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Water Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Maintains log of water treatment systems. * Keep work area clean, neat and orderly * Responsible for the operation of the demineralizer and associated equipment. * Lines up, starts, stops and secures ...

Water / Demo / Cleaning Techicians

Raleigh, NC

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

We are hiring for Water Restoration Technicians to provide outstanding customer service in great times of need to customers who have experienced floods, burst pipes or water leaks affecting their ...

Water / Demo / Cleaning Techicians

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

We are hiring for Water Restoration Technicians to provide outstanding customer service in great times of need to customers who have experienced floods, burst pipes or water leaks affecting their ...

Conduct site visits and investigations; analyze water quality, facility design, and operating data to assess treatment performance; and provide recommendations for treatment and process improvements.

Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)

Durham, NC · On-site

$49K - $77K/yr

The City of Durham's Department of Water Management (DWM) wants YOU to join our team of more than ... Water Management has some vacancies for a Heavy Equipment Operators (HEO) within the Water & Sewer ...

Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)

Durham, NC · On-site

$49K - $77K/yr

Water Management Opening Date: 03/03/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Position Description Work, Serve ... Operating construction equipment including, but not limited, to backhoes, excavators, dump trucks ...

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Water Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$25

$39

How much do water operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 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 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 is the hardest part of being a water operator?

The hardest part of being a water operator is often managing emergency situations, such as equipment failures or water quality issues, which require quick decision-making and technical skills. Additionally, working in sometimes challenging environments and maintaining compliance with strict regulations can be demanding. Certification and ongoing training are essential to handle these responsibilities effectively.

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 jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

Certain skilled trades and specialized roles such as water operators, commercial pilots, real estate brokers, and sales managers can earn $10,000 or more per month without a college degree, often requiring certifications, experience, or licensing. These jobs typically involve hands-on work, technical knowledge, or sales expertise and may require on-the-job training or industry-specific certifications.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Water operators typically do not earn $2,000 a day; their salaries usually range from moderate to high, depending on experience and location. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2,000 daily often include specialized roles such as executive positions, certain medical professionals, or highly skilled contractors, but these are not typical for water operators. Most water operators earn annual salaries that are significantly lower than this daily rate.

Is it hard to become a water treatment operator?

Becoming a water treatment operator typically requires completing relevant training, obtaining a state certification, and gaining practical experience. The difficulty varies depending on local regulations and the level of certification required, but it generally involves passing exams and demonstrating knowledge of water treatment processes and safety protocols.

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 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:

Utilities Operator

Mentor Technical Group

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Mentor Technical Group (MTG) provides a comprehensive portfolio of technical support and solutions for the FDA-regulated industry. As a world leader in life science engineering and technical solutions, MTG has the knowledge and experience to ensure compliance with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device safety and efficacy guidelines. With offices in Caguas, PR, Boston, MA & San Francisco, CA and we serve life sciences clients in six global markets: United States, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Germany, Canada, and South America.
Responsibilities:
  • Performs routine tasks relative to equipment operations as directed.
  • Assist Plant Operator in operations of plant controls as instructed.
  • Performs minor preventative maintenance of systems as designated.
  • Assists in maintaining records of equipment operations.
  • Must have ability to maintain records of activities.
  • Performs required tests on boiler water, circulating water, closed cooling water, etc.
  • Makes adjustments and adds required chemicals to maintain water systems within guidelines.
  • Maintains log of water treatment systems.
  • Keep work area clean, neat and orderly
  • Responsible for the operation of the demineralizer and associated equipment.
  • Lines up, starts, stops and secures equipment as required by the plant operator.
  • Knows and abides by all safety rules and regulations.
  • The utility operator will operate the critical and non-critical utilities equipment to assure their continuous operation on a 24/7 schedule basis.
  • Able to work extra hours, at night or on week-ends and irregular shifts.
  • Able to respond to emergency calls.
  • Able to support other departments or projects according to business needs.
  • Strictly follow company's safety and cGMP policies and procedures.
  • Any other duties as required by the supervisor to support normal operations at the department.

Qualifications Requirements/Knowledge/Education/Skills:
  • Technical College Degree in Electricity, Associate Degree preferred
  • Technical Degree in Mechanics, Electricity or Refrigeration with 1-3 years of experience required or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Physical Requirements and Working Environment:
  • He / she may frequently work inside weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts, exposed to wet and or humid conditions, and an odorous atmosphere, may be exposed to fumes and the risk of electrical shock, and occasionally work on ladders in high places, in small spaces, such as lift/metering stations, manholes, tanks and wet wells. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate equipments, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, talk, or hear; sit; climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and smell. The employee may lift and/or move up to 25-35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Mentor Technical Group es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y todos los solicitantes calificados recibirán consideración para el empleo sin importar raza, color, religión, sexo, orientación sexual, identidad de género, información genética, origen nacional, estado de veterano protegido, estado de discapacidad o cualquier otro grupo protegido por ley.
Mentor Technical Group is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.