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Water Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Water/Wastewater

Portland, OR · On-site

$23 - $31.75/hr

Operating with integrity and sound business principles * Providing vision, business planning and ... Growing and leading a Water/Wastewater and Utilities practice * Our Project Managers/Practice ...

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Water/Wastewater

Portland, OR · On-site

$23 - $31.75/hr

Operating with integrity and sound business principles * Providing vision, business planning and ... Growing and leading a Water/Wastewater and Utilities practice * Our Project Managers/Practice ...

ServiceMaster

Water Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

ServiceMaster Covering the Vancouver and Portland PDX area, is Hiring Immediately for a Water/Fire ... This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsWater Operator JobsWater Operator Jobs in Portland, OR

Water Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Portland, OR is $27.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $32.12 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 the most commonly searched types of Water Operator jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Water Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Operator jobs in Portland, OR? For Water Operator jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Operator jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Water Operator jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Water Operator job openings:
Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,583 per year, or $27.7 per hour.
WA Licensed Water Well Operator or Resource Protection Well Operator

WA Licensed Water Well Operator or Resource Protection Well Operator

Rotschy Inc.

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$34 - $54/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Rotschy Inc. rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We have an immediate opening for a Washington Licensed Water Well Operator or Licensed Resource Protection Well Operator

This position is primarily for the documentation, commissioning and decommissioning of dewatering wells along with other tasks as needed.


100% Paid Medical, Dental and Vision for Employee and dependents, 4% 401K Match, PTO, 3 paid holidays.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • 8-10 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

Education:

  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

  • Commercial Experience

Work Location: Multiple Locations

Interested applicants, please apply on our website: www.rotschyinc.com

Company Description

Heavy civil General Contractor, excavation, subdivisions, utilities, lift stations, roads, highways, bridges, structural concrete, flatwork, tilt buildings, steel buildings, Since 1988

What Rotschy Inc. employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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