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Water Operator Trainee Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

SRP

Control Room Operator Trainee

Gilbert, AZ · On-site

SRP is one of the largest public power and water utilities in the U.S. providing electricity to ... The OST will be involved in all aspects of operating a power generation facility. Various ...

SRP

Control Room Operator Trainee (Tempe)

Tempe, AZ · On-site

SRP is one of the largest public power and water utilities in the U.S. providing electricity to ... The OST will be involved in all aspects of operating a power generation facility. Various ...

Freeport McMoRan

Tailings Dam Operator Trainee

Bagdad, AZ · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

May communicate with thickener operator on flows to tailings dam * Responsible for learning the ... May operate mobile equipment such as bulldozers, loaders, water trucks, motor graders, boom trucks ...

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Freeport McMoRan

Tailings Dam Operator Trainee

Bagdad, AZ · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

... operating solvent extraction/electrowinning plants in the world.Visit theBagdad town website to ... water trucks, motor graders, boom trucks, dump trucks, light duty vehicles, fusion machines ...

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All JobsWater Operator JobsWater Operator Trainee JobsWater Operator Trainee Jobs in Arizona

Water Operator Trainee information

See Arizona salary details

$23.8K

$40.6K

$59.2K

How much do water operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for water operator trainee in Arizona is $40,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,800.00 and $47,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by water operator trainees during their initial training period?

Water Operator Trainees often face challenges such as adapting to the technical complexity of water treatment systems, learning to accurately monitor and adjust equipment, and understanding strict safety and regulatory requirements. Trainees must quickly become familiar with both manual and automated processes, as well as handle emergency situations like equipment malfunctions or water quality concerns. Support from experienced operators and ongoing hands-on training are key to overcoming these hurdles and building competence in the role.

What is a water operator trainee?

Water Operator Trainees are entry-level professionals who assist in the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities. They work under the supervision of certified water operators to learn how to monitor, test, and ensure the quality and safety of public water supplies. Their responsibilities often include collecting water samples, recording data, performing basic laboratory tests, and learning about regulatory compliance. This role is designed to provide hands-on experience and training required to become a licensed water operator.

What is the difference between Water Operator Trainee vs Water Operator?

AspectWater Operator TraineeWater Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma and may need a state-specific water treatment or distribution certificationRequires a valid water treatment or distribution certification, often obtained after training
Work EnvironmentSupervised, entry-level role in water treatment plants or distribution systemsFull responsibilities in operating, maintaining, and monitoring water systems
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with daily operations, learning procedures, and gaining experiencePerforming routine maintenance, monitoring equipment, and ensuring water quality

The main difference between a Water Operator Trainee and a Water Operator is experience and certification level. Trainees are in learning roles, often requiring supervision, while Water Operators have completed necessary certifications and handle full operational duties independently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water operator trainee?

To thrive as a Water Operator Trainee, you need basic math, science knowledge, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with water treatment equipment, monitoring systems, and the pursuit of a state-issued water operator certification are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help you excel in monitoring and maintaining water quality standards. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation of water facilities and compliance with regulatory requirements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Operator jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Water Operator jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator Trainee jobs in Arizona? For Water Operator Trainee jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator Trainee jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator Trainee jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Water Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Water Operator Trainee job openings:
Water Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator Trainee job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,565 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Control Room Operator Trainee

SRP

Gilbert, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Requisition ID: 20343

Join us in building a better future for Arizona!

SRP is one of the largest public power and water utilities in the U.S. providing electricity to approximately one million customers in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. Since its founding in 1903, SRP has fostered a culture of stewardship and customer service consistently ranking as an industry leader in customer service according to J.D. Power and named one of Arizona's best employers by Forbes. SRP continues to adapt to its changing business environment by seeking innovative ways to reimagine utility service and the provision of critical resources essential to the life and economy of Arizona.

Why Work at SRP

At SRP, we foster an inclusive work environment and believe everyone should have a fair chance to work, regardless of who they are. That’s why we value teams with diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to help SRP deliver on its mission of providing reliable, affordable and sustainable water and power.

SRP's success is rooted in our employees' happiness, health, and safety. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and enhance their well-being. In addition to competitive pay and performance incentives, eligible employees can take advantage of the following benefits:

  • Pension Plan (at no cost to the employee)
  • 401(k) plan with employer matching
  • Available your first day: Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance
  • Over 200+ hours of PTO (includes vacation days, holidays, floating holidays, and sick leave)
  • Parental leave (up to 4 weeks) and adoption assistance
  • Wellness programs (including access to a recreation and fitness facility)
  • Short and long-term disability plans
  • Tuition assistance for both undergraduate and graduate programs
  • 10 Employee Resource Groups for career development, community service, and networking
Summary

Operations Specialist Trainee (OST) duties are: Satisfactory completion of all training objectives to develop the skills necessary for promotion to the Operations Specialist position. The OST will be involved in all aspects of operating a power generation facility. Various facilities use operating personnel to perform maintenance functions as well as operations duties. The degree of these maintenance functions will vary between facilities and are not necessarily listed in the bullets below, but are expected of this position. Since the OST position is a training position for a specified length of time (below) it shall not be a position that an O&M 3 operator can be upgraded to.

Seeking experienced Combined Cycle power plant Control Room Operator.
Preferably with GE 7FA combustion turbines and GE D11 steam turbines.
Experience with GE Mark VIe turbine control system and Foxboro balance of plant control system.

What You'll Do

Under limited supervision is responsible for learning the facility specific operation of coal, natural gas, and fuel oil fired steam generating units and steam turbine generators, simple cycle gas turbines and combined cycle unit, conventional and pumped storage hydro units, internal combustion engine units, solar powered units, wind powered units and fuel cell powered units, and their related equipment. 

  • OST is responsible for learning to operate and monitor equipment and auxiliaries by remote control from the control room as well as from throughout the facility using pertinent information from Distributed Control Systems, gauges, instruments, and communication facilities located in the control room and throughout the plant.
  • OST is responsible for operation of all units in his charge with his related equipment. In addition to his power plant duties, this may include regular O&M duties at the site, including housing areas, civil works, roadways, water or sewer systems, etc.
  • OST is responsible for learning to coordinate and maintain unit availability with AGC, which includes preparation and planning for load reductions/increases based on system demands. Duties require a complete and thorough knowledge of the entire plant operation as it relates to the generation of power.
  • OST is responsible for learning to operate units within environmental and SRP guidelines.
  • OST is responsible for learning how to direct the work of other classifications and assists as directed by others in the completion of tasks. 
  • The OST will be required to train personnel in other classifications in the proper operation of plant equipment, controls, and procedures.
  • OST is responsible for learning how to evaluate plant processes and issue clearances as needed; this requires a thorough knowledge of the clearance procedure.

The typical duties are not intended to include all duties that comprise the job content but are intended to illustrate the levels of difficulty of the job. Overlapping of typical duties and responsibilities exists and may occur between classifications. Employees may be assigned to perform duties of either higher or lower classifications. Shift work, non-continuous multi-shift, and overtime may be required.

Responsibilities

This position is responsible for the successful completion of the OST curriculum and promotion to the Operator Specialist classification. 

Under limited supervision is responsible for learning the facility specific operation of coal, natural gas, and fuel oil fired steam generating units and steam turbine generators, simple cycle gas turbines and combined cycle unit, conventional and pumped storage hydro units, internal combustion engine units, solar powered units, wind powered units and fuel cell powered units, and their related equipment. 

What It Takes To Succeed

Training Objective:

The successful completion of all training curriculum defined by the Operations Specialist Trainee program and all testing and job performance measures must be completed successfully. All training shall be completed within two years from teh date of promotion but, with Plant Manager's agreement, can vary due to work demands. The skill-training curriculums will vary based on business needs.

Skills training can and will change to meet the needs of the facility. Mandatory Regulatory Training will be completed to comply with SRP policy.

Progressionary Training Objectives:

Successful completion of the OST curriculum. Upon completion of the OST curriculum training, progression to the Operator Specialist classification is available without having to wait for there to be an opening in that classification at their current facility. Failure to complete the OST curriculum, testing and job performance measures in the specified amount of time will, at management's discretion, result in either a) an opportunity to bid to another position, or b) a demotion to O&M 3 T/A Specialist position.

Candidates will be evaluated and those who meet minimum qualifications and are selected to move forward in the hiring process will be sent the Trades Assessment link. If you are a current employee in a role that requires the Trades Assessment, you do not need to take the assessment.

Experience

Must complete at least one year as an O&M Specialist III, Operations or equivalent skills and knowledge.

Education
A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
Testing and Certifications
Must possess the appropriate valid Arizona driver’s license.
Appropriate respirator medical certification, fit test and training required.
Physical Agility Test
For specific list of training certifications contact departmental manager.
Trades Assessment

Hybrid Workplace

SRP currently offers a hybrid workplace, which allows employees whose jobs can be performed remotely, and who have sufficient technical capability, to telework up to three days per week. Although teleworking is available, all employees must live and work in Arizona.

Drug/Alcohol Policy Statement

To promote the safety and well-being of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve, SRP is committed to maintaining a drug/alcohol free work environment. Although marijuana may now be legal in Arizona, except as otherwise specified under Arizona law, SRP considers it to be an illegal drug for the purpose of our drug/alcohol policy because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. Any candidate found to be impaired during the hiring process or who has the presence of an illegal drug or unauthorized substance in their system during the pre-employment drug/alcohol test may be disqualified from further consideration in the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Salt River Project (SRP) is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local law.

Work Authorization

All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Currently, SRP does not sponsor H1B visas, OPT, or other employment-related visa's.

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