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Water Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Plant Supervisor Work Location: Louisburg, KS Under the supervision of the Water Plant Supervisor, Water Plant Operator is a non-exempt position under FLSA which performs semi-skilled ...

KS · On-site

Water Plant Supervisor Work Location: Louisburg, KS Under the supervision of the Water Plant Supervisor, Water Plant Operator is a non-exempt position under FLSA which performs semi-skilled ...

Water Plant Operator

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$76K - $104K/yr

No experience working at a water plant. No problem. If you have technical or mechanical skills, enjoy troubleshooting, and are willing to learn, this could be a great fit. If you are mechanically ...

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Water Plant information

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$29.5K

$58.9K

$98.5K

How much do water plant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant in the United States is $58,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $67,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

In the water plant industry, roles such as water treatment operators or plant technicians can earn around $3,000 or more per month with relevant on-the-job training and certifications, without requiring a college degree. These positions often involve operating and maintaining water treatment equipment, and experience or vocational training can be sufficient for entry-level roles. Salary varies by location and experience, but many entry-level water plant jobs offer competitive wages without a degree requirement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often paired with a state-issued operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, lab testing equipment, and regulatory compliance software is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring safe and efficient plant operations. These competencies are essential for maintaining water quality, meeting regulatory standards, and ensuring public health and safety.

What are some common challenges faced by water plant operators, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Water plant operators often face challenges such as maintaining equipment, responding to water quality issues, and adhering to strict regulatory standards. Unexpected system malfunctions or changes in water quality can require quick troubleshooting and decision-making. Team collaboration is key, as operators frequently coordinate with maintenance crews, laboratory technicians, and supervisors to ensure safe and efficient operations. Staying updated on new technologies and continuous training can also help address these challenges and advance in the field.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Jobs in the water plant industry typically do not pay $4,000 a week without specialized skills or certifications. High-paying roles that reach this level often require advanced technical training, management experience, or union membership, such as plant managers or senior operators, but these usually need relevant education or experience. Most entry-level water plant positions pay less than this amount weekly.

What are water plant operators?

Water plant operators are professionals responsible for managing and maintaining the systems that treat and distribute drinking water or process wastewater. They monitor equipment, control chemical dosing, conduct water quality tests, and ensure that all operations comply with state and federal regulations. Water plant operators play a crucial role in providing safe and clean water to communities and protecting the environment from pollution.

What do water plant workers do?

Water plant workers operate and maintain equipment at water treatment facilities to ensure safe and clean drinking water. They monitor water quality, perform tests, follow safety protocols, and may need certifications in water treatment or safety procedures. Their work environment is typically a plant or facility focused on water purification processes.

How much do wastewater operators make?

Wastewater operators in North Carolina typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the size of the facility. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with advanced certifications can earn higher wages. The job often requires knowledge of treatment processes, equipment, and safety protocols.

What is the difference between Water Plant vs Water Treatment Operator?

AspectWater PlantWater Treatment Operator
CertificationsOften requires state-specific licenses or certificationsTypically requires similar certifications, such as water treatment licenses
Work EnvironmentOperates in water treatment facilities, handling large-scale water processingWorks in water treatment plants, monitoring and maintaining water quality
Industry UsageCommonly used interchangeably with Water Treatment OperatorFocuses on water purification and safety processes

Both Water Plant and Water Treatment Operator roles involve working in water treatment facilities, ensuring water quality, and maintaining equipment. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Water Plant' generally refers to the facility itself, while 'Water Treatment Operator' describes the role of the worker operating within that facility. Understanding these distinctions helps in job searches and career planning within the water industry.

More about Water Plant jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Plant jobs? Cities with the most Water Plant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Plant jobs? The most popular types of Water Plant jobs are:
What states have the most Water Plant jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Plant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Plant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,885 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Water Plant Operator

Water Plant Operator

HR Partners

Louisburg, KS

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Company: City of Louisburg
Title: Water Plant Operator
Job Classification: Non-exempt, Full-Time
Reporting Relationship: Water Plant Supervisor
Work Location: Louisburg, KS
Under the supervision of the Water Plant Supervisor, Water Plant Operator is a non-exempt position under FLSA which performs semi-skilled maintenance of the city water plant and for providing safe, quality water for the Marais Des Cygnes Public Utility Authority. This employee should possess strong technical and mental aptitude, and effective communication, organizational, and public relation skills..
Primary Accountabilities:
Major Duties:

  • Tests water quality by performing routine lab tests such as turbidity, pH, chlorine residual, alkalinity, and hardness.
  • Records daily plant data and maintain records
  • Maintains department equipment, such as pumps, motors, test equipment
  • Performs routine maintenance on water plant facilities and grounds
  • Operate and monitor treatment plant processes including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, clarification, disinfection, chemical feed, and biological processes.
  • Adjust chemical feed rates to maintain process control.
  • Use SCADA, PLCs, and telemetry systems to monitor process variables, alarms, and system performance and respond to alarms promptly.
  • Performs mowing and groundskeeping duties for city properties
  • Ability and willingness to stay current with advanced technology through employer provided training and/or formal classes
  • Is part of an on-call rotation for department.
  • Flexible and able to support additional areas as needed.
  • Must have a valid Kansas driver’s license
  • Drug/Alcohol screening required
Secondary Duties:
  • Maintain department vehicles and equipment
  • Operates mowers and other lawn equipment
  • Work on water lines within the plant
  • Performs other duties as deemed necessary or assigned
  • Performing general housekeeping, cleaning, painting, and minor landscaping tasks.
Required Qualifications:
  • Education: A high school diploma or GED is required. A technical degree or some college credit is preferred. Class II Water Operator license preferred or the ability to obtain a Class II Water Operator certification within two years of employment.
  • Experience: One year of job-related experience is preferred but not required. Employee is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well within one year of employment
  • Technical Skills: Knowledge of mechanics and mathematics is required. This employee will operate pumps, motors, chemical test equipment, and tractors. The ability to understand and anticipate problems, to prepare reports and other documents, to interpret data, and to read and interpret oral and written instructions is required. This employee should possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Problem Solving: Independent problem solving is involved in this position. This employee encounters problems while troubleshooting mechanical, chemical, electrical problems, equipment malfunctions, adverse weather, and, water leaks.
  • Decision Making: Independent decision making is involved in this position. This employee makes decisions about prioritizing safety, daily assignments and performing daily duties in the most efficient manner.
  • Supervision: This employee is subject to supervision from the Water Plant Supervisor and has no supervisory duties.
  • Financial Accountability: This employee is responsible for department equipment, has no authority to purchase necessary supplies and resources, and does not participate in the annual budget process.
  • Personal Relations: Daily contact with the general public, co-workers, and supervisory personnel is required.
On-Call Duties:
  • Employee may be required to perform on-call duties during the week and on weekends.
Physical Demands:
  • Manual labor including lifting and carrying heavy objects, standing, walking, sitting, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, climbing, kneeling, stooping, talking, hearing, and the ability to operate equipment is frequently required in this position.
Work Environment:
  • Adverse working conditions exist within this position. Exposure to hazardous chemicals, human blood and fluids, heavy machinery, excessive noise, work in confined spaces, heights, and all types of weather conditions is expected..
Additional Duties:
Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee(s) holding this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.
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