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Water Plant Apprentice Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Plant Operator

Newton, NC · On-site

$20.74 - $25.92/hr

Water Plant Operator C - $18.8051 - $23.5064/hr Water Plant Operator B - $19.7530 - $24.6913/hr Water Plant Operator A - $20.7359 - $25.9199/hr Eligible for probationary increases up to 5% in the ...

To be considered for the Water Plant Operator position, you must have a Minnesota Class "C" or "D" Water Supply System Operator's certification. To be considered for the Senior Water Plant Operator ...

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Water Plant Operator

Duluth, MN · On-site

$69K - $84K/yr

To be considered for the Water Plant Operator position, you must have a Minnesota Class "C" or "D" Water Supply System Operator's certification. To be considered for the Senior Water Plant Operator ...

New

$18.81/hr

Work of the water plant operator is differentiated by the level of state certification (C is lowest and A is highest), length of experience and broader knowledge and responsibilities of plant ...

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 ...

The Water Plant Operator will operate and maintain the water, the water pumping, water treatment plant and water distribution, take samples, tests and perform analysis of water and its treatment. The ...

The Water Plant Operator will operate and maintain the water, the water pumping, water treatment plant and water distribution, take samples, tests and perform analysis of water and its treatment. The ...

Senior Water Plant Operator

Duluth, MN · On-site

$78K - $95K/yr

To be considered for the Water Plant Operator position, you must have a Minnesota Class "C" or "D" Water Supply System Operator's certification. To be considered for the Senior Water Plant Operator ...

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Water Plant Operator

Stafford, VA · On-site

$25.26 - $54.18/hr

Stafford County is seeking Water Plant Operators to join our team. If you meet these qualifications, we encourage you to apply. All sections of the application must be completed in its entirety. The ...

Water Plant Operator

Stafford, VA · On-site

$25.26 - $54.18/hr

There are four levels to the Water Plant Operator positions, which offer opportunities for career growth. The hiring range for each level based on experience is: * Class IV - $25.26 to $34.74 per ...

Senior Water Plant Operator

Duluth, MN · On-site

$78K - $95K/yr

To be considered for the Water Plant Operator position, you must have a Minnesota Class "C" or "D" Water Supply System Operator's certification. To be considered for the Senior Water Plant Operator ...

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Water Plant Apprentice Operator information

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$13

$22

$39

How much do water plant apprentice operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for water plant apprentice operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water plant apprentice operator do?

A Water Plant Apprentice Operator assists in the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities under the supervision of experienced operators. Their main tasks include monitoring water quality, adjusting chemical levels, maintaining equipment, and recording operational data. Apprentices learn to follow safety procedures and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. This role provides valuable hands-on training and prepares individuals for full operator certification. It’s an entry-level position that offers a pathway to a stable career in water treatment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water plant apprentice operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Plant Apprentice Operator, you need a basic understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water testing kits, and the ability to obtain relevant state or local operator certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills set exceptional operators apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring water quality, regulatory compliance, and safe, efficient plant operations.

What are some common challenges faced by water plant apprentice operators during their initial training period?

As a Water Plant Apprentice Operator, one common challenge is adapting to the technical complexity of water treatment systems and processes, which often requires learning to operate and monitor various equipment safely and efficiently. Apprentices may also find it demanding to quickly become familiar with strict regulatory standards and safety protocols that must be followed at all times. Additionally, the role often involves shift work, including nights and weekends, which can be an adjustment for many new operators. However, working closely with experienced operators and participating in structured training programs helps apprentices overcome these challenges and gain confidence in their skills.

What cities are hiring for Water Plant Apprentice Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Water Plant Apprentice Operator job openings:

What states have the most Water Plant Apprentice Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Water Plant Apprentice Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Water Plant Apprentice Operator jobs?

For Water Plant Apprentice Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Water Plant Apprentice Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Water Plant Apprentice/Water Plant Operator I/Water Plant Operator II

Waco, TX • On-site

City of Waco
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

$19.36 - $28.59/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


City Of Waco rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Summary Water Plant Apprentice Starting Salary: $19.4000 per hour Minimum Qualifications: Required: H.S. Diploma or GED equivalent Valid Texas Driver's License Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued Class D License within 180 Days Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued Class C Surface Water License within 1 1-2 years Position Overview: Under basic supervision, performs a combination of basic and semi-skilled work in the operation and maintenance of the Water Treatment Plants (WTP) and related facilities for the Water Utility Services Department. Essential Functions: Assists in the operation and maintenance of WTP facilities and equipment; performs work in accordance with all quality standards, safety regulations and procedures; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level

Observes and monitors WTP equipment and process control system; cleans, maintains and adjusts equipment and components to meet WTP specifications; collects samples and checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions; maintains records of services performed. Maintains and repairs mechanical equipment and components and performs preventive maintenance as directed; maintains and adjusts equipment to meet job specifications and technical codes; checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions and identify maintenance needs; maintains records of services performed. May be required to respond afterhours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or City-wide emergency.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Complies with all policies and standards. Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.

Lives the City of Waco Values. Water Plant Operator I Starting salary: $28.2500 per hour Minimum Qualifications: Required: H.S. Diploma or GED equivalent and 1 year of treatment plant operations, mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and installation experience

Valid Texas Driver's License Class C Surface Water License from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Position Overview: Under general supervision, performs a combination of semi-skilled and skilled in the operations, monitoring, and maintenance of water treatment (WTP) facilities and associated systems for the Water Utility Services Department. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Water Plants Apprentice by the performance of the full range of duties assigned, including the ability to operate the plant without supervision. Employees at this level will still receive frequent instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and will be fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Essential Functions: Assists in the operation and maintenance of WTP facilities and equipment; performs work in accordance with all quality standards, safety regulations and procedures, and maintaining records of services performed; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level. Observes and monitors WTP operations, equipment, and process control systems; including, but not limited to, cleaning, maintaining, reading, and interpreting plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, manuals, and other instrumentation; operates and adjusts treatment processes, chemicals, pumps, valves, motors, and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations; receive and unload chemical or other deliveries; troubleshoot treatment issues and communicate to supervisors. Maintains and repairs mechanical equipment and components and performs preventive maintenance as directed; maintains and adjusts equipment to meet job specifications and technical codes; checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions and identify maintenance needs; maintains records of services performed.

Operate various WTP lab and mechanical equipment including vehicles, heavy equipment, forklifts, lawnmowers, screens, dewatering equipment, hand tools and power tools, filters, mop, buffer, spray painter, grease gun, and various office equipment. Performs shiftwork and may be required to respond after-hours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or City-wide emergency. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Complies with all policies and standards. Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information. Lives the City of Waco Values.

Water Plant Operator II Starting Salary: $30.9700 per hour Minimum Qualifications: Required: H.S. Diploma or GED equivalent and 3 years of treatment plant operations, mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and installation experience. Valid Texas Driver's License Class B Surface Water License from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Position Overview: Under basic supervision, performs a combination of basic and semi-skilled work in the operation and maintenance of the Water Treatment Plants (WTP) and related facilities for the Water Utility Services Department

Employees within this class are distinguished from the Water Plant Operator I by the performance of the full range of duties assigned, including the ability to operate the plant without supervision and train Apprentice employees. Employees at this level will receive minimal instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and will be fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Essential Functions: Assists in the operation of WTP facilities and equipment; performs work in accordance with all quality standards, safety regulations and procedures; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level.

Observes and monitors WTP equipment and process control system; cleans, maintains and adjusts equipment and components to meet WTP specifications; collects samples and checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions; maintains records of services performed. Maintains and repairs mechanical equipment and components and performs preventive maintenance as directed; maintains and adjusts equipment to meet job specifications and technical codes; checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions and identify maintenance needs; maintains records of services performed. May be required to respond afterhours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or City-wide emergency.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Complies with all policies and standards. Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.

Lives the City of Waco Values.


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