.
โ€ข Perform other related tasks as assigned or required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
โ€ข Considerable knowledge of the location and operation of valves and of the repair of water lines and mains; can locate water lines using various techniques and equipment, operate valves and hydrants, and read and understand plans and drawings.
โ€ข Ability to use leak detection equipment to locate underground leaks.
โ€ข Considerable knowledge of the safety hazards and precautions of the work.
โ€ข Knowledge of plumbing, concrete work, and basic construction techniques.
โ€ข Some knowledge of relevant labor agreements and personnel policies and procedures, as well as plan, monitor, and evaluate the work of self and others.
โ€ข Ability to supervise and direct assigned personnel in routine and emergency situations.
โ€ข Ability to maintain records and prepare accurate reports; has basic computer skills and can operate an iPad.
โ€ข Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
โ€ข Demonstrate the ability to learn quickly and continuously to optimize ability to perform the job.
โ€ข Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, associates, outside agencies and the general public.
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements list the minimum education/training/experience required to qualify for this job. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted.
โ€ข High School Diploma or equivalent.
โ€ข Two to three years of experience as a Utility Worker, Laborer, Crew Lead or similar.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
A performance or written exam may be required prior to appointment.
Applicant must present a current, valid Class C (Class 1) PA Motor Vehicle Operator's License at the time of application or prior to appointment. A valid driver's license must be maintained throughout employment.
Applicant must have permanent residency in Allegheny County at the time of appointment and remain a resident in Allegheny County throughout employment with the Pittsburgh Water:
SUPERVISION EXERCISED / RECEIVED
Will directly supervise union staff / Will receive supervision directly from the Manager, Field Operations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to operate a pickup truck, van, forklift, and related equipment; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; see, talk and hear; reach with hands and arms; stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl on even and uneven surfaces. The employee will perform heavy work including lifting and carrying up to 100 pounds and working in loud conditions with vibrations, traffic, mechanical, chemical, fire and explosive risks.
CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to a loud or moderate noise level within the work environment. May perform work outdoors under extreme weather. The employee may be exposed to confined, high spaces, like erect scaffolding; loud conditions with vibrations, traffic, mechanical, chemical, fire, and explosive risks; and odors, dusts, fumes, mists, poor ventilation, and gases which may require a respirator.
Availability to work all three shifts, as well as weekends, and holidays. Subject to remain on duty beyond normal hours and/or recalled during emergency situations or other extensive periods.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Employment may be contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) physical examination performed by the Authority's examining physician.
DRUG TESTING
Employment may be contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) drug screening. Continued employment may be subject to randomized drug and alcohol testing conducted without advance notice and for reasonable suspicion.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Ability to successfully pass a thorough investigation consisting of a criminal history check, verification of prior employment and performance, reference, and credentials checks, and in some cases credit history.
Applicants are subject to a System for Award Management (SAM) or any successor system search as maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) to ensure compliance with federal procurement and non-procurement programs.
Applications: You may be considered for other available positions based on qualifications provided on your employment application. If you have questions regarding your application, please contact the Human Resources Department at:
Pittsburgh Human Resources Department
1200 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-255-8800
hr@pgh2o.com
An Equal Opportunity Employer: Pittsburgh Water is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on any legally protected statuses, including, but not limited to race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy status, or veteran status. Pittsburgh Water is committed to providing candidates with reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities during our recruiting process; if you need assistance, please contact us at hr@pgh2o.com or 412-255-8800.