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Water Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

HighGround

Water Mitigation Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Water Mitigation Technician Kennedy Restoration, the premier restoration company in the Pacific NW is hiring a full-time Water Mitigation Technician. The Water Mitigation Technician is responsible ...

WSP

Technical Director, Water Resources Engineering

Portland, OR · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

This Opportunity In this role you will lead tasks related to civil, water resources, and ... Determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.

Veolia Environnement SA

O&M Technician II

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Company Description Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology ...

Veolia

O&M Technician II

Wilsonville, OR

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Company Description Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology ...

Veolia Environnement SA

O&M Technician II

Wilsonville, OR

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Company Description Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology ...

Kemtrol

Water Treatment Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Kemtrol, Inc is a water treatment company based in Portland, OR. We are customer-centric and data-driven. Our goal is to maintain water treatment systems that allows our customers to manufacture ...

Veolia Environnement SA

O&M Technician II

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Company Description Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology ...

Kemtrol

Water Treatment Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Kemtrol, Inc is a water treatment company based in Portland, OR. We are customer-centric and data-driven. Our goal is to maintain water treatment systems that allows our customers to manufacture ...

Sarpi Thinktech

O&M Technician II

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

O&M Technician II Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology ...

Kemtrol

Water Treatment Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Kemtrol, Inc is a water treatment company based in Portland, OR. We are customer-centric and data-driven. Our goal is to maintain water treatment systems that allows our customers to manufacture ...

ServiceMaster

Water Restoration Technician

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Servicemaster Looking to Hire immediately water and fire damage technicians , we are hiring for all ... This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go ...

Watterson

Water Technician Foreman

Portland, OR · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Water Technician Foreman is responsible for responding to residential and commercial water, fire, biohazard, and microbial growth damage losses and performing mitigation services. This position ...

NW Natural

Water Operations Senior Manager

Newberg, OR

$97K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The company operates through NW Natural Gas Company (NW Natural), SiEnergy Operating (SiEnergy), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 15, 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.

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.

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 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.

Is being a water operator worth it?

A water operator manages and maintains water treatment and distribution systems, ensuring safe drinking water. 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,583 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Environmental Driver Specialist CDLA

Enviri Corporation

Washougal, WA

$29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Company Description

5,000 Sign On Bonus 

Veolia has acquired Clean Earth. As Clean Earth completes its integration into Veolia, recruiting and hiring for this role is being managed in partnership with the Clean Earth talent acquisition team.

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Job Description

We're looking for experienced, professional CDL A drivers that will share our commitment to our people, partners and planet.

  • Traveling to locations on your assigned route, you will be responsible for packing, transporting and properly disposing of waste material in accordance with our environmentally responsible policies and procedures.  
  • This position requires 1 overnight per week and occasional weekends possibly 1 per month (with paid hotel expenses and a nightly per diem) 

Starting pay $29.00

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License.  
  • By law, you must be at least 21 years of age.   

Preferred Requirements: 

  • Hazmat and Tanker endorsements. If you do not have the endorsements, once you are hired, you will be required to obtain them at company expense as a condition of employment.
  • TWIC Card and any experience driving box trucks is also preferred.  As you will interact with customers and internal staff. Fluency in English (verbal and written) will be important.   

The successful candidate will be required to pass a DOT physical, drug test and DEA background check. 

If you're interested in being a part of our growing team and you have the basic qualifications, apply today. Drive with us and help us lead the industry.

Additional Information

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, commencing no later than January 1, 2027, benefits package will include participation in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

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