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Water Operator Jobs in Herrin, IL (NOW HIRING)

ReaderLink

Equipment Operator

Marion, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Warehouse Associate Summary: Strong job performance has potential to lead to permanent placement. Responsible for general entry-level warehouse operations activities in one or more of the following ...

Xylem

Senior Service Center Technician

Carterville, IL · On-site

As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate ...

ReaderLink

Equipment Operator

Marion, IL

$18/hr

Description Love Books? Come join a leader who treat Employees as family! ReaderLink is the largest full-service distributor of hardcover, trade, and paperback books to non-trade channel booksellers ...

ReaderLink

Equipment Operator

Marion, IL

$18/hr

Description Love Books? Come join a leader who treat Employees as family! ReaderLink is the largest full-service distributor of hardcover, trade, and paperback books to non-trade channel booksellers ...

Xylem

Regional Sales Specialist

Carterville, IL

As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate ...

DCC Propane, LLC

Seasonal CDL Propane Driver

Vienna, IL · On-site

... water conditioning services since 1962. We are continuing to grow and are currently represented by a team of over 900 dedicated and passionate professionals who live and work in 29 states operating ...

New

DCC Propane, LLC

Seasonal CDL Propane Driver

Vienna, IL · On-site

... water conditioning services since 1962. We are continuing to grow and are currently represented by a team of over 900 dedicated and passionate professionals who live and work in 29 states operating ...

New

DCC Propane, LLC

Seasonal CDL Propane Driver

Vienna, IL · On-site

... water conditioning services since 1962. We are continuing to grow and are currently represented by a team of over 900 dedicated and passionate professionals who live and work in 29 states operating ...

New

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All JobsWater Operator JobsWater Operator Jobs in Herrin, IL

Water Operator information

See Herrin, IL salary details

$13

$25

$39

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Herrin, IL is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $29.81 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 Herrin, IL are hiring for Water Operator jobs?

Cities near Herrin, IL with the most Water Operator job openings:

Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Herrin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,415 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Readerlink Distribution Services

Marion, IL • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

ReaderLink rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

327th of 429 rated retail wholesalers

Job description

Description
Love Books? Come join a leader who treat Employees as family!
ReaderLink is the largest full-service distributor of hardcover, trade, and paperback books to non-trade channel booksellers in North America, including the biggest names in retail across multiple retail channels. We are the number one book distributor in the U.S. with over $1 billion in sales, through the distribution of 300 million books per year to over 50,000 store locations nationwide.
Essential Functions: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position:
  • Safely operate a forklift
  • Break down /opens boxes
  • Applies/removes stickers from product
  • Unloads product from cartons
  • Manually packs and seals cartons
  • Gathers and compacts trash
  • Manually makes cardboard boxes and displays
  • Loads product onto Conveyor to maintain expected and continuous product flow
  • Cleans the distribution center and individual areas
  • Performs duties and responsibilities following established procedures
  • Follow safety rules for personal protection and the protection of others; including maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

Non-Essential Functions:
  • Other duties may be assigned, directed or requested.

Qualifications:
  • Forklift experience
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • Responsible, dependable, punctual; take pride in work

Physical Requirements: The requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee:
  • Must be able to stand up to 8 hours in a day.
  • Must be able to walk up to 6 hours.
  • Will continuously reach up and out.
  • Will occasionally climb.
  • Will occasionally push/pull up to 25 pounds and occasionally push/pull up to 75 pounds.
  • Will occasionally have repetitive foot movement.
  • Will frequently have repetitive hand/arm movements for simple reaching, simple and firm grasping and/or fine hand manipulation.
  • Specific vision ability required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, and reach with hands and arms.
  • Must be able to wear PPE.

Language Skills:
  • Ability to print and speak simple sentences well both written and verbally, in English.
  • Ability to read a limited number of two and three syllable words and to recognize similarities and differences between words and between a series of numbers.

Mathematical Skills:
  • Must be proficient in mathematics
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers.

Reasoning Ability:
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
  • Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  • The work performed is in a factory environment
  • The employee is frequently exposed to vibrations and dust, and will be working around moving machinery
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate at low decibels
  • Must be able to work in a fast paced, team environment

What are the Perks to working for ReaderLink?
  • $18.00 per hour
  • Benefits include:
  • Medical Insurance- Starts day one
  • Dental insurance- Starts day one
  • Vision insurance- Starts day one
  • 401k Match
  • Employer Paid Employee Life Insurance
  • Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Paid Holiday's
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee discount program
  • Generous Book Discount
  • 3 WEEKS OF PAID TIME OFF! You can accrue up to 120 hours of PTO your 1st year of employment.

ReaderLink is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability. EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran
ReaderLink is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. EOE/Minorities/Female/Disabled/Veteran.ReaderLink is committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation to assist with completing the electronic application, please email your request to [email protected], or call: (708) 356-3737.

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