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Water Operations Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Supervisor, Field Operations (110232) Requisition ID 110232 -Posted 08/04/2026 - Direct Operations ... As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package ...

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Water Well Driller

Nashville, TN · On-site

$55K - $100K/yr

Water Well Driller Location: Oahu and Kauai Pay: ($55,000 - $100,000 per year) based on experience ... As a Driller, you will play a crucial role in the maintenance and operation of drilling equipment ...

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 ...

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Water Operations information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$17

$27

How much do water operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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 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.

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 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 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.

How much do water operations make in the US?

Water operations professionals, including roles such as water treatment plant operators and distribution system operators, typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000 in the US. Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, location, and the complexity of the systems managed.

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 field and plant environments. The role offers stable employment with opportunities for advancement and requires technical skills, certifications, and adherence to safety standards. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in public health and environmental management.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Water Operations jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Water Operations job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Operations job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,413 per year, or $18 per hour.

Supervisor, Field Operations

American Water

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


American Water rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Career Opportunities: Supervisor, Field Operations (110232)

Requisition ID110232-Posted08/04/2026-Direct Operations-TN-Chattanooga-Full Time - Regular

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different . We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

Manages the day-to-day operations of water and/or wastewater plant(s), operations and/or distribution systems in accordance with Company policies and procedures and all applicable governmental laws and regulations.

Key Accountabilities
  • Assist with preparing and controlling local construction, operations, and maintenance within established budget limitations.
  • Establish a program that will ensure all EPA Partnership for Safe Water Goals will be met on a period-by-period basis.
  • Ensure local water and/or wastewater operations meet the required standards and are in compliance with regulatory targets.
  • Supervise the implementation of standards, targets, policies, and plans to ensure the continuing and increasing operational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability.
  • Ensure that operational integrity (quality, environment, reliability, health, safety, security, etc.) is maintained.
  • Develop and direct cost effective solutions to meet customers’ expectations and technical requirements and to encourage best practice and innovation throughout all operational areas.
  • Implement effective reporting processes. Provide analysis and support to Production and/or Network Director with information required for various reports, budgets, and business plans.
  • Implement and foster the coaching and development of employees, including idea generation, within respective functional areas.
  • Ensure effective people management policies and practices are developed and implemented (e.g., time and attendance, workforce management, etc.) and ensure resources are developed and deployed appropriately.
  • Continue to reinforce the importance of developing a diverse workforce.
  • Support the Business Development function in the operational analysis pricing and integration of water and wastewater business opportunities in both the regulated and non-regulated markets.
  • Work collaboratively with other functional leads to mitigate business risks. Implement effective communications at all levels of our operations.
  • Provide effective leadership that will enhance our abilities to be flexible to changing business environments.
  • Contribute to effective communication by listening and providing constructive feedback; supporting the creation of an open and honest work environment; cascading and sharing knowledge and information relevant to other members of the team and colleagues across the business.
Knowledge/Skills
  • Knowledge of the regulated water/wastewater business within the region and the regulations impacting the business as well as applicable regulations, requirements, and trends within water/wastewater business
  • Knowledge of company policies and procedures and management theories, practices, and trends, expert knowledge of process and operational areas.
Experience/Education
  • 2 year or 4 year degree in operational discipline, management, or related technical discipline or equivalent.
  • 3-5 years experience in supervising operational areas and operating units, and managing and meeting performance targets preferrably in the water/wastewater industry or utilities sector.
Schedule
  • Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm
  • On call responsibilities one week a month

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Manages Complexity

Ensures Accountability

Directs Work

Develops Talent

Builds Effective Teams

Balances Stakeholders

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they arean individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

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About American Water

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Camden, NJ, US

Year founded

1886

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