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Water Operator Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Akima

Boiler Plant Operator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$25.50 - $34.50/hr

Boiler Plant Operator Serve as Boiler Plant Operator to operate, service, maintain and repair ... or high temperature water for use in an establishment. Fires boiler, observes and interprets ...

Akima, LLC

Boiler Plant Operator

Redstone Arsenal, AL · On-site

$27.25 - $37/hr

Serve as Boiler Plant Operator to operate, service, maintain and repair boiler and heating plants ... or high temperature water for use in an establishment. Fires boiler, observes and interprets ...

Polyplex USA LLC

Utility Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

Utility Operator Pay Rates: Starting: $20.50 Top out at progression year 3 at $26.00 Polyplex ... Makeup air unit, Exhaust fans, Water softener, RO water system. Physical Requirements * Able to ...

City of Madison, AL

Field Operator

Madison, AL · On-site

$19.79/hr

Assists in digging graves and pumping water out of graves. * Maintains cemeteries (including ... Experience operating a tractor with attachments, weed eater, chainsaw, backhoe and other related ...

Polyplex Corporation Ltd.

Utility Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

$20.50/hr

Utility Operator Pay Rates: Starting: $20.50 Top out at progression year 3 at $26.00 Polyplex ... Makeup air unit, Exhaust fans, Water softener, RO water system. Physical Requirements * Able to ...

City of Madison, Alabama

Field Operator

Madison, AL

$19.79/hr

Assists in digging graves and pumping water out of graves. Maintains cemeteries (including removing ... Experience operating a tractor with attachments, weed eater, chainsaw, backhoe and other related ...

Pick Your Part

Loader Operator

Huntsville, AL

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check ... Use bucket to remove snow, spread stone and maintain grounds such as access roads, water drainage ...

Pick Your Part

Loader Operator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check ... Use bucket to remove snow, spread stone and maintain grounds such as access roads, water drainage ...

Bunge

Packaging Operator

Decatur, AL

$26.59/hr

The Packaging Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of packaging equipment ... Ability to work at heights, around water, or in confined spaces * Ability to work outdoors in all ...

Bunge

Packaging Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

$26.59/hr

The Packaging Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of packaging equipment ... Ability to work at heights, around water, or in confined spaces * Ability to work outdoors in all ...

Wiregrass

Asphalt Roller Operator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Roller Operator We are seeking a dependable and skilled Asphalt Roller Operator to join our team ... Transporting water to rollers, brooms, and other pieces of equipment. * Setting up and maintaining ...

Bunge

Packaging Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

$26.59/hr

The Packaging Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of packaging equipment ... Ability to work at heights, around water, or in confined spaces * Ability to work outdoors in all ...

Bocar US

Melt Operator - 3rd shift

Tanner, AL · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

The Melt Operator is responsible for observation inside furnaces, using television screens, to ... Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat ...

Bocar US

Melt Operator - 3rd shift

Tanner, AL · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

The Melt Operator is responsible for observation inside furnaces, using television screens, to ... Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat ...

Alamo Group

Laser Operator - 2nd Shift

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

... water runoff (PM-10) management. Schwarze offers competitive pay and a wide range of employee ... Press Brake Operator at its Huntsville, AL facility. At Schwarze, we strive to employ the most ...

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Water Operator information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Decatur, AL is $24.47, 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 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.

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 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 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.

More about Water Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in Decatur, AL? For Water Operator jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Water Operator jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Water Operator job openings:
Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Decatur, AL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,901 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Power Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Chemistry and Water Treatment

Power Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Chemistry and Water Treatment

International Paper Company

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$125.90K - $167.80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

International Paper rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 282 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

299th of 515 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description
Position Title:
Power Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Chemistry and Water Treatment
Pay Rate:
$125,900 - $167,800
Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.
Category/Shift:
Salaried Full-Time
Location:
Remote - Ability to travel up to ~60%
The Job You Will Perform:
  • This position is in the Power Manufacturing Solutions Group, and provides technical guidance and direction to our mill teams in the water treatment areas. Specific areas of support and expertise includes raw water clarification, corrosion inhibition, filtration, demineralization, condensate treatment, boiler water controls, and specialty chemicals. This support will be a combination of remote and also travel to mill locations. Expected travel is 40-60%. You will be expected to learn all the specific types of treatment equipment and processes in our IP mill system, and provide technical support for planned work and troubleshooting for problems encountered.
  • Develop relationships at each mill in utilities areas to better understand the needs of the mill processes and equipment. This position requires someone that will be a good communicator, both in mentoring and listening to the operators and managers to understand potential issues and desires for each mill.
  • Understand the water quality specifications and chemical treatment programs for each pressure range for the operating boilers. The candidate will know and ensure the IP policies and specifications that guide proper water quality are being applied. The candidate will gain understanding of the different types of boilers and the circulation of water for each. The candidate should recognize potential water quality excursions, and be able to guide others on steps to identify contamination sources, eliminate the problem, and correct trends in water chemistry to resume operation within specification.
  • A considerable part of the role includes communication and execution of the boiler acid cleaning policy. This includes assisting mill teams with inspections and data acquisition plans to complete annual acid cleaning condition based scorecards. These scorecards are submitted to Power Technology for review and determination of when the boilers should be cleaned based on internal conditions, chemistry control and monitoring, and deposition data. When these cleanings are executed, this role includes onsite support for the plans, recipes, logistics, execution of steps, validation of the cleaning process, flushing, inspections, and startup procedures.
  • This position requires someone who will develop relationships with specialty chemical suppliers, and will maintain a neutral position with each supplier to benefit IP. This person will participate in the Specialty Chemical Global Sourcing events annually that award new business to mills with renewing contracts. This participation involves reviewing specifications for each mill and review of the bids from participating suppliers to ensure comparable products are being bid for the utility area chemistries.

The Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge You Will Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry required.
  • Work experience in water chemistry related field, preferably in chemical sales and treatment programs supporting the pulp/paper industry, or work experience in mill power plant process water and boiler water treatment areas. Must have a core knowledge of chemical safety and industrial process safety management.
  • 10+ years' experience in pulp and paper industry is a must, including knowledge of specific criticality of recovery boilers in addition to power boilers and other auxiliary water and condensate processes.
  • Understanding each unit process is important to know the quality of water one can expect from each process. An in depth knowledge of clarifiers, filters (sand, Multimedia), demineralizers (cation, anion, WBA, Mixed Bed, packed beds, etc), and Reverse Osmosis skids are just a few of the unit processes found in IP mills.
  • Troubleshooting skills and technical understanding of all aspects of water chemistry, treatment, control, and testing.

COMPETENCIES:
  • Organization • Interpersonal Savvy
  • Time management • Technical Learning
  • Customer Service • Presentation and Communication Skills

About Us
The Benefits You Will Enjoy:
International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets
The Career You Will Build:
Leadership training, promotional opportunities
The Impact You Will Make:
We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you'll see why our team members say they're Proud to be IP.
The Culture You Will Experience:
International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.
The Company You Will Join:
International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) creates sustainable packaging solutions that enable our customers, teammates and shareowners to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are a leader in corrugated packaging, partnering with customers across industries to protect what matters most, strengthen supply chains and create lasting value. Learn more at internationalpaper.com.
International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact reasonable.accommodations@ipaper.com or (877) 973-3919.

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About International Paper

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

International Paper is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion.

Industry

Paper manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Memphis, TN, US

Year founded

1898

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