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Water Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Tyson Foods

Wastewater Operator B 6

Newbern, TN · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Position Summary The 3rd Shift Wastewater & Drinking Water Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining wastewater treatment and drinking water systems during overnight hours.

Tyson Foods

Wastewater Operator B 6

Newbern, TN · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Position Summary The 3rd Shift Wastewater & Drinking Water Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining wastewater treatment and drinking water systems during overnight hours.

Veolia Environnement SA

Operator I

Gatlinburg, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

The Operator I 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 I

Gatlinburg, TN

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

The Operator I 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 I

Gatlinburg, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

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

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All JobsWater Operator JobsWater Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Water Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$23

$36

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Tennessee is $23.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $27.50 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Water Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in Tennessee? For Water Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Water Operator jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Water Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in TN? For Water Operator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,281 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

WASTE WATER OPERATOR (5624)

Nice-Pak Products, LLC

Smyrna, TN • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Summary: Performs duties in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant in accordance with state, federal and local guidelines. This is manual, semi-skilled and skilled work involving the maintenance, repair, and operation of water and wastewater facilities and related equipment. The work is performed under general supervision with the ability to perform tasks independently. Operates water and/or wastewater treatment, water distribution and wastewater collection facilities, including record keeping and maintenance. Work will include some or all of the following duties: observing flows, chemical feed and effluent quality making process changes as directed; monitoring and adjusting levels, flows and pressures to meet demands; calibrating laboratory testing equipment according to specifications; disposing of sludge per regulations and as directed by manager.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Performs general operational duties of the treatment plant; monitors plant operations; makes routine checks and visual inspections of mechanical equipment or operational status; and performs daily operational tasks including washing filters, calibrating chemical pumps, reading gauges, running sludge press and filling chemical tanks
  2. Collect samples; and delivers samples and/or performs assigned water quality tests
  3. Monitors the rate of chemical feed and water flow; monitors gauges, meters, filter press, and control panels; changes tanks; washes filters; adjusts chemicals; and makes equipment and/or control adjustments as necessary
  4. Records work activities in daily log; completes lab sheets; and maintains appropriate documentation.
  5. Works with Chief Treatment Plant Operator to receive training
  6. Collects samples, which may include laboratory analysis; handles and delivers samples to be tested, records results and makes appropriate adjustments.
  7. Follows safety rules set by the Company and state and federal regulations, which may include participating in safety meetings, inspecting equipment, and assisting with and advising co-workers of possible safety hazards.
  8. Consults with Chief Plant Operator when significant decisions regarding operations must be made
  9. Performs routine and preventative maintenance as assigned; performs general cleaning/janitorial work and grounds keeping duties; and performs routine painting as needed
  10. Visually inspects plant and all equipment daily to ensure proper functioning
  11. May operate forklift or other equipment to load or remove waste
  12. Attends appropriate training seminars/workshops/meetings
  13. Receives off-hours emergency and maintenance calls; and directs calls to Chief
  14. Ensures that all work is carried out in a safe and efficient manner and that plant is running safely and efficiently
  15. Works various shifts as assigned by supervisor; may be on call in case of other operator illness or emergency
  16. Adheres to personal and departmental compliance with state safety regulations and policies
  17. Maintains availability to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  18. Maintains positive attitude with team/unit
  19. Performs other related duties as assigned

Education Requirements:
High school diploma or GED with additional training in water treatment plant or wastewater treatment plant operations
knowledge preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Experience Requirements:
2 years operation and maintenance of wastewater facilities, lab instrument calibration, sample collection and processing
Competencies:
  • Data Utilization: Requires the ability to determine, calculate, tabulate, or summarize data/information. Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations
  • Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations
  • Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments
  • Verbal Aptitude: Require the ability to utilize a wide variety of references, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information
  • Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; ability to utilize principles of fractions; and ability to interpret graphs
  • Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form. Involves semi-routine standardized work with some latitude for independent judgement concerning choices of action
  • Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgement, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria
  • Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate physical effort in light to medium work, typically involving some combination of climbing stairs, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and material of moderate weight (12-20 pounds)
  • Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds, depth and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally
  • Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, chemicals, odors, wetness, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents or toxic agents

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Preferred Wastewater License or/
Position requires progression towards a Class I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification
A valid driver's license is also required.
Travel: none
Physical Demands / Visual Acuity:
Standing and walking for this position can require being on your feet the entire shift; other activities are: sitting, climbing, stooping, reaching, grasping, hearing, talking, pushing, pulling, and kneeling. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more and 20 inches or less with the ability to judge distance and space relationships and bring objects into sharp focus. Requires continuous visual and mental attention.
Environmental/Atmospheric Conditions: Worker will be exposed to ambient noise level in a manufacturing environment. Requiring the use of hearing protection. Worker exposed to physical conditions such as proximity to moving mechanical parts. Worker occasionally exposed to atmospheric conditions such as fumes and dust. Worker will be exposed to seasonal temperatures sufficiently high or low to cause bodily discomfort, activities occur inside and outside. Worker exposed to a variety of physical conditions such as moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and high heat.

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