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Water Operator Trainee Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Tailings Dam Operator Trainee

Bagdad, AZ ยท 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 ...

Utilities Control Center Operator I

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

$56K - $84K/yr

... water distribution and the monitoring and recording of natural gas usage and wastewater flow ... trainee class in which incumbents learn the duties of a Utilities Control Center Operator II. The ...

Outlying Tech 3

Miami, AZ ยท On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Ensure you are working in compliance with Pinto Valley Mine standard operating procedures and MSHA ... Learn the water systems at tails and water area. As well pipe routes from peak wells. POSITION ...

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 Sep 2, 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 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 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 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 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.

Are water operator trainees in high demand?

Water operator trainees are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for water treatment and distribution, especially as many facilities seek to meet regulatory standards. The role often requires certifications and technical skills, and employment opportunities are generally stable in the water utility industry.

Is being a water operator trainee worth it?

A water operator trainee position provides hands-on experience in water treatment and distribution, often serving as a stepping stone to certification and full licensing. It offers practical skills, knowledge of safety protocols, and job stability, making it a valuable entry-level role in the water industry.

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 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:

Infographic showing various Water Operator Trainee job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 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.

WATER PLANT OPERATOR LEAD

Lake Havasu City, AZ

Lake Havasu City, AZ โ€ข On-site

$31.91 - $46.27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

**WATER PLANT OPERATOR LEAD**

Lake Havasu City, AZ

Closing Date: Open until Filled

OTF26-308

Salary:ย $31.91-$46.27/Hourly DOQ

Trainee: $28.71/Hourly

Grade: CP11

FLSA Status:ย Non-Exemptย  ย ย ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย 

Department:ย PW/Water Treatment

INITIAL APPLICATION REVIEW WILL TAKE PLACE TWO WEEKS AFTER OPEN. INTERESTED CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REVIEW WILL ONLY BE CONDUCTED IF NECESSARY.

Lake Havasu City is seeking a highly motivated and experiencedย Water Plant Operator Leadย to join our Water Division team. In this essential leadership role, you'll oversee daily operations at our water treatment facility, guide and support plant operators, and ensure we continue delivering high-quality, safe drinking water to our growing community.

This is an excellent opportunity for a certified operator ready to take the next step into leadership, training, and complex system troubleshooting.

What you will do:

  • Lead and train operations staff in daily plant functions

  • Operate and monitor treatment processes, equipment, and SCADA systems

  • Perform lab testing and analyze water quality data

  • Ensure compliance with ADEQ and EPA regulations

  • Oversee preventative maintenance and coordinate repairs

  • Maintain accurate records, logs, and compliance documentation

  • Respond to emergency situations and participate in on-call rotation

TO VIEW DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION,ย Click Here

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

We're looking for someone who is:

  • Aย strong team playerย with excellent time management and communication skills.

  • Experienced inย a lead position at a potable water treatment plant.

  • Aย natural leaderย who inspires others and builds strong community relationships

  • Exceptionallyย organized,ย detail-oriented, and committed to excellence

  • Knowledgeย of regulatory requirements for water quality.ย 

REQUIREMENTS

  • High School Diploma

  • 3-5 years' experience in utility plant operations and maintenance, or equivalent combination of education and experience.ย 

  • Possession of Grade III Water Treatment and Grade IV Water Treatment Certification issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) at hire.

  • Possession of a valid Commercial Driver License Class B with a Tanker Endorsement is preferred.

The selected candidate who does not possess the required certification will be considered a trainee at the time of hire.

Position may also require one (1) or more of the following certifications depending on assignment:

Confined Space Certification.

Lock-out/tag-out

Forklift Certification.

Hazardous Materials Certification

Lake Havasu City offers an exceptional benefits package for full-time (FTE) Employees:ย 

ย  ย  Employer-provided Medical/Rx (EPO or HDHP)

ย  ย  Dental/Vision

ย  ย  Wellness Program

ย  ย  Employee Assistance Program

ย  ย  Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account

ย  ย  Employer-Provided Basic Life Insurance

ย  ย  Optional Additional Life Insurance

ย  ย  Optional Insurance-Critical Illness, Hospitalization, Indemnity

ย  ย  11 Paid Holidays Annually

ย  ย  Bereavement Leave

ย  ย  Paid Vacationย 

ย  ย  Short Term Disabilityย 

ย  ย  Long Term Disability

ย  ย  Opportunities for advancement

ย  ย  Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

ย  ย  Optional Deferred Compensation

ย  ย  Tuition Reimbursement

ย  ย  Service Awards

Additional Comments

Lake Havasu City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.ย 

Applicants for employment opportunities should be aware of the Lake Havasu City policies concerning the use of drugs and alcohol. These policies have not been altered by the passage of Proposition 207. The use of recreational marijuana is a violation of the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy. All positions within the City are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test. A positive result for drugs tested under the policy, including recreational marijuana, may be grounds for withdrawal of an offer of employment.ย 

The City reserves the right to consider only the most highly qualified applicants. The succeeding examination processes may be required: training and experience, testing, panel interview, employment eligibility verification (EEV) requirements, personnel evaluation profile (PEP), polygraph test, background investigation, and alcohol/drug screening test. Appointment subject to successful background investigation and City-paid post-employment medical examination after offer of employment has been made.

Lake Havasu City sits comfortably on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu along the Colorado River border of California and Arizona. The city was established in 1963 by Robert P. McCulloch, Sr. as a self-sufficient, planned community.

Lake Havasu City is located on what is known as "Arizona's West Coast," just 3 hours west of Phoenix, 2 hours south of Las Vegas and 4-5 hours east of the Los Angeles area. As part of the northern and western limits of the Sonoran Desert, Lake Havasu City and the surrounding area feature outstanding biodiversity absolutely loaded with beautiful experiences.