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Water Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Veolia Environnement SA

Operator I

Johnstown, OH · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Company Description 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 ...

Veolia Environnement SA

Distillation Operator I

Miamisburg, OH · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Company Description 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 ...

New

Veolia

Operator I

Johnstown, OH

$17 - $22.25/hr

Company Description 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 ...

Veolia Environnement SA

Operator II

Johnstown, OH · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Company Description 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 ...

New

Veolia

Operator II

Johnstown, OH

$17 - $22.25/hr

Company Description 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 ...

New

Veolia Environnement SA

Operator II

Johnstown, OH · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Company Description 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 ...

New

Veolia Environnement SA

Operator I

Johnstown, OH · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Company Description 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 ...

Veolia

Distillation Operator I

Miamisburg, OH

$17 - $21.50/hr

Company Description 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 ...

New

Veolia Environnement SA

Distillation Operator I

Miamisburg, OH · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Company Description 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 ...

New

Kelly Services

Water Treatment Operator

Lima, OH

$23/hr

We at Kelly ® hear you, and we're here for you! We're seeking a Water Treatment Operator to work at a premier water treatment facility in Lima, OH. Sound good? Take a closer look below. You owe it ...

New

Fairfield County, OH

Wastewater Operator 3

Carroll, OH · On-site

$29.83 - $41.02/hr

Continuous Description Under the direct supervision of the Chief Wastewater Operator, operates and maintains the municipal waste water treatment plant and sanitary collections system; performing a ...

City of Akron, OH

Water Plant Operator

Akron, OH · On-site

$52K - $62K/yr

Possession of a Class I Water Supply Professional Operators Certificate as issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency or must obtain within two years of employment. Possession of a valid ...

Fairfield County Ohio

Wastewater Operator 3

Lancaster, OH · On-site

$29.83 - $41.02/hr

Description Under the direct supervision of the Chief Wastewater Operator, operates and maintains the municipal waste water treatment plant and sanitary collections system; performing a variety of ...

City of Akron

Water Plant Operator

Akron, OH · On-site

$52K - $62K/yr

Possession of a Class I Water Supply Professional Operators Certificate as issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency or must obtain within two years of employment. Possession of a valid ...

CloudKitchens

Facility Care Operator

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$14 - $15/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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Showing results 41-60

All JobsWater Operator JobsWater Operator Jobs in Ohio

Water Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Ohio is $24.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $28.80 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 Ohio? The most popular types of Water Operator jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in Ohio? For Water Operator jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Water Operator jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Water Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in OH? For Water Operator jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,620 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Associate Director, Water-Wastewater

Prime AE Group Inc

Columbus, OH • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

We Make Everything Around Us Better

At PRIME AE, that’s not a slogan, it’s how we work.


Every bridge, building, campus, park, and roadway we design exists to improve how people live, move, learn, and connect. Through architecture, engineering, planning, and consulting, we partner with clients to create thoughtful, practical solutions that leave communities stronger than we found them.


If you want your work to matter, and to be surrounded by smart, collaborative people who care about doing things the right way, you’ll feel at home here.


Who We Are:

PRIME AE Group, Inc. (www.primeeng.com) is a nationally ranked, full-service architecture and engineering firm driven by collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to strengthening the communities we serve. With a growing footprint of offices across the country and a diverse team of more than 550 professionals, we partner with public and private sector clients to deliver thoughtful, high-impact solutions across transportation, education, healthcare, municipal, federal, commercial, and recreational markets.


Our culture blends entrepreneurial energy with the resources of a scaled, multidisciplinary platform—giving our people the opportunity to shape meaningful projects while influencing the future direction of the firm. As PRIME AE continues to expand its capabilities, geographic reach, and leadership bench, this is an exciting time to join a team that is building momentum, investing in growth, and empowering leaders to make a lasting impact.


The Opportunity:

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director – Water/Wastewater to help lead and expand PRIME AE’s Water | Wastewater practice across Ohio.


This is a key leadership opportunity for a proven engineering professional with strong technical expertise, business development acumen, and a passion for building client relationships. In this role, you will help shape the strategic growth of the practice, lead major public infrastructure projects, mentor and develop staff, and strengthen PRIME AE’s presence within the Ohio and Kentucky water/wastewater markets.


Working closely with regional and corporate leadership, you will support business development initiatives, oversee project delivery, and contribute to the long-term growth and success of the Water | Wastewater practice. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on critical infrastructure projects that improve communities and protect public health.


What You'll Do:

As the Associate Director – Water/Wastewater, you will provide leadership in business development, project delivery, operations, and staff development while serving as a trusted advisor to clients and project teams. You will help drive the growth of the practice through strategic planning, client engagement, pursuit leadership, and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead business development efforts and pursue new opportunities with municipal, county, state, federal, and utility clients throughout Ohio and the surrounding region.
  • Develop and maintain strong client relationships, positioning PRIME AE as a trusted partner for water and wastewater infrastructure programs.
  • Lead major pursuits from opportunity identification and Go/No-Go decisions through proposal development, interviews, contract negotiations, and project execution.
  • Provide executive-level oversight and guidance for water and wastewater projects including treatment facilities, pump stations, collection systems, distribution systems, stormwater infrastructure, and water quality initiatives.
  • Collaborate with project managers and technical leaders to ensure successful project delivery, including scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client satisfaction.
  • Support strategic planning and growth initiatives for the Water | Wastewater practice across Ohio and Kentucky.
  • Coordinate with marketing, operations, and business line leadership to develop market strategies and expand client relationships.
  • Recruit, mentor, and develop engineering staff while fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.
  • Support resource planning, staffing decisions, and operational performance across the practice.
  • Represent PRIME AE through industry organizations, conferences, professional associations, and community engagement activities.
  • Monitor industry trends, funding opportunities, regulatory developments, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for growth and innovation.

What You'll Bring:

  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in Ohio required or ability to obtain within six months.
  • Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in water, wastewater, environmental, or municipal infrastructure engineering.
  • Minimum 3–5 years of experience leading projects, teams, or functional groups within a consulting engineering environment.
  • Demonstrated success developing and maintaining relationships with public-sector water and wastewater clients.
  • Proven business development experience including proposal leadership, client development, strategic pursuits, and revenue growth.
  • Strong technical background in water and wastewater systems, treatment processes, utility infrastructure, hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, regulatory compliance, and capital improvement planning.
  • Experience managing complex infrastructure projects and multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Strong understanding of project financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and operational performance metrics.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Active participation in professional organizations such as AWWA, WEF, ASCE, APWA, or similar industry associations preferred.
  • Ability to travel throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and surrounding markets as needed.


Why PRIME AE:

We don’t just fill positions; we invest in people.


At PRIME AE, you’ll find a supportive, flexible environment where careers are built intentionally, not accidentally. You’ll work on projects that improve everyday life, alongside colleagues who challenge and respect one another.


What sets us apart:

  • Career Growth: Flexible career paths across disciplines, from technical expertise to project and people leadership.
  • People-First Culture: We value trust, integrity, and collaboration, and we mean it.
  • Meaningful Work: Projects that strengthen communities, infrastructure, and public spaces.
  • Growth with Purpose: Strategic expansion backed by strong leadership and investment.
  • National Reach, Local Feel: Big-firm resources with the agility and relationships of local offices.


Our Commitment:

PRIME AE Group is committed to creating an inclusive environment where differences are respected, voices are heard, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.


#LI-ONSITE


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