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Water Operations Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

McCabe Restoration LLC

Water Mitigation Tech

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Reporting to the Restoration Supervisor, this role is responsible for executing water, fire, and mold mitigation services, including demolition, equipment operation, and site stabilization. The ideal ...

Bartlett, TN

DRIVER 1 - WATER/WASTEWATER

Bartlett, TN · On-site

$49K/yr

Ability to read and understand operation manuals and chemical application instructions. * Knowledge of standard safety practices. * Skill in using basic sewer and water repair tools and equipment.

Wood Plc

Junior Water Resources Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$76K - $104K/yr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is currently recruiting entry level Water Resources Engineers in ... We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing ...

Wood Plc

Junior Water Resources Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is currently recruiting entry level Water Resources Engineers in ... We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 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:

Water Operations jobs near you
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.

Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I - IV

City of Clarksville, TN

Clarksville, TN • On-site

$43K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Salary : $43,066.00 - $64,599.00 Annually
Location : GAS and WATER 2215 Madison Street Clarksville
Job Type: Fulltime
Job Number: 10343G
Department: Gas & Water
Division: Wastewater
Opening Date: 05/14/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
***PLEASE NOTE: THIS POSITION IS LOCATED AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. FOUR JOB DESCRIPTIONS ARE DISPLAYED TO REFLECT THE CAREER PATHWAY.***
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Where does the clean water flowing out of your kitchen faucet come from? In Clarksville, Tennessee, it is pumped from the Cumberland River to the water-treatment plant. And after you use the water, it goes to the wastewater-treatment plant. At both facilities, plant operators control processes and equipment that remove pollutants from the water. They take water samples and read meters and gauges. After examining this data, they adjust equipment or the dosing of chemicals to ensure that the water is safe. And that's just a typical day. As an operator, you may sometimes have to handle emergencies, remaining calm while working in dangerous conditions. Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant careers are fulfilling and an excellent way to serve your community and provide a stable work environment.
A new Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP/WWTP) Operations employee is placed on a career path of in-house and formal classroom training progressing the employee through four positions of WTP/WWTP Operations (from Operator I to Specialist). Training shall consist of both extensive in-house instruction and external education from TDEC and other sources. The new operator shall be evaluated regularly throughout his/her career path until the employee has received a Tennessee Grade 4 Water or Wastewater Treatment Operators Certification, respective to the plant assigned. The position of WTP/WWTP Operations Specialist shall be obtained within 30 months of employment with the WTP or WWTP. In-house training evaluations shall be performed by management on a monthly basis until the employee obtains his/her first certification. Pay increases will accompany promotion from the Operator I (106) position to the Operator IV (112) position (four total positions).Employee shall access and properly operate all process equipment, above and below ground level; perform all necessary laboratory, operational and maintenance duties of the plant; operate a computer using a Windows environment; use spreadsheets; and utilize a computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
Example of Duties
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Operator I)
Essential Functions:
  1. Trains to perform duties and responsibilities by monitoring processes of the water/wastewater treatment plant including but not limited to filtration, solids management, adding/adjusting chemicals, and monitoring tank levels, pumping stations and performing lab tests to analyze water/wastewater samples.
  2. Trains to independently monitor, operate, service, and maintain plant equipment, systems, and processes to ensure proper operations, which includes inspecting pump valves, motors, filters, meters, and computerized controls; checking chemical feed pump settings; and repairing and/or replacing equipment.
  3. Trains to operate water/wastewater SCADA systems by monitoring gauges, equipment, meters, and controls.
  4. Trains to collect samples and performs applicable laboratory analyses and testing; review and interpret laboratory results; document records and logs of systems operation and maintenance activities.
  5. Trains to respond to customer calls regarding water quality concerns including taste, odor, color, and pressure, and potential leaks from underground utility lines, overflowing tanks; and relays messages to proper department for inspection and repair.
  6. Trains to oversee the handling of hazardous and toxic chemicals and materials.
  7. Performs other work as required.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Operator II - IV)
Essential Functions:
  1. Performs duties and responsibilities by monitoring processes of the water/wastewater treatment plant including but not limited to filtration, solids management, adding/adjusting chemicals, and monitoring tank levels, pumping stations and performing lab tests to analyze water/wastewater samples.
  2. Independently monitors, operates, services, and maintains plant equipment, systems, and processes to ensure proper operations, which includes inspecting pump valves, motors, filters, meters, and computerized controls; checking chemical feed pump settings; and repairing and/or replacing equipment.
  3. Operates water/wastewater SCADA systems by monitoring gauges, equipment, meters, and controls.
  4. Collects samples and performs applicable laboratory analyses and testing; reviews and interprets laboratory results; documents records and logs of systems operation and maintenance activities.
  5. Responds to customer calls regarding water quality concerns including taste, odor, color, and pressure, and potential leaks from underground utility lines, overflowing tanks; and relays messages to proper department for inspection and repair.
  6. Oversee the handling of hazardous and toxic chemicals and materials.
  7. Performs other work as required.

Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING (Operator I)
Education and Experience:
  • High school graduate or GED equivalent.
License and Certifications:
  • Possession of a valid Class D driver's license.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING (Operator II)
Education and Experience:
  • High school graduate or GED equivalent.
  • Completion of six months training in Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I position.
  • Continues formal training as specified within the four (4) step career path
License and Certifications:
  • Possession of a valid Class D driver's license.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING (Operator III)
Education and Experience:
  • High school graduate or GED equivalent.
  • Continues formal training as specified within the four (4) step career path.

License and Certifications:
  • Possession of a valid Class D driver's license.
  • Grade III Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification (respective to assigned area).
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING (Operator IV)
Education and Experience:
  • High school graduate or GED equivalent.

License and Certifications:
  • Possession of a valid Class D driver's license.
  • Grade IV Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification (respective to assigned area).

Supplemental Information
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS REQUIRED
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (Operator I)
Knowledge of:
  • Applicable tools, equipment, and materials.
  • Safety procedures.
  • Recordkeeping principles.
  • Computer and related software applications.
Skill in:
  • Performing mathematical calculations.
  • Ability to adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) principles.
  • Using basic equipment and tools.
  • Maintaining operational records.
  • Using a computer and related software applications.
  • Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisors, the public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (Operator II)
Knowledge of:
  • Basic understanding of plant operation, processes and procedures.
  • Applicable tools, equipment, and materials.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) principles.
  • Safety procedures.
  • Recordkeeping principles
  • Computer and related software applications.

Skill in:
  • Performing Mathematical calculations.
  • Using basic equipment and tools.
  • Maintaining operational records.
  • Using a computer and related software applications.
  • Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (Operator III) Knowledge of:
  • Understanding of water/wastewater treatment plant operation, processes and procedures.
  • Water sampling techniques.
  • Data collection techniques.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) principles.
  • Applicable tools, equipment, and materials.
  • Chemical handling procedures.
  • Safety procedures.
  • Recordkeeping principles.
  • Computer and related software applications.
Skill in:
  • Performing skilled water/wastewater treatment facility operation and maintenance.
  • Operating treatment facility equipment and processes.
  • Collecting water samples and recording data.
  • Performing laboratory analyses.
  • Using basic equipment and tools of the trade.
  • Operating motor vehicles.
  • Maintaining operational records.
  • Using a computer and related software applications.
  • Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (Operator IV)
Knowledge of:
  • Advanced understanding of water/wastewater treatment plant operation, processes and procedures.
  • Advanced understanding and proficiency of water sampling and analysis.
  • Data collection techniques.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) principles.
  • Applicable tools, equipment, and materials
  • Chemical handling procedures.
  • Safety procedures.
  • Recordkeeping principles.
  • Computer and related software applications.
Skill in:
  • Performing skilled water/wastewater treatment facility operation and maintenance.
  • Operating treatment facility equipment and processes.
  • Collecting water samples and recording data.
  • Performing laboratory analyses.
  • Ability to adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) principles.
  • Using basic equipment and tools.
  • Maintaining operational records.
  • Using a computer and related software applications.
  • Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisors, the public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS - Operator I - IV:The work is heavy work which requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:
  • Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
  • Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.
  • Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
  • Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
  • Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
  • Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
  • Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination sound.
  • Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
  • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. It occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
  • Mental Acuity: Making rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
  • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
  • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something steady to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
  • Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
  • Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
  • Speaking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.
  • Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
  • Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. It occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
  • Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by mean

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