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Water Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rite of Passage

WATER OPERATOR

San Andreas, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Rite of Passage Team is hiring for Part-Time Water Operator in San Andreas, California Nestled in the Sierra foothills of California, Yosemite and Mt. Lassen Treatment Centers located on the Sierra ...

Rite of Passage

WATER OPERATOR

San Andreas, CA

$35/hr

Rite of Passage Team is hiring for Part-Time Water Operator in San Andreas, California Nestled in the Sierra foothills of California, Yosemite and Mt. Lassen Treatment Centers located on the Sierra ...

Rivanna Authorities

Water Operator

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

The Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority (RWSA) is seeking a motivated and dependable Water Operator or Water Operator Trainee to join our team. Candidates who already possess a Virginia water operator ...

City of Katy

Water Operator

Katy, TX · On-site

$21.77 - $27.22/hr

Water Operator - Public Works Department The City of Katy is seeking a dedicated and skilled Water Operator to join our Public Works team. This essential position plays a critical role in maintaining ...

Inframark

Water Operator

Lanett, AL · On-site

Water Operator Inframark is hiring a licensed water operator to work in Lanett, AL. We are looking for a Class IV Water Operator in Alabama, or the ability to use reciprocity to obtain an Alabama ...

City of Katy

Water Operator

Katy, TX

Water Operator - Public Works Department The City of Katy is seeking a dedicated and skilled Water Operator to join our Public Works team. This essential position plays a critical role in maintaining ...

Weston & Sampson

Water Operator

Raymond, NH

$25 - $35/hr

Weston & Sampson Services is seeking a licensed, experienced Drinking Water Operator. This position will be located in the Southern, New Hampshire area. What you'll do: * Operate and maintain ...

Inframark

Water Operator

Chatham, VA · On-site

WATER OPERATOR I The Water Operator is responsible for operation and maintenance of equipment in water treatment facilities. RESPONSIBILITIES * Operates a variety of equipment/machinery, including ...

Veolia Environnement SA

Water Operator

Chatham, MA · On-site

$26 - $38/hr

The Operator I maintains water treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water treatment facilities to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements. Primary Duties ...

Weston & Sampson

Water Operator

Raymond, NH · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Weston & Sampson Services is seeking a licensed, experienced Drinking Water Operator. This position will be located in the Southern, New Hampshire area. What you'll do: * Operate and maintain ...

Inframark

Water Operator

Winder, GA · On-site

Award-winning Employer of Water and Wastewater Operators Our dedication to sustainability and community impact drives us to ensure clean, safe water for future generations. Whether you're at the ...

Veolia Environnement SA

Water Operator

Chatham, MA

$26 - $38/hr

The Operator I maintains water treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water treatment facilities to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements. Primary Duties ...

Veolia

Water Operator

Chatham, MA

The Operator I maintains water treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water treatment facilities to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements. Primary Duties ...

Weston & Sampson

Water Operator

Raymond, NH · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Weston & Sampson Services is seeking a licensed, experienced Drinking Water Operator. This position will be located in the Southern, New Hampshire area. What you'll do: * Operate and maintain ...

City of Three Rivers

Water Operator Jr.

Three Rivers, MI · On-site

$21/hr

The City of Three Rivers is seeking applicants for the entry-level position of Water Operator Jr. Under the direction of the Water Superintendent, this position will be responsible for the hands-on ...

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Water Operator information

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$13

$26

$40

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are water operators?

Water operators are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining water treatment plants and distribution systems. Their main duties include monitoring water quality, ensuring safe and efficient operation of water treatment processes, performing routine maintenance, and complying with environmental and public health regulations. Water operators play a crucial role in providing safe, clean drinking water to communities and may work for municipal utilities, private companies, or industrial facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by Water Operators in maintaining treatment plant operations?

Water Operators often encounter challenges such as fluctuating water quality, unexpected equipment malfunctions, and strict regulatory compliance requirements. These professionals must quickly troubleshoot mechanical or chemical issues, adapt to changes in source water conditions, and ensure all processes meet local and federal safety standards. Effective communication with other team members and departments is also essential, as operators frequently coordinate with maintenance staff, engineers, and regulatory agencies to resolve issues and maintain smooth plant operations.

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

AspectWater OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater operator licenses, state-specific certificationsWater treatment operator licenses, state certifications
Work EnvironmentWater distribution systems, pipelines, reservoirsWater treatment facilities, filtration systems
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, water districts, private water companiesMunicipal water plants, treatment facilities

Both roles require similar certifications and work in water-related environments, often within municipal or private water systems. The main difference is that Water Operators focus more on maintaining water distribution systems, while Water Treatment Plant Operators specialize in operating and maintaining water treatment processes. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path in the water industry.

What Is a Water Operator?

As a water treatment plant operator, also called a water operator, you measure water quality and quantity using computerized equipment. Your job duties include the maintenance and repair of water treatment equipment and water delivery systems. As a water and wastewater treatment plant operator, you collaborate with engineers, chemists, and lab assistants to test water samples to inform your decisions about water treatment systems. Your primary responsibility is to make sure that water is safe for people to drink and use in their daily lives.

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

To thrive as a Water Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, basic chemistry, mechanical aptitude, and typically a state-issued water operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and regulatory compliance software is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set exceptional operators apart in this field. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, reliable water quality and compliance with public health standards.
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Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,297 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Water Operator

Rivanna Authorities

Charlottesville, VA

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority (RWSA) is seeking a motivated and dependable Water Operator or Water Operator Trainee to join our team. Candidates who already possess a Virginia water operator license will be considered for placement at a higher operator level, with compensation evaluated based on licensure and relevant experience.This position provides hands-on training in the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities and pump stations. As a trainee, you will work alongside experienced operators to learn how to safely and efficiently produce high-quality drinking water while meeting all regulatory requirements

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in building a long-term career in the water utility field. Schedule: This position follows a rotating 12-hour schedule, typically working 3-4 days per week, with shifts rotating every two weeks between 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (days) and 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM (nights); operators on this schedule receive a 5% shift differential for all hours worked. What You'll Do Assist with the operation of water treatment processes, including chemical, physical, and microbiological systems Conduct routine facility inspections and monitor system performance using SCADA and other instrumentation Record operational data and maintain accurate logs and reports Assist with water sampling and basic laboratory testing Monitor and adjust chemical feed systems under supervision Respond to alarms, equipment issues, and operational needs with guidance from licensed operators Learn plant piping, valving systems, and flow control processes Assist with preventive maintenance and minor repairs Maintain facility cleanliness and perform general groundskeeping tasks Follow all safety procedures and regulatory requirements Support team operations and respond appropriately to public or internal inquiries Career Growth & Licensing -In Virginia, Water/Wastewater Operators must hold a state license based on facility complexity (Class 4-Class 1), and since Rivanna operates Class 1 facilities, employees are expected to work toward obtaining a Class 1 Operator license with training and support provided.

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