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Water Operator Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Operator will work with Paint shop pretreatment to manage the water stream appropriately and comply with Federal, State, and Municipal Regulations and permit levels. This role will be on AWS ...

The Operator will work with Paint shop pretreatment to manage the water stream appropriately and comply with Federal, State, and Municipal Regulations and permit levels. This role will be on AWS ...

Water Blaster

Normal, IL

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

As a Water Blaster, you are part of Best People working as a team operating high pressure water blasting equipment. Utilizing our Best Systems , our Water Blaster completes task work independently ...

Water Blaster

Normal, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

As a Water Blaster, you are part of Best People working as a team operating high pressure water blasting equipment. Utilizing our Best Systems , our Water Blaster completes task work independently ...

AVS Bio Poultry House Operator Be part of the science behind biologics and vaccines used around the ... Responsibilities include monitoring feed, water, equipment, and house conditions; collecting and ...

AVS Bio Poultry House Operator Location: Roanoke, IL Industry: Pharmaceutical Schedule: Days 6:00am ... Monitor feed, water, equipment and temperature; keep egg house and equipment clean and sanitary ...

Operator

Morton, IL · On-site

$20.50/hr

The Operator position is an active member of a production team that will assist in the manufacturing and/or assembly of building components to ensure daily production needs are being met. Open ...

The Operator position is an active member of a production team that will assist in the manufacturing and/or assembly of building components to ensure daily production needs are being met. Open ...

Rollform Operator

El Paso, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Experience operating or assisting with hydraulic or servo punch presses , flying punches, or prepunch systems * Understanding of material gauges, coil types (GALV, RED, GREY, painted), and tolerances

Equipment Operators earn $19.00 per hour with overtime after 40 hours weekly. We have great benefits starting on your first day - check them out below! Immediate openings available We are Best People ...

... 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 ...

Equipment Operators earn $19.00 per hour with overtime after 40 hours weekly. We have great benefits starting on your first day - check them out below! Immediate openings available We are Best People ...

Seed Conditioning Equipment Operator Bloomington, IL • Full-time, second shift • 2 openings $19-$20/hour + 15-17% profit sharing bonus (paid in December and August) + overtime during peak season ...

Apply Early

Equipment Operator

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Taylor Print & Visual Impressions , a Taylor Corporation company, is looking for Equipment Operator to join our Team in Bloomington, IL. Your Responsibilities: * Prepare and operate printing press ...

Taylor Print & Visual Impressions, a Taylor Corporation company, is looking for an Equipment Operator to join the team in Bloomington, IL. Work Authorization: To be considered for employment at ...

Amentum is seeking Heavy Equipment Operators to work on an as-needed casual status basis in East Peoria, IL. Work schedule may include any shift and any day of the week, based on business demand and ...

Amentum is seeking Heavy Equipment Operators to work on an as-needed casual status basis in East Peoria, IL. Work schedule may include any shift and any day of the week, based on business demand and ...

Amentum is seeking Heavy Equipment Operators to work on an as-needed casual status basis in East Peoria, IL. Work schedule may include any shift and any day of the week, based on business demand and ...

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Water Operator information

See Normal, 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 Normal, IL is $25.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $29.62 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.
What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Water Operator jobs? Cities near Normal, IL with the most Water Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Normal, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,084 per year, or $25.5 per hour.
Technician, Waste Water (Nights)

Technician, Waste Water (Nights)

Rivian

Normal, IL • On-site

$29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Rivian rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 156 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

About Rivian
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
Role Summary
The Waste Water Technician will be responsible for the operation and troubleshooting of the Rivian Waste Water Pretreatment Plant and RO systems. The Operator will work with Paint shop pretreatment to manage the water stream appropriately and comply with Federal, State, and Municipal Regulations and permit levels. This role will be on AWS scheduling which is a 12 hour alternating shift that includes weekends and holidays.
Responsibilities
  • Must be able to pass IEPA Class K Industrial Pretreatment Certification for the Rivian Waste Water Treatment System, within 1 calendar year of hire, after appropriate training and education.
  • Assess Lab Data and make appropriate operational adjustments to maintain operation below permitted levels.
  • Conduct light repair and maintenance of the Waste Water Treatment Plant.
  • Collect samples as needed for Laboratory analysis.
  • Act as backup support for the Waste Handling Technician.
  • Provide support as needed for other EHS functions, such as Air and RCRA Compliance.
  • Perform exterior environmental checks for SWPP.

Qualifications
To be considered for this position, all internal candidates must submit an updated resume highlighting their relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Applications submitted without an updated resume will not be considered. Please ensure that your resume accurately reflects your qualifications for this role.
  • Associates degree in Industrial Education, Environmental Health and Safety, or 5+ years of wastewater systems management experience preferred.
  • Ability to interpret and understand Process Instruments and Flow Diagrams and blueprints.
  • Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
  • Ability to learn and apply operating procedures and work instructions.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Ability to communicate in a high-pressure environment
  • Must have independent thinking and troubleshooting skills.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Ability to do work on the production floor with exposure to dust, fumes, orders, loud noise, and varying temperatures.
  • Ability to climb up/down ladders and stairs, negotiate unevenly or moving surfaces, and work at varying heights.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be on the plant floor and may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration.
  • The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. • At other times while performing duties of this job, the employee will work in a standard office environment.

Physical Demands
  • Ability to alternate between standing and walking 12 hours per day
  • Ability to climb steps to access platforms and workstations
  • Manual dexterity to grasp and manipulate materials
  • Able to position one's body to access and assemble materials (bending squatting/stooping/kneeling/reaching below waist and above shoulder).
  • Ability to lift up to 35 pounds

Pay Disclosure
The salary/hourly range for this role is $29.00 an hour for Illinois based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.
The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian's 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.
You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than May 18th, 2026.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy
Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian's service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

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About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009