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Water Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

City of Katy

Water Operator

Katy, TX · On-site

$21.77 - $27.22/hr

Water Operator - Public Works Department The City of Katy is seeking a dedicated and skilled Water Operator to join our Public Works team. This essential position plays a critical role in maintaining ...

City of Katy

Water Operator

Katy, TX

Water Operator - Public Works Department The City of Katy is seeking a dedicated and skilled Water Operator to join our Public Works team. This essential position plays a critical role in maintaining ...

Kinetik

Water Operator

Pecos, TX · On-site

The Water Operator will report and maintain the facilities assigned to and perform other activities as required by management. * Safely perform troubleshooting, repairs, inspections, and replacement ...

kinetik

Water Operator

Pecos, TX

The Water Operator will report and maintain the facilities assigned to and perform other activities as required by management. * Safely perform troubleshooting, repairs, inspections, and replacement ...

Inframark

Water Operator I

Weslaco, TX · On-site

WATER OPERATOR I The Operator I is responsible for operation and maintenance of equipment in water treatment facilities. Surface Water Operator C license or above required. RESPONSIBILITIES

Inframark

Surface Water Operator

La Feria, TX · On-site

SURFACE WATER OPERATOR The Water Operator is responsible for operation and maintenance of equipment in water treatment facilities. Surface Water C License or above preferred. RESPONSIBILITIES

EPCOR

Water Operator II

Lexington, TX · On-site

Description Highlights of the role EPCOR is on the lookout for a Water Operator at our Sandow Water Treatment Plant near Lexington, TX. This role offers an exciting opportunity for skilled ...

EPCOR

Water Operator II

Lexington, TX

Highlights of the role EPCOR is on the lookout for a Water Operator at our Sandow Water Treatment Plant near Lexington, TX. This role offers an exciting opportunity for skilled professionals to ...

Inframark

Water Operator II

Houston, TX · On-site

Inframark is currently seeking a skilled Operator II in our Houston TX Water Pump Station project. This role is responsible for the operation and maintenance of equipment at small to medium-sized ...

EPCOR

Water Operator II

Lexington, TX

Highlights of the role EPCOR is on the lookout for a Water Operator at our Sandow Water Treatment Plant near Lexington, TX. This role offers an exciting opportunity for skilled professionals to ...

CITY OF HIDALGO

Waste Water Operator

Hidalgo, TX

$15 - $17/hr

Wastewater Operator Classification: Non-Exempt Department: Waste Water Division: Public Works Job Status: Full Time Days: Sun., Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat. General Statement of Duties Under ...

EPCOR

Water Operator I, II, or III

Lexington, TX · On-site

As a Water Operator II / III, you will be responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining advanced water treatment systems and supporting equipment. You will perform technical, laboratory ...

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All JobsWater Operator JobsWater Operator Jobs in Texas

Water Operator information

See Texas salary details

$12

$24

$37

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Texas is $24.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $28.22 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 Texas? The most popular types of Water Operator jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in Texas? For Water Operator jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Water Operator jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Water Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in TX? For Water Operator jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,586 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Water Operator

Water Operator

City of Katy

Katy, TX • On-site

$21.77 - $27.22/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Water Operator - Public Works Department
The City of Katy is seeking a dedicated and skilled Water Operator to join our Public Works team. This essential position plays a critical role in maintaining the safety, reliability, and quality of the City's water treatment and distribution systems. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in water utility operations, a strong commitment to public service, and the ability to perform a wide variety of maintenance, repair, and operational duties in both routine and emergency situations.
As a Water Operator, you will help ensure the continuous delivery of safe drinking water to our community by monitoring wells and treatment systems, repairing infrastructure, conducting inspections and testing, and responding to customer service needs. This position is considered essential critical infrastructure personnel and may be required to respond during emergencies, natural disasters, or catastrophic events to support the continuity of City operations.
If you are motivated, dependable, and ready to make a meaningful impact in your community, we encourage you to apply and become part of a team committed to excellence in public service.
Job Description:
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Monitors and maintains assigned wells; verifies wells are operating correctly; checks chlorination levels.
  • Repairs water main breaks and service lines; flushes, repairs, and replaces fire hydrants; rebuilds and repairs water meters.
  • Performs service calls to check for water leaks throughout the water system; provides aid to customers;
  • Turns water services on or off at City connections when starting and closing accounts.
  • Collects monthly required bacteriological samples; delivers samples to assigned laboratory for testing.
  • Operates water treatment plant; calculates the chlorine demand of raw ground water for proper disinfection; monitors and maintains chlorination system.
  • Gathers water usage readings for monthly billing; disconnects customers' water for non-payment of utility bills.
  • Inspects and cleans groundwater storage tanks; prepares tanks for State inspections.
  • Repairs and pours concrete driveways and sidewalks.
  • This position is considered Critical Personnel during a natural or manmade disaster and/or a catastrophic event. This position may be required to provide services or perform duties for the benefit of the public and the continuity of City operations. These may include services or duties different from those performed in the usual course and scope of this position.
  • For purposes of business continuity, employees in this position are considered Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers, as defined by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
  • Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
High school diploma or equivalent; AND two (2) years of water utility training and experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of:
  • Department policies and procedures.
  • City codes and ordinances.
  • Water distribution and production systems.

Skill in:
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
  • Providing quality customer service.
  • Performing basic mathematical calculations.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Valid State Driver's License required; Class B Commercial Driver's License may be required.
  • Groundwater Treatment Plant Operator Class C license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: This position requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Employee may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, and intense noises.
The City of Katy is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities and Amendments Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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