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Water Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The Town of Granby is hiring a Water Operator to join our Public Works team. This is a full-time, benefited position, with health care, dental care, retirement, and paid time off programs available.

The Town of Granby is hiring a Water Operator to join our Public Works team. This is a full-time, benefited position, with health care, dental care, retirement, and paid time off programs available.

WATER TRANSFER OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Transfer Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement: Yes Top Tier ...

Water Treatment Operator A

Aurora, CO ยท On-site

$47.01/hr

OVERVIEW OF JOB The Water Treatment Plan Operator A performs senior level "A" certification duties in the maintenance and operation of high performing, nationally recognized water treatment ...

Facility Care Operator

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$19.50 - $20.50/hr

As a Facility Care Operator (Janitorial) - you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the cleanliness, functionality, and overall satisfaction of our customers within our tech-enabled facility. . What ...

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Water Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$13

$27

$42

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Colorado is $27.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.73 and $31.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

Is being a water operator worth it?

A water operator manages and maintains water treatment and distribution systems, ensuring safe and clean water supply. 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Operator jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Water Operator jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Water Operator jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Water Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in CO?

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

Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,095 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Water Operator

Granby, CO โ€ข On-site

Town of Granby
Public Administrationย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

The Town of Granby is hiring a Water Operator to join our Public Works team. This is a full-time, benefited position, with health care, dental care, retirement, and paid time off programs available.
General Purpose
Operate, inspect, maintain and repair Town of Granby's wells, water plants, tanks,
distribution systems, augmentation system, water meters systems and all other aspects of operation to comply with USEPA and Colorado Department of Health standards and ensure community satisfaction and safety. This also includes all aspects of the raw water and nonpotable water systems as well as any other tasks as assigned by the Chief Operator, Town Manager or Water Superintendent.
Must have the ability to assist nights and on weekends as needed to provide water repairs, water quality testing, and rotating on call status for system checks that ensure proper system operation and regulatory compliance on a 24 hour basis.
Must be willing to perform all repairs as well as maintenance and cleaning of the Town of Granby's equipment, vehicles, buildings as well as other structures and devices. Will perform a variety of skilled, semi-skilled and labor tasks associated with mechanics, construction, maintenance, and laborer and correspondence related activities.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
โ€ข Operate and maintain water system to ensure safe water to consumers.
โ€ข Daily system checks which will include all like water treatment plants,
pressure reducing vaults and valves, pump stations, water storage tanks, reservoirs, water impoundments and well sites.
โ€ข Weekly inspection of all vaults for issues as well as meter reads and maintenance.
โ€ข Periodic cleaning of intake structures of pump stations which could include hazardous conditions with cold moving water and confined space.
โ€ข Plowing and shoveling of all locations as needed.
โ€ข Weekly safety meetings.
โ€ข Various trainings and certifications.
โ€ข Cleaning of all system infrastructure sites on a weekly basis.
โ€ข Oversight of ongoing and continual construction connected to town systems.
โ€ข Maintenance of all hydrants throughout system to include, flushing, painting,
oiling, anti-seize on ears, and exercising of both hydrant and isolation valves.
โ€ข Exercising of all main line water valves throughout entire water system yearly.
โ€ข Flushing of distribution system as needed to maintain required residuals thorough entire potable water distribution system.
โ€ข PRV maintenance of vault hardware and valves including exercising valves and
cleaning of screens.
โ€ข Pumping out of PRV vaults due to infiltration, leaks and condensation.
โ€ข System check of augmentation and raw water systems and associated facilitates.
โ€ข Maintain and log chemical levels.
โ€ข Place and take shipment of chemical orders. Transfer of hazardous chemicals from shipping containers to WTF chemical storage basins. Chemical mixing where
applicable.
โ€ข Log system readings daily.
โ€ข Confined space entry.
โ€ข Work in remote locations.
โ€ข On call responsibilities; rotate 24/7 coverage.
โ€ข Will be required to operate near open and moving water such as rivers, streams and reservoirs.
โ€ข Assist with water quality testing and ensure regulatory compliance with USEPA and Colorado Department of Health standards.
โ€ข Clean, repair and maintain distribution system including main lines, valves, curb
stops, fire hydrants, storage tanks and meters.
โ€ข Checks on equipment for proper operation some of which includes but is not limited to: chemical feeds systems, chemical pumps, raw water pumps, pH and CL17 monitoring equipment, SCADA supervisory control system, daily reservoir inspections and levels, pump hours, phase monitor, air compressor, and heating units.
โ€ข Repair and maintain equipment as needed.
โ€ข Repair and maintain intake structure, ponds and dam. Clean ponds and piping.
โ€ข Repair and maintain mechanical equipment: cleaning, grease and oil, replace
parts, and perform preventative maintenance.
โ€ข Do necessary water quality testing and submit appropriate reports to Colorado
Department of Health to ensure compliance as directed by Chief Operator.
โ€ข Clean, calibrate and maintain online and bench instruments used for compliance
recording and documentation.
โ€ข Troubleshoot and repair system controls.
โ€ข Must have good computer skills.
โ€ข Must have good organizational skills
Knowledge, Skills and Ability
โ€ข Ability to conduct all necessary water quality compliance testing or the aptitude to learn chemical and microbiological analyses on drinking water, and coordinates water quality sampling and analysis.
โ€ข Ability to learn, if not skilled, in equipment operation and upkeep, water plant
operation, safety procedures, building maintenance and cleaning.
โ€ข Ability to operate and maintain a variety of sophisticated analytical instruments;
prepare accurate and thorough water quality reports; develop validate and certify
new analytical methods for water analysis.
โ€ข Experience as heavy equipment operator helpful, not required.
โ€ข Electrical, plumbing, and welding experience helpful, not required.
โ€ข Mechanical ability and construction experiences a plus.
โ€ข Ability to work independently, often with little or no oversight and have the ability to work cooperatively with a team.
โ€ข Knowledge of current and pending Town of Granby, State of Colorado, and Federal Rules and Regulations.
โ€ข Knowledge of Water Quality laboratory operations.
Education or Formal Training and/or Experience
โ€ข This position requires a minimum of a Class D Colorado Water Operators license and a Level 1 Colorado Water Distribution license. Having these licenses in advance of employment is preferred but is not required. The town will allow the employee some on-the-job training and some study time to pass the necessary tests within one year or a reasonable period of time as determined by the Water Superintendent with input from the Chief Operator.
โ€ข Some chemistry knowledge is preferred but not required.
โ€ข Possession of valid Colorado driver's license is required