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Water Operator Class 3 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 ...

City of Katy

Water Operator

Katy, TX

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 ...

Nexus Water Group

Water/Wastewater Operator

Spring, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Starting at 3 weeks annually along with 11 company-paid holidays * Health and Wellness Benefits ... What You'll Bring TX - TCEQ Water Operator Class D(preferred) TX - TCEQ Wastewater D(preferred ...

SouthWest Water Company

Water/Wastewater Operator

Rhome, TX · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Starting at 3 weeks annually along with 11 company-paid holidays * Health and Wellness Benefits ... What You'll Bring TX - TCEQ Water Operator Class D(preferred) TX - TCEQ Wastewater D(preferred ...

Southwest Water Company

Water/Wastewater Operator

Magnolia, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.75/hr

Starting at 3 weeks annually along with 11 company-paid holidays * Health and Wellness Benefits ... What You'll Bring TX - TCEQ Water Operator Class D(preferred) TX - TCEQ Wastewater D(preferred ...

City of Deltona, FL

Water Operator

Deltona, FL

$25.94 - $41.53/hr

... III (State of FL Class "A" Water License) Definition : The purpose of this job/class within the organization is to collect and analyze water compliance samples according to state and federal laws.

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WhiteWater, Inc.

Operator III - Water

Littleton, MA · On-site

$32.95 - $38.77/hr

The Operator III, Water will operate and maintain assigned facilities and to actively support the Operations Lead Operator & Supervisor. The Operator will be part of an on-call rotation requiring ...

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All JobsWater Operator Class 3 Jobs

Water Operator Class 3 information

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$13

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How much do water operator class 3 jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator class 3 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Operator Class 3, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Operator Class 3, you need solid knowledge of water treatment processes, regulatory standards, and a Class 3 Water Operator certification. Familiarity with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, laboratory testing equipment, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help operators respond efficiently to system issues and regulatory requirements. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and reliable water delivery to the community.

What is the difference between Water Operator Class 3 vs Water Operator Class 2?

AspectWater Operator Class 3Water Operator Class 2
CertificationsRequires a Class 3 certification, including specific training and examsRequires a Class 2 certification, which is a higher level with more advanced requirements
Work EnvironmentOperates in water treatment plants, distribution systems, and fieldworkPerforms similar tasks but often with increased responsibility and complexity
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by municipal water agencies, private water companies, and treatment facilitiesTypically employed in larger systems or more complex water treatment operations

The main difference between Water Operator Class 3 and Water Operator Class 2 lies in certification requirements and job responsibilities. Class 2 operators have higher qualifications, enabling them to handle more complex systems and oversee larger operations. Both roles work in similar environments, but Class 2 operators often take on more advanced tasks and supervisory duties.

What are Water Operator Class 3?

A Water Operator Class 3 is a certified professional responsible for operating and maintaining water treatment and distribution systems of moderate to high complexity. They ensure that water quality meets regulatory standards by monitoring processes, performing routine testing, and making necessary adjustments to treatment methods. Class 3 operators typically have several years of experience, have passed a state or provincial certification exam, and may supervise lower-level operators. Their responsibilities help protect public health by providing safe, clean drinking water to communities.

What are some common challenges faced by Water Operator Class 3 professionals and how are they typically addressed?

Water Operator Class 3 professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining regulatory compliance, troubleshooting mechanical or chemical process issues, and responding to unexpected equipment failures. Staying updated on changing environmental regulations and conducting regular system inspections help address compliance and operational concerns. Team collaboration is key, as operators often work closely with maintenance staff and supervisors to resolve issues efficiently and ensure continuous, safe water supply to the community.
More about Water Operator Class 3 jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Operator Class 3 jobs? Cities with the most Water Operator Class 3 job openings:
What states have the most Water Operator Class 3 jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Operator Class 3 jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator Class 3 jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator Class 3 jobs are:
Water Operator Class 3 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator Class 3 job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,297 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Water Operator

Water Operator

City of Katy

Katy, TX • On-site

$21.77 - $27.22/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

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 the safety, reliability, and quality of the City's water treatment and distribution systems. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in water utility operations, a strong commitment to public service, and the ability to perform a wide variety of maintenance, repair, and operational duties in both routine and emergency situations.
As a Water Operator, you will help ensure the continuous delivery of safe drinking water to our community by monitoring wells and treatment systems, repairing infrastructure, conducting inspections and testing, and responding to customer service needs. This position is considered essential critical infrastructure personnel and may be required to respond during emergencies, natural disasters, or catastrophic events to support the continuity of City operations.
If you are motivated, dependable, and ready to make a meaningful impact in your community, we encourage you to apply and become part of a team committed to excellence in public service.
Job Description:
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Monitors and maintains assigned wells; verifies wells are operating correctly; checks chlorination levels.
  • Repairs water main breaks and service lines; flushes, repairs, and replaces fire hydrants; rebuilds and repairs water meters.
  • Performs service calls to check for water leaks throughout the water system; provides aid to customers;
  • Turns water services on or off at City connections when starting and closing accounts.
  • Collects monthly required bacteriological samples; delivers samples to assigned laboratory for testing.
  • Operates water treatment plant; calculates the chlorine demand of raw ground water for proper disinfection; monitors and maintains chlorination system.
  • Gathers water usage readings for monthly billing; disconnects customers' water for non-payment of utility bills.
  • Inspects and cleans groundwater storage tanks; prepares tanks for State inspections.
  • Repairs and pours concrete driveways and sidewalks.
  • This position is considered Critical Personnel during a natural or manmade disaster and/or a catastrophic event. This position may be required to provide services or perform duties for the benefit of the public and the continuity of City operations. These may include services or duties different from those performed in the usual course and scope of this position.
  • For purposes of business continuity, employees in this position are considered Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers, as defined by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
  • Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
High school diploma or equivalent; AND two (2) years of water utility training and experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of:
  • Department policies and procedures.
  • City codes and ordinances.
  • Water distribution and production systems.

Skill in:
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
  • Providing quality customer service.
  • Performing basic mathematical calculations.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Valid State Driver's License required; Class B Commercial Driver's License may be required.
  • Groundwater Treatment Plant Operator Class C license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: This position requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Employee may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, and intense noises.
The City of Katy is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities and Amendments Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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