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Water Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

City of Kingman

Equipment Operator A - Water

Kingman, AZ · On-site

$41K - $49K/yr

About The Role CITY OF KINGMAN EQUIPMENT OPERATOR A PUBLIC WORKS WATER DIVISION POSITION IS FLSA NON-EXEMPT - SUBJECT TO OVERTIME/CALL-OUT PAY Learn more about our Benefits & Wellness Incentives ...

Vulcan Materials Company

Water Truck Operator

Buckeye, AZ · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

... water truck, fork lift, stockpile truck, bin truck and plant truck within the facility. Safely ... Equipment Operation - Proficiency in operating large loaders with ability to accurately and ...

Vulcan Materials Company

Water Truck Operator

Buckeye, AZ · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

... water truck, fork lift, stockpile truck, bin truck and plant truck within the facility. Safely ... Experience • Heavy equipment operator experience is preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities ...

Vulcan Materials

Water Truck Operator

Buckeye, AZ · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

... water truck, fork lift, stockpile truck, bin truck and plant truck within the facility. Safely ... Proficiency in operating large loaders with ability to accurately and smoothly maneuver and ...

Oro Valley, AZ

Water Utility Operator I

Oro Valley, AZ · On-site

$41K/yr

Water Utility Opening Date: 05/20/2026 Closing Date: Continuous POSITION SUMMARY First Review of Applications on August 7, 2026 The Town of Oro Valley Water Utility seeks a highly motivated, hard ...

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All JobsWater Operator JobsWater Operator Jobs in Arizona

Water Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$12

$24

$37

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Arizona is $24.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do water operators make?

Water operators in Michigan typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the size of the water system. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher wages and additional benefits.

What are some common challenges faced by water operators in maintaining treatment plant operations?

Water Operators often encounter challenges such as fluctuating water quality, unexpected equipment malfunctions, and strict regulatory compliance requirements. These professionals must quickly troubleshoot mechanical or chemical issues, adapt to changes in source water conditions, and ensure all processes meet local and federal safety standards. Effective communication with other team members and departments is also essential, as operators frequently coordinate with maintenance staff, engineers, and regulatory agencies to resolve issues and maintain smooth plant operations.

What does it take to be a water operator?

A water operator is responsible for operating and maintaining water treatment and distribution systems. Requirements typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant certifications such as a state-issued water treatment operator license, and knowledge of water quality standards, safety procedures, and equipment operation. On-the-job training and technical skills are also important for ensuring safe and efficient water service.

Is being a water operator worth it?

A water operator manages and maintains water treatment and distribution systems, ensuring safe drinking water. The job offers stable employment, requires technical skills and certifications, and often involves working outdoors or in water treatment facilities. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in public health and infrastructure maintenance.

What is the difference between Water Operator vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater operator licenses, state-specific certificationsWater treatment operator licenses, state certifications
Work EnvironmentWater distribution systems, pipelines, reservoirsWater treatment facilities, filtration systems
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, water districts, private water companiesMunicipal water plants, treatment facilities

Both roles require similar certifications and work in water-related environments, often within municipal or private water systems. The main difference is that Water Operators focus more on maintaining water distribution systems, while Water Treatment Plant Operators specialize in operating and maintaining water treatment processes. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path in the water industry.

What is a water operator?

As a water treatment plant operator, also called a water operator, you measure water quality and quantity using computerized equipment. Your job duties include the maintenance and repair of water treatment equipment and water delivery systems. As a water and wastewater treatment plant operator, you collaborate with engineers, chemists, and lab assistants to test water samples to inform your decisions about water treatment systems. Your primary responsibility is to make sure that water is safe for people to drink and use in their daily lives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, basic chemistry, mechanical aptitude, and typically a state-issued water operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and regulatory compliance software is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set exceptional operators apart in this field. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, reliable water quality and compliance with public health standards.
More about Water Operator jobs
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 jobs in Arizona? For Water Operator jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Water Operator jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Water Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in AZ? For Water Operator jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,599 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Water Utility Operator III - Water Quality

Oro Valley, AZ

Oro Valley, AZ • On-site

$53K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : 11000 N. La Canada Drive, Oro Valley, AZ
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25/26 - 00069
Department: Water Utility
Opening Date: 06/26/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
POSITION SUMMARY
First Review of Applications on July 10, 2026
Expected Starting Salary Hiring Range: $53,404 - $60,079
Starting Salary Depending on Experience and Qualifications
The Town of Oro Valley Water Utility seeks a highly motivated, hard-working dependable results driven individual with a strong water quality testing and backflow prevention background to work in the Water Quality Department. The successful candidate will report to the Water Operations Supervisor and be expected to work collaboratively with other water operations staff.
If being part of a seasoned and experienced water professional team, working for the most technologically advanced Water Utility in Southern Arizona, sounds interesting to you, then we hope you apply!
Under close supervision maintains water quality testing and assists with the cross-connection and backflow prevention program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Assists water quality programs including water quality sampling and backflow prevention compliance, updating and modifying department policies and Town Ordinances related to water quality monitoring and backflow compliance.
  • Produces sampling schedules and performs water quality sampling in accordance with State and Federal Regulations.
  • Creates and submits sampling plans, SOP's and documents required by the Department of Environmental Quality {ADEQ}.
  • Maintains working relationship with laboratories, reviews and interprets laboratory analysis and requests the required and appropriate bottle sets for different and various sampling analyses.
  • Creates and maintains databases for water quality data to be kept on record or submitted to ADEQ.
  • Assists with reports for compliance purposes that includes consumer confidence reports and utility annual reports.
  • Works with the Utility's management to assist in solving water quality issues.
  • Assists in departmental budget planning and monitoring.
  • Assists with purchasing of materials and equipment related to water quality programs.
  • Assists with and ensures that the water quality monitoring and backflow prevention programs are in compliance with Federal and State drinking water regulations.
  • Stays informed on current water quality regulations, pending changes and reporting on the potential impact of those changes to the utility.
  • Acts as a key member of the Utility's Emergency Response Team.
  • Investigates and responds to complex customer inquiries regarding water quality concerns.
  • Maintains knowledge of Arizona Drinking Water Rule and stays current with additions and changes related to the rule.
  • Assists with the Backflow Prevention program, notifying customers that testing is due, installing construction backflow prevention devices, and updating the program database.
  • Perform backflow duties if the program administrator is not present. Certification in backflow prevention is required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written communication.
  • Ability to control the water system's water production facilities using SCADA and/or ability to oversee water utility construction projects (Production assignment).
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to interpret and apply relevant Town, State and Federal statutes, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations governing water utility and system operations.
  • Knowledge of applicable Town, State and Federal statutes, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations governing water utility and system operations.
  • Knowledge of both distribution and production facility components, maintenance, repair and installation methods, material and equipment.
  • Knowledge of customer service techniques and methods.
  • Knowledge of Emergency Response Planning.
  • Knowledge of Town and Department policies and procedures.
  • Skill in computerized database management.
  • Skill in creating and maintaining accurate and applicable reports and records.
  • Skill in database entry, spreadsheets, Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, OneNote and Cubic.
  • Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up on work assignments with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • A high school diploma or GED.
  • Three (3) years of work experience in a public water utility as an ADEQ certified Grade II Distribution Operator.
  • Must possess a valid Class D Arizona driver license upon the first day of employment.
  • Must possess at the time of application a Grade II Water Distribution certificate issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and must obtain a Grade III within one year of hire date.
  • Some Water Utility Operator III positions may also require the following: Arizona Department of Transportation DOT/Hazmat certification and NFPA 70E Arc Flash certification or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment. (Production assignment).
  • Must possess Backflow Prevention General Tester certification or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment. (Water Quality assignment).
  • May require a Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate (Water Quality Assignment).
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • Must complete Arizona Department of Corrections inmate work program training or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment. (Production assignment)

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Performs work in an indoor and outdoor environment.
  • Regular, daily attendance is an essential function for this position. Must be willing to work overtime as required.
  • Position is subject to after-hours call out 24/7.
  • Position is included in an on-call rotation.

The Town of Oro Valley is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The Town does not discriminate in the provision of employment opportunities, benefits or privileges; create discriminatory work conditions; or use discriminatory evaluative standards in employment if the basis of that discriminatory treatment is, in whole or in part, the person's race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information or marital status.
Why Apply
Oro Valley is a planned community cradled in the shadows of the magnificent Santa Catalina Mountains, with hiking trails through Catalina State Park, hiking and bicycle trails throughout the Town, world-class golf courses, horseback riding and a long-valued cultural tradition, vibrant for over a thousand years. Oro Valley has received many accolades through the years and is proud to have been named: Best Places to Live in Arizona, Best Towns for Families and Best Places in America to Live and Launch a Small Business.
Oro Valley is located in northern Pima County, just three miles north of Tucson, and a quick drive to the University of Arizona and Tucson International Airport. With average high temperatures of 83.4 degrees, average lows of 53.8 degrees, the town sits at an elevation of 2,640 feet, covers more than 34 square miles and has a current population of 41,011. Oro Valley was incorporated in April, 1974. Oro Valley is also quickly developing a strong reputation as home to the emerging bioscience and biotech industries. We are a young, diverse, dynamic community with a responsive government and our schools are among the finest in Arizona.
The Town of Oro Valley has a council/manager form of government. Six council members and the mayor are elected for four-year terms. The town manager is appointed by town council. The Town of Oro Valley provides high-quality services including: police, planning, zoning, construction, inspection, transit services, traffic engineering, street maintenance, storm water management, flood control, water utility, parks, recreation, aquatics, library, cultural resources, economic development, constituent services, community and media relations, budget development, debt and investment management, attorney services, magistrate court and more.
Town of Oro Valley currently has a benefits program that is currently offered to employees of the Town who work 20 or more hours per week on a regular basis. (Part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week may qualify for participation in the individual plans, dependent upon the specific terms of coverage.) Please click on the following link to get a full description of all the benefits that the Town of Oro Valley offers.
01
Do you have a high school diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have three (3) years of work experience in a public water utility as an ADEQ certified Grade II Distribution Operator?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you possess at the time of application a Grade II Water Distribution certificate issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you agree to obtain a Grade III Water Distribution certificate issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality within one year of hire date?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have a backflow general tester certificate issued from an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality approved organization, or, do you agree to obtain within one year of employment? Please explain.
06
Do you have experience with obtaining water quality samples? If yes, please explain.
Required Question

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