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Water Operator Class 1 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Class B Commercial Driver's License may be required. * Groundwater Treatment Plant Operator Class C ...

The Greenbrier Companies

Operator Class 1

Jackson, MO

$14.75 - $18/hr

Summary The Operator 1 is responsible for operating a variety of machinery such as saws, presses, and drills to fabricate railcar component parts to meet close and complex tolerances. Duties and ...

The Greenbrier Companies

Operator Class 1

Jackson, MO · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Summary The Operator 1 is responsible for operating a variety of machinery such as saws, presses, and drills to fabricate railcar component parts to meet close and complex tolerances. Duties and ...

The Greenbrier Companies

Operator Class 1

Jackson, MO

$14.75 - $18/hr

Summary The Operator 1 is responsible for operating a variety of machinery such as saws, presses, and drills to fabricate railcar component parts to meet close and complex tolerances. Duties and ...

City of Deltona, FL

Water Operator

Deltona, FL

$25.94 - $41.53/hr

The purpose of this job/class within the organization is to collect and analyze water compliance ... Licensed Operators require one year of experience in water testing, operations, or closely related ...

New

Rite of Passage

WATER OPERATOR

San Andreas, CA · On-site

$35/hr

... (1) year of employment, Paid Time Off that can be used as soon as it accrues ~ On-site housing ... As the Part-Time Water Operator , As the Part-Time Water Operator, you will need Water Treatment ...

Southwest Water Company

Water/Wastewater Operator

Magnolia, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.75/hr

What You'll Bring TX - TCEQ Water Operator Class D(preferred) TX - TCEQ Wastewater D(preferred) Driver's License(required) Work Environment Field Based role We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer.

SouthWest Water Company

Water/Wastewater Operator

Rhome, TX · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

What You'll Bring TX - TCEQ Water Operator Class D(preferred) TX - TCEQ Wastewater D(preferred) Driver's License(required) Work Environment Field Based Role. About Our Company We are a proud Equal ...

Nexus Water Group

Water/Wastewater Operator

Spring, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

What You'll Bring TX - TCEQ Water Operator Class D(preferred) TX - TCEQ Wastewater D(preferred) Driver's License(required) Work Environment Field Based role We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ketchum

Water Operator I

Ketchum, ID · On-site

The Water Operator I is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the Municipal ... Idaho Class "B or Higher" Commercial Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within six ...

City of Ketchum

Water Operator I

Ketchum, ID · On-site

The Water Operator I is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the Municipal ... Idaho Class "B or Higher" Commercial Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within six ...

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Water Operator Class 1 information

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$13

$26

$40

How much do water operator class 1 jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator class 1 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 Operator Class 1?

A Water Operator Class 1 is an entry-level professional responsible for operating and maintaining water treatment and distribution systems. They ensure that water is treated to meet safety and regulatory standards, monitor equipment, take samples, and perform basic maintenance tasks. Class 1 is typically the first level of certification, requiring foundational knowledge and skills in water treatment processes. These operators work under the supervision of more experienced staff and may be required to pass a certification exam depending on local regulations.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Water Operator Class 1 during daily operations?

Water Operator Class 1 professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal water quality while adhering to strict regulatory standards, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and responding quickly to unexpected system alarms. The role requires close monitoring of treatment processes and performing regular maintenance on pumps, valves, and chemical feeders. Effective communication with other team members and supervisors is crucial to ensure continuous safe water supply and compliance with public health guidelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Operator Class 1, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Operator Class 1, you need a foundational understanding of water treatment processes, basic chemistry, and regulatory compliance, usually backed by a high school diploma and state Class 1 Water Operator certification. Familiarity with water testing equipment, SCADA systems, and data logging tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and clear communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of water treatment facilities, protecting public health and meeting regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Water Operator Class 1 vs Water Operator Class 2?

AspectWater Operator Class 1Water Operator Class 2
CertificationsRequires a Class 1 certification, basic water treatment and distribution knowledgeRequires a Class 2 certification, more advanced skills and experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, small to medium water systemsMore complex systems, larger facilities
Employer UsageMunicipalities, small water districtsMunicipalities, larger water agencies

Water Operator Class 1 and Class 2 roles differ mainly in certification requirements and system complexity. Class 1 operators handle basic water treatment and distribution, often in smaller systems, while Class 2 operators manage more complex systems with advanced skills. Understanding these differences helps in career planning and job matching within the water industry.

More about Water Operator Class 1 jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Operator Class 1 jobs? Cities with the most Water Operator Class 1 job openings:
What states have the most Water Operator Class 1 jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Operator Class 1 jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator Class 1 jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator Class 1 jobs are:
Water Operator Class 1 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator Class 1 job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,297 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Water Plant Operator Class 1

Water Plant Operator Class 1

City of Lynchburg

Lynchburg, VA

$55K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

City Of Lynchburg rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

610th of 832 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description Come make a difference in your community by joining the team at the Water Resources Department as a Water Plant Class 1 Operator to assist in the operation of the Water Treatment plants. Class 1 Water Operator's license preferred. A lower class license may be considered.

Starting pay range is 26.62 - 35.69/hourly. Salary is negotiable based on applicant's current Plant Operator Virginia License and relevant experience. Shift Differential offered

This position requires you to work at the College Hill and Abert facilities, 12 hour shifts (day or night shifts) - 2 days/nights on and 2 days/nights off, 365 days a year. Check out the City's competitive benefits. Learn more about the Water Resources Department The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes your application.

Essential Duties ESSENTIAL DUTIES Operates pumps, control panels, dry and liquid chemical feeders, filters, electric motors and other water plant equipment to produce potable water; Adjusts valves and controls to maintain constant flow of water; Makes routine physical and chemical tests of water samples; Keeps accurate and neat records of test results; Adjusts chemical feed rates; Fills dry chemical hoppers and handles hazardous chemicals; Changes charts on recording meters and gauges; Backwashes filters when needed; Monitors fluctuations of meters and indicators; Makes periodic rounds of plant, locks doors and gates as required; Receives citizen complaints and calls for service and dispatches service crews; Inspects pumping stations around City to determine problems and make minor repairs as necessary; Responds to emergencies as required. ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned When unusual situations occur and /or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Education and Experience Required QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Class 1 Waterworks Operator License is preferred, but a lower class license may be considered. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE High school diploma or general education degree (GED). Semi skilled mechanical and/or laboratory work, supplemented by post secondary courses in Science, Math, Engineering or plant operations, highly desirable.

Current Water Plant Operator license and relevant experience preferred. Additional Requirements Possession of valid driver's license issued by Commonwealth of Virginia with an acceptable driving record based on City criteria, may be required to obtain additional licenses as needed; Ownership or approved access to a telephone; Relevant background checks must be completed and approved. Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment.

May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.

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