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Water Operator Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Liberty Utilities Co.

Operator, Water (Bolivar)

Bolivar, MO · On-site

$23.88 - $30.75/hr

Position is responsible for work in Bolivar, MO as well as other Liberty water facilities in Missouri. Accountabilities The Operator I performs routine functions associated with the daily operations ...

Liberty

Operator, Water (Bolivar)

Bolivar, MO

$23.88 - $30.75/hr

Position is responsible for work in Bolivar, MO as well as other Liberty water facilities in Missouri. Accountabilities The Operator I performs routine functions associated with the daily operations ...

Veolia

Walk-In Interview Days

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/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

Walk-In Interview Days

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/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

Walk-In Interview Days

Kansas City, MO

$12.75 - $15.75/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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All JobsWater Operator JobsWater Operator Jobs in Missouri

Water Operator information

See Missouri salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Missouri is $24.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.38 and $28.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are water operators?

Water operators are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining water treatment plants and distribution systems. Their main duties include monitoring water quality, ensuring safe and efficient operation of water treatment processes, performing routine maintenance, and complying with environmental and public health regulations. Water operators play a crucial role in providing safe, clean drinking water to communities and may work for municipal utilities, private companies, or industrial facilities.

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 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 Missouri? The most popular types of Water Operator jobs in Missouri are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in Missouri? For Water Operator jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator jobs in Missouri are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Water Operator jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Water Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in MO? For Water Operator jobs in MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Missouri as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,931 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Operator, Water (Bolivar)

Liberty Utilities Co.

Bolivar, MO • On-site

$23.88 - $30.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Liberty Utilities rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Our purpose is sustaining energy and water for life, and it is demonstrated in everything we do as a business, and as an employee team.
At Liberty, we hire passionate people who care about doing the right thing for our customers. We are entrepreneurial, creative, and outcome-focused. Here, your natural talent and achievements will flourish in an inclusive environment of teamwork, trust and continuous learning. We are always pursuing excellence to exceed our ambitions goals, rewarding both the goal outcome and how we achieve it.
Purpose
An opportunity to join a dynamic team driven to source, attract and engage diverse top talent across North America. This position reports to Manager, Operations, Water, Missouri Water. Position is responsible for work in Bolivar, MO as well as other Liberty water facilities in Missouri.
Accountabilities
The Operator I performs routine functions associated with the daily operations of a collection, treatment, and system.
  • Safety is a core value of our company and no job is so important that it cannot be completed safely. It is the responsibility of all employees to know and understand and comply with all company safety policies and federal, state, and local regulations. Employees have a responsibility to stop and correct unsafe work practices and to refuse to work in an unsafe situation. Conducts, administers, and supervises all Company work related efforts and activities within the rules, regulations and responsibilities of the most current Company safety policy and OSHA regulation.
  • Daily inspection of all sites, lagoons, and lift stations noting motors run times, pump rates and operation, general condition of sites and appurtenances.
  • Inspection of possible leaks. Repairs, when possible, to service lines, wastewater mains and lift stations, completes utility locates. Arrangement for repairs by contractors. Assistance to contractors in completion of repairs. Assists in light maitenance and lubrication of excavating and construction equipment. Cleans and fuels company vehicles as needed.
  • Assist customers with troubles related to wastewater. Arrange for, or complete sampling if deemed necessary, to assure customer satisfaction and confidence.
  • Perform routine maintenance and/or repairs at sites. Filter changes, adjustments and repairs to the chemical systems and feed pumps. Maintenance of motor and pump equipment for the plant or lagoon along with the lift stations. Regular scheduled maintenance to electric motors. Additionally, the Operator will be responsible for accurate record keeping in all matters pertaining to the daily operations of the system.
  • Ability to work closely with fellow workers.
  • Any other duties assigned.

Education and Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Work requires specialized knowledge of wells, pumps, motors, chlorine systems. Knowledge of plumbing principles and ability to complete repairs to system, or make decisions regarding their repairs. Work requires high degree of knowledge of plumbing materials and methods as related to utility improvements.
  • Experience in plumbing, well operation and distribution water mains.
  • Valid Missouri Operator's Driver's License Class E or CDL required. Tanker endorsement is preferred or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire. Missouri D Wastewater Treatment Certification or higher or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire. Higher certifications in Wastewater Treatment will designate level of Operator. Certification must be kept current throughout employment.
  • Work requires the ability to read and understand reports, maps and drawings.
  • Work requires the ability to perform general math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, as well as knowledge of common water calculations and their applications.

What We Offer
As a valued member of our team, you will enjoy competitive pay that reflects your skills and experience. You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage & a 401K plan, effective day one
  • Annual bonus
  • Life insurance and short-term & long-term disability
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • Free Employee Assistance Program & Headspace account
  • 3 weeks of vacation, paid sick days, 12 paid company holidays, & 3 paid volunteer days
  • Tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, & reimbursement for certification costs
  • Reward & recognition programs, service awards, a great company culture, and a collaborative & flexible work environment

Compensation
Union Range: $23.88 - $30.75 per hour
*Pay per scale and based on level of certification and experience.
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. is a growing renewable energy and utility company with over $15 billion of assets across North America and internationally.
For more than 30 years, Algonquin has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to delivering clean energy and water solutions. Our rapid growth has led both our regulated utility services and renewable energy business groups into different geographies and commodities, but our purpose remains unchanged - Sustaining Energy and Water for Life.
Through our operating business (Liberty), we provide regulated electricity, water, and natural gas utility services to over 1 million customer connections, primarily in North America. And, our growing portfolio of clean, renewable wind, solar, hydro and thermal power generation facilities represent over 3 GW of renewable generation capacity in operation and under construction.
With our robust, diversified, and growing presence in communities across North America and internationally, we are continually demonstrating our "Think Global, Act Local" business model.
We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you are excited about this role and are not certain you meet the all the qualification requirements, we encourage you to apply to further investigate the opportunity.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value each person's unique background, diversity, experiences, perspectives and talents. Full participation of all employees in a safe, healthy and respectful environment is key to individual and company success. We are committed to fully utilizing the abilities of all of our employees and expect each of our employees to honor this commitment in their daily responsibilities.

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