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Water Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

ENVIROLINK

Water and Wastwater Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... Operator in Responsible Charge for one or more water and or wastewater facilities, perform the duties required to properly maintain and repair client or company water and /or wastewater systems in ...

New

ENVIROLINK

Water and Wastewater Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

... Operator in Responsible Charge for one or more water and or wastewater facilities, perform the duties required to properly maintain and repair client or company water and /or wastewater systems in ...

New

Aquaamerica

Facility Operator II, Wastewater

Cary, NC · On-site

$34.93/hr

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to ...

McAdams

Water/Wastewater Practice Lead

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

Develop Water/Wastewater Practice across the Southeast At McAdams, we invest in growth-minded leaders who are eager to build, innovate, and elevate those around them. We are looking for a Water ...

McAdams

Water/Wastewater Practice Lead

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

Develop Water/Wastewater Practice across the Southeast At McAdams, we invest in growth-minded leaders who are eager to build, innovate, and elevate those around them. We are looking for a Water ...

McAdams

Water/Wastewater Practice Lead

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

Develop Water/Wastewater Practice across the Southeast At McAdams, we invest in growth-minded leaders who are eager to build, innovate, and elevate those around them. We are looking for a Water ...

ENVIROLINK

Wastewater Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

The incumbent will perform routine to complex technical and administrative assignments including analyzing and evaluating issues related to the treatment of water and wastewater. Operations as ...

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All JobsWater Operator JobsWater Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Water Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$25

$39

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for water operator in Raleigh, NC is $25.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $29.42 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

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For Water Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Water Operator jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Water Operator job openings:

Water Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,781 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Water Distribution Operator, Sr.

Fuquay-Varina, NC

Fuquay Varina, NC • On-site

$60K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary : $60,106.00 - $96,169.00 Annually
Location : Fuquay-Varina, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 202400193
Department: Public Utilities
Division: Water
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Working Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Pay Grade: 16
Job Overview
This job posting may close without notice.
Performs responsible semi-skilled and skilled work in the installation, replacement, repair, and preventive maintenance of water lines, and water meter replacement and repair; assists with sewer work as needed. An employee in this class performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled work as a member of a crew engaged in the construction, installation, and repair of water and sewer lines. Work involves the operation of medium to heavy equipment in the installation, replacement and repair of water and sewer lines. Work also includes making taps to water and sewer mains, installing hydrants, meters, and valves, and making repairs to the water and sewer system including removing sewer blockages. The employee may also serve as an Operator in Responsible Charts (ORC) or backup ORC for the water distribution systems. Employees are subject to working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Work is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood-borne pathogens. Employees are also subject to on-call and call-back work. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices.
Essential Duties and Tasks
  • Maintains a daily log on water distribution system maintenance activities.
  • Flushes water mains; Operates a tractor with bush hog attachment to mow utility rights of way; trims and applies herbicides.
  • Operates a tapping machine to make water and sewer taps and service connections.
  • Lays water and sewer pipe; repairs and replaces sewer and water lines and related facilities.
  • Operates backhoe, combination flushing and rodding machine, vacuum machine, front-end loader, dump trucks, jackhammers, tampers, pipe threading machines, tapping machines, trenchers, air compressors, and boring machines. Installs hydrants, meters, valves, clamps, and related pipeline apparatus; sets meter boxes; repairs and replaces fire hydrants.
  • Assists the public with information about services and policies.
  • Performs other related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of the tools, materials, and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance, and repair of utility lines.
  • Knowledge of a variety of maintenance and manual methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of utility lines and appurtenances.
  • Knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.
  • Knowledge of the safe use and operation and preventive maintenance and repair of assigned automotive and mechanical equipment.
  • Knowledge of the municipal water service policies and procedures.
  • Skilled in the operation of light and medium-sized construction equipment.
  • Skilled in customer contact. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public.
  • Ability to read utility line maps and operation and service manuals and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to complete simple reports.

Requirements
Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
  • Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; 50 pounds of force frequently; and 20 pounds constantly.
  • Must possess the visual acuity to operate mobile equipment such as loaders and dump trucks in a safe manner to fit pipes and other parts, read gauges, and make written records.

Education and Experience
  • Graduation from high school and a minimum of 5 years' experience in the construction and maintenance of utility lines; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements
  • Possession of a valid North Carolina commercial driver's license.
  • Obtain a North Carolina Class-A Commercial driver's license with tanker endorsement within 6 months of the hire date.
  • NC Grade A-Distribution System Operator Certification.
  • This position is designated as critical personnel, requiring performance of duties during inclement weather or other emergency situations to ensure continuity of town services.

Additional Information
  • The starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's skills and qualifications.
  • Required: Please attach any certifications, degrees, etc. If you have issues attaching documents, you can email to hr@fuquay-varina.org
    • If you do not attach, you will be asked to provide copies upon being hired if position requires.
If you have technical issues submitting your application, please call the NEOGOV Help Line at 855-524-5627. If there are any questions about this posting, other than your application status, please contact the Human Resources Office. If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received before the closing date will be accepted.
To check the status of your application, please log on to your NEOGOV account and click "Application Status". It is not necessary to contact the Human Resources Office to check the status of an application. Normal processing time for applications is ~20-30 days from the closing date of the posting.
When a salary range is posted, the actual salary will be based on relevant competencies, knowledge, skills & abilities, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. The Town of Fuquay-Varina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The hiring salary will not exceed the hiring pay range unless approved by the Town Manager.
The Town of Fuquay-Varina is a drug and alcohol-free workplace. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
The Town of Fuquay-Varina aims to be a dash-more! Below is the comprehensive benefits package for all regular, full-time employees:
  • Employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Employer-paid Employee Life Insurance
  • Participation in the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System
  • Five percent (5%) employer contribution to the NC 401(k)
  • Optional 457(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Holiday Leave
  • Bereavement Leave (40 hours)
  • Shared Leave
  • Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks)
  • Paid Eldercare Leave (120 hours)
  • Dash-More Time (32 hours)
  • Membership with Local Government Federal Credit Union
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Longevity Pay
  • Christmas Bonus
  • On-site gym (Town Hall and Community Center)
  • Optional Supplemental Term Life Insurance
  • Optional STD, Accident, Cancer, Medical Bridge, Critical Illness, & Whole Life Insurance
  • Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP)

01
What is your highest level of education?
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Some college courses
  • Attended, but did not complete high school
  • Master's degree or higher

02
How many years of supervisory experience do you possess?
  • 1-2 years
  • 3-4 years
  • 5+ years

03
Do you have a valid Class A Driver's License with tanker endorsement?
  • Yes
  • No

04
If you answered NO to the above question, can you obtain Class A Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement within (6) months of employment?
  • Yes
  • No

05
How many years of documented experience (documented on this application) in the Water industry do you have?
  • None
  • 1 or more years, but less than 3
  • 3 or more years, but less than 5
  • 5 or more years, but less than 10
  • 10 or more years

06
This position requires possessing a Grade "A" Water Distribution System Operators certificate issued by the State of North Carolina. Do you have this certification?
  • Yes
  • No

07
To receive credit for the supplemental questions you have answered, you must provide supporting documentation and/or information related to that question within the body of this application to support your answers. It is critical in our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. Have you provided written documentation to these appropriate areas, including the following: Education, Work Experience, Certificates, License, and documented competencies as they relate to the position you are applying for? **See Resume is NOT acceptable**
  • Yes
  • No

08
Please list all certifications or endorsements you currently hold. If none, please write N/A.
09
This position will require on-call rotation. Will you be able to work when scheduled during these times?
  • Yes
  • No

10
If you hold certificates from another state, it is your responsibility to determine whether North Carolina will accept them through reciprocity. Do you understand this requirement?
  • Yes, I understand
  • No, I don't understand
  • North Carolina will accept through reciprocity.
  • North Carolina will not accept through reciprocity.

Required Question

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