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Water Operator Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Veolia Environnement SA

Wastewater Operator I

Cranston, RI · On-site

$21.25 - $29.25/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

Wastewater Operator I

Cranston, RI · On-site

$21.25 - $29.25/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

Riverside, RI

$21.25 - $29.50/hr

The Operator maintains water/wastewater treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water/wastewater treatment facilities to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements.

Veolia

Operator

Riverside, RI

$21.25 - $29.50/hr

The Operator maintains water/wastewater treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water/wastewater treatment facilities to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements.

Veolia Environnement SA

Operator

Riverside, RI · On-site

$21.25 - $29.50/hr

The Operator maintains water/wastewater treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water/wastewater treatment facilities to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements.

Veolia

RI Grade 2 Wastewater Operator

Newport, RI · On-site

$21.75 - $30.25/hr

The Operator II maintains water/wastewater treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water/wastewater treatment facilities to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements.

Veolia Environnement SA

Chief Operator

Wakefield, RI · On-site

The Chief Operator supervises the Water Treatment Operator, and works independently, as needed. Maintain water production and quality for public consumption and fire protection. Ensures pumping ...

Veolia

Chief Operator

West Warwick, RI

The Chief Operator supervises the Water Treatment Operator, and works independently, as needed. Maintain water production and quality for public consumption and fire protection. Ensures pumping ...

Veolia

Environmental Technician I

Providence, RI

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

Collections System Technician

Cranston, RI

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

Environmental Technician II

Providence, RI

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 Rhode Island

Water Operator information

See Rhode Island salary details

$12

$25

$39

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Rhode Island is $25.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $29.66 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 popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in Rhode Island? For Water Operator jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator jobs in Rhode Island are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Water Operator jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Water Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in RI? For Water Operator jobs in RI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,174 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Wastewater Operator I

Veolia Environnement SA

Cranston, RI • On-site

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

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 provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.
Job Description
Position Purpose:
The Operator I operates and maintains sludge, dewatering treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in refinery/industrial facility to purify water to meet customer specifications.
Primary Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Must consistently demonstrate the ability to learn and independently operate assigned machines and equipment meeting or exceeding processing and quality targets.
  • Must demonstrate ability to learn and independently operate equipment such as pumps, engines, centrifuge, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, sludge processing filters, belt presses and measuring/control devices, testing equipment and material handling equipment.
  • Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.
  • Must demonstrate a working ability to use computer programs for process control.

Qualifications
Education/Experience/Background:
  • High School Diploma/GED is required.
  • Some experience in a related position and environment preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Must have the ability to read, write and comprehend English (operational, process, safety and quality instructions).
  • Must have the ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
  • Must be able to serve rotational 24-hour emergency on-call if required by site.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training:
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
  • Must be able to pass a drug test and a criminal background check.

Additional Information
Benefits: Veolia's comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental and vision insurance. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

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