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Water Operator Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

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.

MPW

CDL Class A Operator

Decatur, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Heidelbergmaterials

Equipment Operator

Decatur, IL · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Proficiency in operating heavy equipment. * Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills. * Ability to work independently and as part of a team. * Effective communication and organizational ...

City of Decatur, IL

Maintenance Technician I

Decatur, IL · On-site

$27.94/hr

May work as a relief Water Plant Operator I on an intermittent basis. * Perform related work and other duties as assigned. Qualifications and Preferred Skills Education & Certifications * High school ...

City of Decatur

Maintenance Technician I

Decatur, IL · On-site

$27.94/hr

Additional Responsibilities May work as a relief Water Plant Operator I on an intermittent basis. Perform related work and other duties as assigned. Qualifications and Preferred Skills Education ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 6, 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 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 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 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 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.

How much do water operators make?

Water operators in Michigan typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the size of the water system. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher wages and additional benefits.

Is being a water operator worth it?

A water operator manages and maintains water treatment and distribution systems, ensuring safe and clean water supply. The job offers stable employment, requires technical skills and certifications, and often involves working outdoors or in water treatment facilities. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in public health and infrastructure maintenance.

What does it take to be a water operator?

A water operator is responsible for operating and maintaining water treatment and distribution systems. Requirements typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant certifications such as a state-issued water treatment operator license, and knowledge of water quality standards, safety procedures, and equipment operation. On-the-job training and technical skills are also important for ensuring safe and efficient water service.
More about Water Operator jobs

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,667 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Operator I

Ring Container Technologies

Decatur, IL • On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Ring Container Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 122 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Job Purpose
To operate production machinery safely and efficiently; maintain appropriate documentation and communicate ideas and problems to appropriate staff; perform scheduled preventative maintenance and other repairs to production equipment; participate in production equipment changeovers; responsible for producing best quality product.
Safety
  • Follow all employer safety and health regulations as required by company policies, procedures and practices.
  • Ensure the safe and efficient operation of all downstream equipment to meet or exceed company established safety culture.
  • Follow Lock out/Block Out/ Tag out policy.
  • Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where required.
  • Proactive in addressing unsafe conditions and confronting unsafe behaviors in the facility.
  • Address all unsafe acts or conditions immediately and report to Shift Production Supervisor.
  • Participate and/or conduct safety training as scheduled.

Daily Operations
  • Monitor and explain deviation from expected Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
  • Complete any machine and task specific training as documented on Operator Development Plan. 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.
  • Monitor and respond accordingly to any deviations within SPC charting.
  • Communicate problems, progress reports and continuous improvement ideas to management staff, maintenance and production personnel.
  • Perform maintenance tasks as outlined by Maintenance Manager and in response to machine malfunctions. Troubleshoot machine and process issues.
  • Responsible for personal development by establishing SMART goals, requesting regular meetings with their managers, volunteering for plant improvement teams, requesting additional training, requesting involvement beyond their immediate job responsibilities, seeking higher education opportunities including continuing education classes and meeting or exceeding their self-development and performance goals. Provide suggestions for training topics.
  • Ensure all daily, weekly and periodic cleaning tasks are performed as outlined in the Master Cleaning Schedule.
  • Maintain accurate production reporting documentation.
  • Responsible for active participation on plant teams and activities including safety, quality, sustainability, community involvement, OEE, maintenance, employee wellness, brainstorming and continuous improvement which are required to create and maintain a World Class environment.
  • Operate Powered Industrial Truck, Boom Lift and Scissor Lift per OSHA regulations rules and guidelines.

Quality/GMP/Food Safety
  • Responsible for producing and/or packing the best quality product at all times which meet or exceed company expectations and customer quality expectations.
  • Label and/or tag all production, and maintain raw and packaging material traceability by recording lot codes as required.
  • Isolate and track all non-conforming products and materials.
  • Perform quality and downstream testing and measurements, and record results in the specified system or form as directed.
  • Communicate out of specification conditions, food safety and food defense issues to the appropriate personnel.
  • Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), personnel practices, HACCP, and prerequisite food safety programs.
  • Ensure work is performed in a manner which prevents foreign material contamination.
  • Maintain a clean, organized work area through effective housekeeping, sanitization, and waste management practices by following the master cleaning and sanitization schedule to ensure the food safety of materials, products and processes are not impacted.
  • Proactively resolve housekeeping and sanitization opportunities.

Preventive Maintenance
  • Perform scheduled production equipment changeovers as outlined by the plant production schedule. Perform changeovers with limited impact to OEE.
  • Perform scheduled Preventative Maintenance tasks as outlined by the plant PM program. Manage preventative maintenance tasks in Computerized Maintenance Management Software, as directed, including generating work orders.
  • Proactive in addressing machine inefficiencies during preventative maintenance.
  • Ensure equipment is clean and in 'showroom condition' after preventative maintenance is performed on production equipment.
  • Continually evaluate equipment for improvement areas. Tag components or parts that need repair, replacement or improvement.
  • Ensure production equipment is in safe and efficient operation after each changeover.
  • Record parts removed from inventory on appropriate documentation and Computerized Maintenance Management Software to maintain sufficient parts inventory.
  • Notify Maintenance Manager when parts inventory becomes low or reaches a reorder point.

Experience, Educational and Technical Qualifications
  • Our Operator should possess a sense of urgency, accountability, business ethics, professionalism, self-motivation and the desire and focus to improve the business.
  • Our Operator may be required to act as Person In Charge in the absence of a member of management.
  • Our Operator must possess a High School diploma or GED equivalent and successfully complete the entrance examinations and interviews.

Abilities Required
  • Must be able to come to work promptly and regularly.
  • Must be able to take direction and work well with others.
  • Must be able to work under the stress of deadlines.
  • Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately.
  • Must be able to react to change productively and to handle other tasks as assigned.

Physical Activity Required:
  • Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs and equipment, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Needs good body agility.
  • Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at waist. This requires the full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.
  • Crouching: Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.
  • Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
  • Standing: Standing for sustained periods of time.
  • Walking: Moving over long distances to accomplish tasks.
  • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
  • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
  • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position.
  • Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
  • Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin.
  • Fingering: Picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm.
  • Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. This includes activities where detailed or important spoken instruction must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
  • Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds with no less than 40 dB at 500 Hz, 100 Hz, and 2000 Hz with or without correction. Able to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machine parts.
  • Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements of the arms, hand and/or fingers.
  • Vision: Must be able to prepare and analyze data and figures. Eye sight capable of seeing small defects at distances close to the eyes.
  • Exertion: Medium Work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Environmental Working Conditions:
  • The worker is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
  • The worker may be subject to extreme heat. Temperatures above 100 for periods of more than one hour.
  • The worker is subject to noise.
  • The worker is subject to vibrations. Exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body.
  • The worker is subject to being exposed to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, etc.
  • The worker may be subject to atmospheric conditions, i.e. fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases or poor ventilation.
  • The worker is subject to oils. Air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
#LI-BH1
Ring Container Technologiesis an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Ring to apply recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation and professional development practices without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or certain classifications based on genetic information.
Pay Range:
$18.95 - $27.90

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