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Water Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Veolia

General Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY · On-site

$13 - $15.25/hr

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as ...

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Azuria Water Solutions

Excavator Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Here at Insituform, part of the Azuria Water Solutions family, we've been leading the charge in ... The Excavator Operator uses heavy equipment to install underground utilities to depths of greater ...

Veolia

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY · On-site

$17/hr

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as ...

Enviri Corporation

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as ...

Veolia

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as ...

Enviri Corporation

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as ...

Enviri Corporation

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as ...

Enviri Corporation

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as ...

Enviri Corporation

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as ...

LINKAN ENGINEERING LTD

Operator III

Nicholasville, KY · On-site

$30 - $55/hr

The Water Treatment Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of industrial water and wastewater treatment systems. This position performs routine plant operations ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsWater Operator JobsWater Operator Jobs in Kentucky

Water Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$11

$22

$35

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Kentucky is $22.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $26.30 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 Kentucky? The most popular types of Water Operator jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in Kentucky? For Water Operator jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Water Operator jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Water Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in KY? For Water Operator jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,159 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Operator - Civil - Lexington, Walton, KY (Travel Required)

5 Star Electric, LLC

Clay, KY • On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

5 Star Electric, LLC (5 Star) is a premier full-service provider of electrical construction, maintenance, and repair services with offices in Western Kentucky and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. 5 Star specializes in Distribution and Transmission Power Line work, Substation, Industrial, Commercial, Streetlighting, and Fiber installations.
Position Title: Civil Construction Equipment Operator
Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care.
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The Civil Construction Equipment Operator plays a critical role in construction and infrastructure projects, controlling specialized machinery to move materials and construct structures.
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Operating and maintaining heavy machinery on construction sites, including bulldozers, excavators, graders and loaders
  • Reading and interpreting site plans and blueprints
  • Perform routine maintenance and inspections on equipment
  • Collaborating with supervisors, foreman and other crew members
  • Performs manual, strenuous labor within all weather conditions
  • Use of Mini excavator and skidster for foundation grading and utility trenchin
  • Consistently meets production expectations set by foreman and/or members of management
  • Possesses general understanding of safety risks and comfortable working in a safety sensitive environment
  • Ensures company and customer property cleanliness and quality standards are met within the expectations set by experience foreman and/or members of management
  • Performs other position duties when requested

Success Factors:
  • Strong team player with the ability to adapt to diverse team members
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often under adverse climatic conditions.
  • Ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions
  • Strong team player with the ability to adapt to diverse team members
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • A high level of time management, accountability, and prioritization skills
  • Self-motivated, goal- oriented, and driven to accomplish department goals
  • Ability to be organized, problem solve, and be solution oriente
  • Must have ability for frequent travel on needed training requirements and potential for overtime including storm work.
  • Willingness and ability to learn additional skills

Experience and Education:
  • Four (4+) years of experience in an operator position in a relevant industry
  • OSHA 10 is Required
  • Completions of formal training program or at least four years of verifiable experience
  • Compliance to Safety Performance Standards.
  • May be Employee Performance Tested to a higher level with testing and verifiable experience.
  • Completion of Insulate/Isolate Course Critical review and recommendations from Operations, Safety/Training.

Additional Requirements/Licenses/Certifications:
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid State of Residence Driver License is Required.
  • Class A CDL is preferred
  • Candidates must pass criminal and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) background checks and pass a pre-employment drug screen.
  • Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions like sitting, squatting, standing, walking, climbing, etc.
  • When working on site, will be required to wear common protective safety equipment.
  • Must be able to work outdoors in diverse terrain and in all weather conditions.
  • May be exposed to uncomfortable or distracting sounds or noise levels while onsite.
  • Must endure regular exposure to all weather conditions, including hot, cold, humidity and rain.

Notes:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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