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Water Operator Jobs in Georgetown, SC (NOW HIRING)

Garney Construction

Backfill Operator

Myrtle Beach, SC · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

GARNEY A Backfill Operator position is available through Garney. To be considered for this position you must have previous construction experience. As a Backfill Operator , you will operate machinery ...

EMCOR Group Inc

MOR PPM, Inc.

Georgetown, SC · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

The Operator is responsible for proper care and operation of equipment such as Bull Dozer, Front End Loader, Backhoes and Water Truck and for maintaining a safe working environment. Essential Duties ...

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All JobsWater Operator JobsWater Operator Jobs in Georgetown, SC

Water Operator information

See Georgetown, SC salary details

$12

$24

$37

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Georgetown, SC is $24.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $28.12 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

What cities near Georgetown, SC are hiring for Water Operator jobs?

Cities near Georgetown, SC with the most Water Operator job openings:

Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Georgetown, SC 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 $50,457 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Distillation & Utilities Operator

Georgetown, SC • On-site

3V Sigma USA
Chemical Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about 3V Sigma USAexternal

$24 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description:

Location: Georgetown, South Carolina
Pay Range: $24.00–$32.00 per hour, based on experience
Schedule: Rotating swing shifts consisting of 8- or 12-hour shifts. Applicants must be available to work days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and weekend overnights as scheduled.


Position Overview

We are seeking a safety-focused Distillation & Utilities Operator to support solvent recovery and chemical manufacturing operations at our Georgetown facility. This position operates distillation systems, manages plant utility equipment, and monitors environmental-control systems, including the thermal oxidizer (TOX), ground flare, and related solvent-recovery equipment.

The ideal candidate will have industrial process experience, strong mechanical aptitude, and the ability to safely monitor and adjust multiple operating systems.


What You’ll Do
  • Operate distillation units used to recover solvents from chemical manufacturing processes.
  • Connect feed, product, and sludge tanks and adjust heat supplied by plant boilers to maintain safe and efficient operation.
  • Operate and monitor three distillation columns and associated process equipment.
  • Charge and discharge pot stills according to batch requirements and product specifications.
  • Monitor plant utilities, including steam and condensate, cooling water, chilled water, nitrogen, process water, air dryers, and compressors.
  • Operate and monitor environmental-control equipment, including the thermal oxidizer, ground flare, steam stripper, and cryogenic condenser.
  • Monitor temperatures, pressures, flow rates, tank levels, and other process conditions, making operating adjustments when necessary.
  • Complete hourly operating logs, batch sheets, logbooks, and other required production records.
  • Collect representative liquid samples from process operations for testing.
  • Enter work orders into the company’s ERP system and coordinate equipment repairs with the Maintenance Department.
  • Perform basic mechanical tasks, including breaking piping or process lines apart, installing gaskets or packing, bolting flanges, and using common hand tools.
  • Follow established procedures for safe work permits, hot work, line breaks, lockout/tagout, and confined-space entry.
  • Identify and report equipment problems, process deviations, environmental concerns, and unsafe conditions.
Requirements:What We’re Looking For
  • Previous experience in chemical manufacturing, distillation, solvent recovery, plant utilities, wastewater treatment, refining, or a similar industrial process environment.
  • General knowledge of pumps, valves, heat exchangers, condensers, rupture discs, pressure-relief devices, and other common process equipment.
  • Ability to read gauges, follow operating procedures, maintain accurate records, and respond appropriately to changing process conditions.
  • Mechanical aptitude and the ability to safely use basic hand tools.
  • Strong commitment to workplace safety, environmental compliance, and established operating procedures.
  • Ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with Production, Maintenance, Environmental, and other plant departments.
  • Ability to work rotating days, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
Preferred Experience
  • Hands-on experience operating distillation columns or solvent-recovery systems.
  • Experience with thermal oxidizers, flares, steam strippers, cryogenic condensers, or wastewater-treatment systems.
  • Familiarity with industrial utility systems, including steam, cooling water, chilled water, nitrogen, and compressed air.
  • Experience using an ERP or maintenance-management system such as JD Edwards, SAP, or Oracle.
  • Experience working under safe work permit, hot work, line-break, lockout/tagout, and confined-space-entry procedures.