1

Water Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... We have a great opportunity for a Facility Operator Trainee . This role is under the direction of ...

Be Seen First

Operator Trainee

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Job Summary We are seeking a reliable and motivated Operator Trainee to assist in the setup and ... Water-based flexographic ink * pH adjuster * Antifoam * Myer Ameri-clear Qualifications ...

Bus Operator Trainee

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$18.50 - $24.53/hr

Position Title: Bus Operator Trainee Safety Sensitive: Yes Supervisor's Title: Manager of ... We call it "mobility." It's as essential as access to electricity and clean water. It moves a city ...

Bus Operator Trainee

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$18.50 - $24.53/hr

Position Title: Bus Operator Trainee Safety Sensitive: Yes Supervisor's Title: Manager of ... We call it "mobility." It's as essential as access to electricity and clean water. It moves a city ...

Water Distribution Operator

Danville, KY ยท On-site

$32K - $71K/yr

Water Distribution Operator Pay Classification: Non-exempt Job Classification: Full-time Pay Grade ... U-1(Trainee), U-2(Class I), U-3(Class II), U-4(Class III), U-5(Class IV) Location: 600 Redryer Ln ...

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... Aqua has an opening for a Wastewater Operator Trainee to work at the Beaver Falls wastewater system.

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... FO Trainee - * Will be required to get either a C Well or Grade I waste water license within 18 ...

Showing results 41-60

Water Operator Trainee information

See salary details

$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do water operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for water operator trainee in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 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.
More about Water Operator Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Operator Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Water Operator Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Operator jobs? The most popular types of Water Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Water Operator Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Operator Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Operator Trainee job openings in the United States 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 $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Plant Operator - Water Treatment Division

City of Richmond

Richmond, VA โ€ข On-site

$47K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y. Respect. Equity

Accountability. Diversity...YOU!!. This is an EXCITING time to Join the City of Richmond

We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides to becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the below employee benefit enhancements: Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Language Incentive Referral Bonus Tuition Assistance Program Description The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities - Water Treatment Division is seeking qualified candidates to fill a Plant Operator position to operate a 132 mgd water plant. Duties include but are not limited to Adjusting chemical dosages to maintain compliance with State and Federal regulations; Collecting samples of water to perform chemical laboratory analysis; Reading, interpreting and adjusting gages, meters and control panels to make sure plant equipment and processes are working properly; Observing and documenting variations in operating conditions to determine processing requirements; Recording operational data, operating valves and gates and starting and stopping plant equipment to control and adjust treatment process; Adjusting, monitoring and responding to operational situations involving the water distribution system; Monitoring pumping stations and coordinating with Pump Station operator on distribution system requirements Incumbents serves as an Essential employee, which means that the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or inclement weather.

This individual may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays or on-call as needed Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of water treatment operations; operation of valves, pumps, and motors; principles and methods of laboratory water analyses; effects of water treatment processes, and potential issues that may arise; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations regarding water treatment; computer software used in water plant system controls and operations; basic mathematics calculations; basic science concepts and their applications in regards to plant operations; and safety Data Sheets. Demonstrated skills to understanding diagrams and blueprints, reading and interpreting plans and specifications; safety in a water treatment or industrial environment; and decision making. Demonstrated abilities to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community; operate and understand treatment or industrial equipment.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or GED; Zone I is a trainee level, preferably in the performance of utility tasks (Zones II through V will require additional experience and certifications as defined in the broad band program); An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Incumbents assigned to Zone II require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 4 Water Operator's License. Incumbents assigned to Zone III require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 3 Water Operator's License.

Incumbents assigned to Zone IV require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 2 Water Operator's License. Incumbents assigned to Zone V require a Commonwealth of Virginia Level 1 Water Operator's License. PREFERRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Have Analytical skills - Water treatment plant and system operators must conduct tests and inspections on water or wastewater and evaluate the results.

Be Detail oriented - Water treatment plant and system operators must monitor machinery, gauges, dials, and controls to ensure processes are operating properly. Drinking water is regulated by State and Federal officials, operators work should be accurate. Have Math skills - Water treatment plant and system operators must have the ability to apply data to formulas that determine treatment requirements, flow levels, and concentration levels; Be Mechanically Inclined - Water treatment plant and system operators should have basic mechanical knowledge that can be applied to treatment operations.

License in Waterworks is a plus; Associate or higher degree in Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Environmental Sciences; Utility experience is a plus. Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: Working conditions may include exposure to travel to other locations within the City of Richmond as well as outside of the City of Richmond; exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, etc.; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; inadequate lighting; intense noise; and environmental hazards such as disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents must be able to perform detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks, with frequent interruptions and under time constraint. The essential duties of this classification may require the ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push objects, pull objects, lift, use fingers and grasp objects

The working conditions may include exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases and potentially hazardous chemicals, working in or with wastewater. In terms of the physical strength to perform the essential duties, this classification is considered to be medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Veronica Kenner, by email at HR-ADA@rva.gov

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The City of Richmond Values Veterans. We are an official V3 Certified Company.

The City of Richmond is a proud partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program.