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Water Operator Trainee Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

City of Midland

Utilities Plant Operator I

Midland, TX · On-site

$50K/yr

... Plant Trainee ready to grow their career in public service. In this hands-on role, you'll work ... Essential Job Duties Collects water samples for testing and analysis in primary treatment area.

Smurfit Westrock

Former Operator

Greenville, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Work in conjunction with the Team Leader to manage packers, trainees, and belt personnel. Perform ... Perform water testing for the PMC machine and pull samples from the M&P former as required. Ensure ...

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Water Operator Trainee information

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 popular job titles related to Water Operator Trainee jobs in Texas?

For Water Operator Trainee jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Operator Trainee jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Operator Trainee jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Water Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Water Operator Trainee job openings:

Water Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator Trainee job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Water Plant Operations Technician (Trainee, Technician, or Senior)

City of Georgetown

Georgetown, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

City Of Georgetown (Texas) rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

484th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.
Under the guidance of a certified Water Services Treatment Plant Technician or Treatment Technician Senior assists in the operation and maintenance of the City's Water Treatment Facilities in a safe, effective, and efficient manner. Repairs and maintains treatment plant facilities and equipment. Incumbents in the classification are required to be on-call on a rotating basis, available to work evening and weekend shifts, and must obtain the Water Treatment Plant license.
Please note: Our preference is to hire staff with experience & licensing in Water Treatment Plant Operations but also considering trainees. There are multiple vacancies available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 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:
Trainee
Operations & Maintenance:
  • Performs with "D" treatment license operations of Water Treatment Facilities by starting and stopping system pumps, opening/closing valves, adjusting system operating parameters and performing data collection on plant rounds.
  • Performs with "D" treatment license maintenance and repairs Water Treatment Facilities by performing preventive or corrective maintenance on motors, pumps, blowers, cranes, piping, valves, and other components.
  • Operates, repairs, and maintains hand tools, power tools, power equipment.
  • Ensures that all safety requirements are followed.
  • Performs with "D" treatment license routine rounds of the treatment facility to monitor treatment process, identify process anomalies or mechanical problems with equipment.
  • Monitors data from SCADA system and computerized control systems, instrument panels and gauges in order to make any basic process changes as directed.
  • Maintains plant operations and maintenance records using logbooks, database and spreadsheets.
  • Ensures plant processes are always operating within regulated parameters as mandated by state, federal and COG requirements; report out-of-compliance occurrences to Supervisor and or Superintendent.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Employee Development:
  • Participates in the department qualification and training plan.
  • Progress through classroom and on-the-job training required to qualify for appropriate TCEQ water licensure.

Asset Management:
  • Utilize work management system to conduct work activities.

Tools, Equipment and Supplies:
  • Assist department Supervisor evaluating material needs and recommends materials, stock levels
  • Ensures department tools and test equipment are properly maintained.
  • Regularly calibrates applicable equipment, tools and test equipment.

Technician/Senior
  • Operates Water Treatment Facilities by starting and stopping system pumps, opening/closing valves, adjusting system operating parameters and performing data collection on plant rounds.
  • Maintains and repairs Water Treatment Facilities by performing preventive or corrective maintenance on motors, pumps, blowers, cranes, piping, valves, and other components. Some tasks include; lubrication, changing equipment oil/fluids, installing packing, bearings and seals.
  • Operates, repairs, and maintains hand tools, power tools, power equipment, heavy equipment, and specialized machinery to maintain and repair Water Treatment Facilities.
  • Operates complex and sensitive test equipment to troubleshoot and test Water Treatment Facilities. Maintain treatment facility logbooks, databases and spread sheets; generates and analyzes trends and reports from historical data.
  • Ensures that all safety requirements are followed.
  • Conducts routine rounds of the treatment facility to monitor treatment process, identify and troubleshoot process, coordinate and resolve anomalies or mechanical problems with equipment.
  • Monitor and interpret data from SCADA system and computerized control systems, instrument panels and gauges in order to make and coordinate basic advance process changes under normal and temporary operational conditions.
  • Maintain balance and consistent operation of the plant equipment based on established process control techniques to ensure maximum efficiency of the plant process to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Make process control decisions under normal operating conditions; conducts tests to determine proper chemical feed rates, calibrate field instruments and make chemical pump rate changes as required.
  • Ensures plant processes are always operating within regulated parameters as mandated by state, federal and COG requirements; report out-of-compliance occurrences to Supervisor and or Superintendent.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Plant Operations Technician, Trainee
High school diploma or equivalent. Six (6) months of experience in a similar work environment such as plant process, plant operations, construction or in the operation of maintenance of mechanical or industrial equipment.
Plant Operations Technician
High school diploma or equivalent. Plus three (3) years of full-time experience in the work environment such as process, operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility.
Plant Operations Technician, Senior
High school diploma or equivalent. Plus five (5) years of full-time experience in the work environment such as process control, operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility.
Certifications and Licenses
Valid Class "C" Texas driver's license required. Out-of-state license holders must have a valid license and provide a three-year driving history.
Plant Operations Technician, Trainee**
Water Treatment Plant Operations and Maintenance:
Class "D" Water Treatment Plant license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality within 12 months of hire.
** Incumbents in this classification must meet the qualification to promote to Water Services Treatment Plant Technician within three (3) years of employment.
Plant Operations Technician
Water Treatment Plant Operations and Maintenance:
Class "C" Surface Water Treatment Plant license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Plant Operations Technician, Senior
Water Treatment Plant Operations and Maintenance:
Class "B" Surface Water Treatment Plant license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, climbing, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, crouching, bending, vision, hearing, talking, use of foot controls.
Works outdoors in hot, cold, and/or wet weather, exposure to noise and vibration from machinery, toxic chemicals and gases, work in confined spaces (trenches, manholes), work with contaminants, work with electrical voltages up to 480V, high pressure water from sewer machines.
Hiring Range: Ranges depend on qualifications and licensure.
Trainee: $22.31 - $27.95 hourly
Tech: $25.84 - $32.37 hourly.
Senior: $29.91 - $37.47 hourly.
#LoveWhereYouWork! Check out the benefits of working with us here.
Regular-Full time
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

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