ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Water Operations Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

SpaceXAI

Water Treatment Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

We are seeking a skilled and reliable Water Treatment Operator to support the operation and maintenance of SpaceXAI's advanced water recycling and treatment systems at our Colossus facilities in ...

SpaceXAI

Water Treatment Operator

Memphis, TN

We are seeking a skilled and reliable Water Treatment Operator to support the operation and maintenance of SpaceXAI's advanced water recycling and treatment systems at our Colossus facilities in ...

BELFOR Holdings

Intermediate Water Tech

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Attend the operations sponsored by BELFOR and the security training courses that are necessary. Requirements * Supervise and self-perform Water Damage Basic tasks * Gather pictures to download to job ...

Town of Smyrna, TN

Water & Sewer Technician I

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$10K/mo

Water & Sewer Maintenance Opening Date: 06/16/2026 Description PAY & BENEFITS: Pay begins at $46 ... Monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety, reports faulty equipment, and ...

City of Cookeville

Water Plant Operator Trainee

Baxter, TN · On-site

$20.68 - $28.52/hr

Water Plant Operations Superintendent Safety Sensitive: Yes Position Supervises: No Date Approved: 10/2013 On-call Required: No Date Revised: 02/2026 statements are intended to describe the general ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWater Operations JobsWater Operations Jobs in Tennessee

Water Operations information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$17

$27

How much do water operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operations in Tennessee is $17.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $20.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are 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.

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

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.

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 in Tennessee are hiring for Water Operations jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Water Operations job openings:
Water Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operations job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,413 per year, or $18 per hour.

Water Treatment Operator

SpaceXAI

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

SpaceXAI's mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company's mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
We are seeking a skilled and reliable Water Treatment Operator to support the operation and maintenance of SpaceXAI's advanced water recycling and treatment systems at our Colossus facilities in Memphis. This role is critical to ensuring reliable, high-quality reclaimed water supply for cooling our AI supercomputing infrastructure while minimizing environmental impact and supporting water conservation goals.
You will monitor, operate, and maintain treatment processes, equipment, and systems in a fast-paced industrial environment. This is a full-time, onsite role based in the Memphis region, working closely with facilities, operations, and environmental teams to maintain uptime and regulatory compliance.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Monitor and operate water treatment processes, including filtration, membrane systems, chemical dosing, disinfection, and reclamation systems to produce high-quality water for cooling.
  • Perform routine inspections, adjustments, and maintenance on pumps, valves, gauges, meters, control panels, and related equipment.
  • Collect and analyze water samples for key parameters (pH, conductivity, turbidity, chlorine, etc.); record data and adjust treatment accordingly.
  • Respond to alarms, troubleshoot operational issues, and perform corrective actions to ensure continuous system performance.
  • Maintain accurate logs, records, and reports for operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
  • Support preventive maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs of treatment equipment and facilities.
  • Collaborate with teams on system commissioning, expansions, and optimization initiatives.
  • Adhere to all safety protocols, environmental regulations, and permit requirements (e.g., TDEC, City of Memphis).
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certification in water/wastewater treatment preferred.
  • 2+ years of experience operating water or wastewater treatment systems in an industrial, municipal, or power/data center setting.
  • Knowledge of water chemistry, treatment processes, and basic mechanical/electrical systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical documents, P&IDs, and control schematics.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and on-call as needed.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Certification as a Tennessee Water or Wastewater Treatment Operator (or ability to obtain).
  • Experience with advanced treatment technologies such as reverse osmosis, ceramic membranes, or industrial cooling water systems.
  • Familiarity with SCADA systems, automated controls, and data logging.
  • Background in data center, power generation, or large-scale cooling water operations.
  • Strong safety mindset and experience with LOTO, confined space, and hazardous materials handling.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willingness to work in industrial environments with exposure to varying conditions, including occasional lifting and physical tasks.
  • Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
  • Commitment to SpaceXAI's mission and high standards for reliability in mission-critical infrastructure.

SpaceXAI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

Apply