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Water Operations Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary WATER OPERATIONS TRAINEE MONTHLY SALARY: $4,852 - $5,898 PLUS, AN EXCELLENT BENEFITS ... Employees in this class typically report to a Supervisor and may receive lead work direction and ...

Position Summary This is a working supervisory position responsible for overseeing and conducting the operational functions of a water treatment facility. Under minimal supervision, this individual ...

The successful candidate will report to the Water Operations Supervisor and be expected to work collaboratively with other water operations staff. Willing to train the right candidate. If being part ...

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Water Operations Supervisor information

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$31K

$63.5K

$118.5K

How much do water operations supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for water operations supervisor in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectWater Operations SupervisorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a water distribution or treatment certification, sometimes a licenseRequires a state-certified water treatment operator license
Work EnvironmentSupervises staff, oversees operations, and manages maintenance in water facilitiesOperates and monitors water treatment equipment directly
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in municipal water systems, utilities, and large water facilitiesCommonly employed in water treatment plants and purification facilities

The Water Operations Supervisor oversees staff and manages overall water system operations, while the Water Treatment Plant Operator focuses on operating treatment equipment. Both roles require certification and are integral to water quality management, but the supervisor has a broader managerial role.

What are Water Operations Supervisors?

Water Operations Supervisors are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of water treatment and distribution systems. They manage teams of operators and technicians to ensure that water quality standards are met and that the supply system operates efficiently and safely. Their duties include scheduling staff, monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. They also play a key role in training staff and implementing improvements to water operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Operations Supervisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Operations Supervisor, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, regulatory compliance, and supervisory experience, often supported by a relevant degree and state-issued water operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance management software is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for managing teams and responding to operational issues. These competencies ensure safe, efficient water service delivery and regulatory compliance in public or private utilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a Water Operations Supervisor, and how can they be addressed?

Water Operations Supervisors often encounter challenges such as managing aging infrastructure, responding to unexpected equipment failures, and ensuring regulatory compliance. To address these, supervisors work closely with maintenance teams to prioritize repairs, implement preventive maintenance programs, and stay up to date with industry regulations. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential to coordinate with field crews, engineers, and local authorities, ensuring that water quality and service reliability are consistently maintained.
More about Water Operations Supervisor jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Operations Supervisor jobs? Cities with the most Water Operations Supervisor job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Water Operations Supervisor jobs? The top employers for Water Operations Supervisor jobs are:
What states have the most Water Operations Supervisor jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Operations Supervisor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Operations Supervisor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,456 per year, or $30.5 per hour.
Houston Water Operations Supervisor

Houston Water Operations Supervisor

City of Houston, TX

Houston, TX • On-site

$33.10 - $36.56/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


City Of Houston rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

288th of 675 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $33.10 - $36.56 Hourly
Location : Houston, Texas
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 39086
Department: Houston Public Works
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: 7/6/2026 11:59 PM Central
POSITION OVERVIEW
Applications accepted from: All Persons Interested
Service Line/ Division: Houston Water / Wastewater Operations
Reporting Location: TBD
Workdays & Hours: TBD
* Subject To Change*
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Supervises and monitors plant operations, work schedules, personnel, etc. for the area. Enforces policies and guidelines to ensure compliance with State and Federal permits to protect the public's health and environment. Counsels, trains and develops personnel to improve performance. Schedules personnel for selected training programs. Monitors computer systems to detect normal and abnormal conditions and implements operational changes in the wastewater plants. Checks for unsafe conditions and equipment malfunctions. Reviews plant log to identify problems within the facility. Picks up supplies and materials needed to support maintenance and operating activities. Oversees special projects and repairs. Prepares responses for T.C.E.Q (Texas Commission Environmental Quality) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and maintains other records.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position involves considerable physical exertion, such as regular climbing of ladders, lifting of heavy objects (up to 80 pounds) on a highly frequent basis and/or assuming awkward positions for long periods of time. There are occasional exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture and air pollution.
This is a Department of Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier 1 Level
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Five years of work experience are required, including eighteen months of experience in the operation of flash drying units or dewatering equipment used in a sludge process facility.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Requires a valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving. May require a Texas Commercial driver's license.
Requires a valid TCEQ Class "B" Water/Wastewater Operator's certificate appropriate to position location, such as surface water, groundwater, distribution, or wastewater treatment.
PREFERENCES
Preference will be given to candidates with 5 or more years actively operating wastewater treatment plant with sludge processing
Additional.
  • Preference will be given to candidates with strong computer and other software related experience.
  • Preference will be given to individuals with an TCEQ issued Class A Wastewater License.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**
GENERAL INFORMATION
SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
None. However, the Department may administer a skill assessment evaluation.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification. The salary range for this position is:
Pay Grade 19
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at:
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: or call 832-393-6020.
If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-6020. (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Wellness
  • Supplemental Insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability
  • Retirement pension
  • 457 deferred compensation plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 10 days of vacation each year
  • 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
  • Compensable Sick Leave
  • Personal Leave
  • Flexible schedules
  • Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Transportation/parking plan
  • Section 125 pretax deductions
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
  • Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
01
Which scenario best describes your education and experience.
  • Less than a High School Diploma/GED
  • GED/High School Diploma and less than 5 years of maintenance and/or restoration experience
  • GED/High School Diploma and 5 or more years of maintenance and/or restoration experience
  • Associate's Degree or higher and less than 5 years of maintenance and/or restoration experience
  • Associate's Degree or higher and 5 or more years of maintenance and/or restoration experience

02
How many years of knowledge/experience do you have with computer related software as it pertains to treatment plant monitoring or analysis?
  • None
  • 1 to 4 years
  • 5 to 9 years
  • 10 or more years

03
Do you have a valid Driver License?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have eighteen months of experience in the operation of flash drying units, or dewatering equipment used in a sludge process facility ?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have a valid Class "B" (or higher) WASTE WATER Operator's certificate?
  • No
  • Yes

06
How many years of experience do you have using Work Management System?
  • 1 to 4 years
  • 5 to 9 years
  • 10 or more years
  • None

07
Are you a Houston Public Works employee?
  • Yes
  • No

08
How many years of experience do you have with sludge processing?
  • 1 - 4 years
  • 5 - 7 years
  • 7 years or more
  • None

09
Are you willing to work rotating shifts, nights AND weekends?
  • Yes
  • No

10
Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?
  • Yes
  • No

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About City of Houston

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Alive with energy and rich in diversity, Houston is a dynamic mix of imagination, talent and first-class attractions that makes it a world-class city. Home to a vibrant economy, beautiful surroundings and a population full of optimism and spirit, it's no wonder that Houston is a popular international destination. You can enjoy Houston's outstanding performing and visual arts venues. Try one of the countless restaurants available, offering cuisine in everything from Tex Mex and South American to Middle Eastern and Vietnamese. For sports fans we have local teams representing all major sports. Do some shopping; Houston offers something to fit every budget - from the exclusive shops in Houston's Uptown area to the outlet malls just outside the City

Industry

Executive offices and legislative bodies

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1836