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Water Operator Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Superior Environmental Solutions

Loader Operator

Decatur, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

LOADER OPERATOR Decatur, IL Your benefits * SES offers eligible team members comprehensive benefits ... Our services include water blasting, tank cleaning, emergency response, vacuum truck services ...

Superior Environmental Solutions

Loader Operator

Decatur, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

LOADER OPERATOR Decatur, IL Your benefits * SES offers eligible team members comprehensive benefits ... Our services include water blasting, tank cleaning, emergency response, vacuum truck services ...

MPW

CDL B Operator

Decatur, IL

$20.25 - $25.75/hr

Operate water blasting equipment such as hoses, guns, and lances for cleaning applications ... operating commercial vehicles, industrial equipment, or performing manual labor preferred.

Ring Container Technologies

Operator I

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as directed. Correct any deviations from quality standards in order to produce product within specifications.

Ring Container Technologies

Operator I

Decatur, IL

$17 - $22.25/hr

Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as directed. Correct any deviations from quality standards in order to produce product within specifications.

Ring Container Technologies

Operator I

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as directed. Correct any deviations from quality standards in order to produce product within specifications.

Ring Container Technologies

Operator I

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as directed. Correct any deviations from quality standards in order to produce product within specifications.

MPW

CDL Class A Operator

Decatur, IL

$1.2K - $1.7K/wk

We're looking for a dependable CDL A Operator to support industrial and environmental cleaning ... Perform industrial cleaning using high-pressure water blasting, vacuum systems, and related ...

Culligan

Field Service Technician

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

... the water treatment industry. This location is independently owned and operated. Your application will go directly to the owner, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this ...

TM ASSOCIATES MANAGEMENT INC

Maintenance Tech

Moweaqua, IL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Position Summary The Maintenance Person is responsible for operating and maintaining electrical and mechanical equipment used to provide heating and hot water for the property, assume the provision ...

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All JobsWater Operator JobsWater Operator Jobs in Decatur, IL

Water Operator information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$12

$25

$39

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Decatur, IL is $25.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $29.38 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 Decatur, IL? For Water Operator jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Water Operator jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Water Operator job openings:
Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Decatur, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,667 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
Construction Inspector/Operator

Construction Inspector/Operator

Chastain & Associates LLC

Decatur, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

At Chastain and Associates, our mission is to build sustainable, functional environments where people live, work, and play. We value excellence, innovation, and connectivity. Chastain supports work-life balance with flexible hours, hybrid options, paid time off, and a culture that encourages personal and professional growth.


Water/Wastewater Licensed Plant Operator


Salary: Market competitive


Job Description: Chastain is seeking a motivated and adaptable candidate to fill a specific position within our firm. This individual will need to be a Licensed Water and Wastewater Plant Operator. This position will also include some Construction Inspecting duties out of our Decatur office. This role is responsible for construction oversight, contractor and client coordination, quantity calculations, material certifications, and field inspection/sampling on municipal streets/sidewalks, water, wastewater, storm sewer, and bikepath projects.


The preferred candidate would have IDOT Documentation Certification and/or IEPA Water/Wastewater Operator Licensure. The ideal candidate will also have municipal water or wastewater treatment plant experience.


About Us: At Chastain and Associates, our mission is to build sustainable, functional environments where people live, work, and play. We value excellence, innovation, and connectivity. Chastain supports work-life balance with flexible hours, hybrid options, paid time off, and a culture that encourages personal and professional growth.


What you will need:


Experience: 1-2 years minimum water/wastewater experience


Education: High School Graduate or GED

The preferred candidate would have IDOT Documentation Certification and/or IEPA Water/Wastewater Operator Licensure. The ideal candidate will also have municipal water or wastewater treatment plant experience.


Locations: Decatur, IL

Software Skills: Familiarity with Microsoft 365


Adaptability: This role involves office, field, and construction site work. The ideal candidate will be someone who can easily adapt to changing work conditions and can learn quickly what each project needs from them.


What We Offer You

  • 401K plan with generous company match
  • Annual pay increases
  • Flexible work hours
  • Paid-time off based on total industry tenure
  • We provide four types of medical insurance plans, along with medical reimbursement and dependent care benefits
  • We pay for dental insurance, and short-term/long-term disability insurance
  • Employee and employee plus family life insurance options
  • 7 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday
  • Relocation assistance
  • Cell phone reimbursement plan
  • Annual boot allowance
  • Verizon wireless employee discount program
  • Sam's Club and Costco membership reimbursement


Ready to Make an Impact?
We’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Apply today to help us build communities that thrive! Don't meet every single requirement? We encourage you to apply anyway. At Chastain, we're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace—and you might be just the right candidate for this or another role.


Chastain and Associates LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.