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Water Plant Apprentice Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Plant Operator/Trainee

Dunedin, FL Β· On-site

$38K - $53K/yr

Water Plant Operator C - starting salary of $20.09 - $24.11 per hour (DOQ) Requires FL Water Operator "C" license & a minimum of 1 year of verifiable work experience in drinking water treatment.

Surface Water Plant Operator

Burgaw, NC Β· On-site

$44K - $51K/yr

Water Treatment Plant Operator B Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practice, equipment and methods used in modern surface water treatment and pumping operations general knowledge of ...

Water Plant Operator

Lilesville, NC Β· On-site

$34K - $59K/yr

Water Plant Operator Salary Grade 60 Hiring Range: $34,356 - $59,589 General Description of Duties To produce safe and clean water for Anson County. Employees in this classification perform ...

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Water Plant Operator Location: Riverdale, North Dakota - Near Lake Sakakawea Salary: Negotiable, based on experience and certifications Employment Type: Full-Time Position Overview The City of ...

Water Plant Operator

Lilesville, NC Β· On-site

$34K - $59K/yr

Water Plant Operator Salary Grade 60 Hiring Range: $34,356 - $59,589 General Description of Duties To produce safe and clean water for Anson County. Employees in this classification perform ...

Drinking Water Plant Operator (Appr. - III) Job Posting Closing Date: 09/09 Provo City is seeking a full-time Drinking Water Plant Operator (Apprentice - level III) to provide skilled maintenance ...

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Water Plant Apprentice Operator information

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$13

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$39

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

As of Sep 14, 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?

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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.

Surface Water Plant Operator

Burgaw, NC β€’ On-site

Pender County Government
Public Safety Statistics Centers and OfficesΒ β€’Β 1 - 10 employees

$44K - $51K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate and maintain water treatment plant equipment to ensure proper water flow and system performance.

  • Monitor plant operations, including water storage, pump operation, and chemical feed systems, and make adjustments as necessary.

  • Collect water samples, perform laboratory tests, and maintain records and reports in compliance with regulatory requirements.


Job description

General Definition of Work Performs beginning level to advanced technical work in in the daily operation of a Surface Water Treatment Plant and related facilities; monitors and adjusts plant operations records and maintains plant operation, water storage clear wells, and pump operation records ensures proper functioning of water pumps, motors, filters, and chemical feeders and makes adjustments as necessary to maintain proper flow of water does other related work as required. The different levels of operator are distinguished by the level of responsibility, knowledge, and training performing the level of comprehensive responsibility for water plant operation and the level of independence which must be exercised. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Chief Water Plant Operator.

SALARY IS DEPENDENT UPON QUALIFICATIONS Water Treatment Plant Operator C Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, equipment and methods used in modern surface water treatment and pumping operations; general knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment; ability to adjust water pumps, chemical feed machines and other water plant equipment; ability to check the operation of equipment and to detect defects in operation; ability to take accurate readings, to keep routine records and to make arithmetical computations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates. High school diploma or GED and considerable experience in operating a North Carolina surface water treatment plant, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a North Carolina Grade C-Surface Water Treatment Operator Certification required.

Water Treatment Plant Operator B Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practice, equipment and methods used in modern surface water treatment and pumping operations general knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment ability to adjust water pumps, chemical feed machines and other water plant equipment; ability to check the operation of equipment and to detect defects in operation; ability to take accurate readings; to keep routine records and to make arithmetical computations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates. High school diploma or GED and a minimum of two years' operating a North Carolina surface water treatment plant, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a North Carolina Grate B-Surface Water Treatment Operator Certification required.

Water Treatment Plant Operator A Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practice, equipment and methods used in modern surface water treatment and pumping operations general knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment ability to adjust water pumps, chemical feed machines and other water plant equipment; ability to check the operation of equipment and to detect defects in operation; ability to take accurate readings; to keep routine records and to make arithmetical computations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates. High school diploma or GED and a minimum of three years' operating a North Carolina surface water treatment plant, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a North Carolina Grate A-Surface Water Treatment Operator Certification required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to complete the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations may be requested by contacting Pender County Human Resources. Essential Functions Operates and maintains water and wastewater equipment ensuring compliance with regulatory agency requirements; maintaining records and files; preparing reports.

Obtains and performs laboratory tests of water to include pH, chlorine residual, and turbidity. Adjusts chemicals as necessary to maintain optimum system performance. Monitors water tank levels and makes flow rate chances to meet system demands.

Makes periodic checks of plant equipment, including feed pumps, flocculators, flash mixer, basins, filters, and high service pumps. Backwashes filters as required. Refills day chemical tanks.

Monitors SCADA system to maintain quality and monitor water supply throughout the districts. Collects various system samples for laboratory analysis and reporting in compliance with State and Federal regulations. Maintains records and prepares a variety of reports for regulatory agencies concerning wastewater treatment operations.

Assist with other duties as needed or assigned. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education & Experience Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practice, equipment and methods used in modern surface water treatment and pumping operations general knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment ability to adjust water pumps, chemical feed machines and other water plant equipment; ability to check the operation of equipment and to detect defects in operation; ability to take accurate readings; to keep routine records and to make arithmetical computations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates. Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.

This position is a safety sensitive position and subject to random substance abuse testing in accordance with the Pender County Personnel Policy and Risk Policy. Physical Requirements This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking and hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting and occasionally requires tasting or smelling; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions, frequently requires exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and exposure to the risk of electrical shock and occasionally requires working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to vibration, wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a loud noise location.