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Water Plant Apprentice Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Edmond

Water Plant Operator I

Edmond, OK · On-site

$20.18/hr

About the Position The Water Plant Operator I is one of several water plant operator jobs within the water treatment plant for the City of Edmond. The water treatment operator helps with routine ...

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Water Plant Apprentice Operator information

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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 Operator (Union-AFSCME)

Evanston, IL • On-site

City of Evanston
Public Administration • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about City of Evanstonexternal

$41.06 - $49.78/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 hours ago

Job description

Position Type:
Public Works/Water Plant Operator
Date Posted:
1/25/2024
Location:
Water Plant
Date Available:
TBD
Closing Date:
Open until FilledSalary: : $41.065 - $49.776/hour*
*Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.
NATURE OF WORK:
This is skilled and technical work operating the water treatment plant and pumping equipment. Work involves processing water to produce EPA quality standard water by operating and monitoring pumps and filters, regulating chemical dosages, testing samples, monitoring pressures and levels in the distribution system, taking readings, recording data, inspecting equipment, and trouble shooting and assessing water processing operations. Employees work rotating shifts, changing weekly. Employees may be assigned tasks of a similar or higher level classification to gain experience and training in preparation for advancement. Safety equipment such as hardhat, safety glasses, reflective vest, gloves, steel-toed shoes, SCBA, respirator and other protective equipment as required is worn.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):
  • Monitors plant performance through SCADA system, control panels and analog computer; controls flow rates, and levels and chemical dosage; monitors filtration equipment.
  • Monitors distribution system through SCADA system, control panels and analog computer; controls flow rates and levels in the distribution system; monitors pump station equipment.
  • Operates air compressors, internal combustion engines, electric motors, centrifugal pumps, and high voltage control panels to maintain proper water levels of storage tanks and covered storage reservoirs' puts on-line steam boilers and generators.
  • Maintains required records of flow rates, levels and chlorine residuals; chemical set points and consumption rates, variables and lab test results; determines chemical dosages, consumption and inventory.
  • Conducts lab tests on water samples; performs turbidity, residual chlorine, alkalinity, hardness, bacteriological and odor tests; adjusts chemical dosages accordingly.
  • Utilizes computer control to conduct periodic washing of filters; examines performance and troubleshoots when necessary.
  • Performs inspections on all installations for safety and security; reports malfunctions to supervisor; may assist in the maintenance and/or repair of equipment.
  • Responsible for answering the after-hours Water/Sewer phone line and initiates appropriate actions to resolve concern.
  • Responds to emergencies such as fires and chlorine leakage by following the Emergency Contingency Plan; coordinates the call-out of emergency crews and utility location requests.
  • Performs general office duties such as answering phones, accepting deliveries, assisting customers and vendors.
  • May assist with receiving and off-loading chemical deliveries, transferring them to day tanks.
  • May operate as a relief operator and assist in the maintenance and repair of the treatment plant.
  • Assists with filling and draining of settling basins for cleaning and maintenance.
  • Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
  • Must possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Must possess one year of general water utility work experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:
  • Must be able to obtain an Illinois Public Water Supply Operator's Class "C" certification within twenty-four (24) months of hire
  • Must be able to obtain a Class "A" certification within forty-eight (48) months of hire and maintain it as a condition of employment..
  • Must pass an annual respiratory surveillance examination.
  • Must remain appropriately shaven in order to safely use a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
  • Must obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 700, & 800 Certification within18 months of hire.
  • Knowledge of the rules, regulations, principles, practices and methods related to water plant operation.
  • Knowledge of water quality standards for water plant operation.
  • Knowledge of safety standards and precautions connected with water plant operations.
  • Knowledge of the functions and servicing requirements of water division equipment and switchgear.
  • Knowledge of emergency procedures during partial or complete power failures.
  • Knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures and practices necessary for testing water in compliance with IEPA and IDPH regulations.
  • Knowledge of computer hardware and software applications as it relates to water treatment.
  • Ability to read, and perform basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
  • Ability to write and complete required documentation, readings, and reports in a clear, concise manner.
  • Ability to operate computerized process controller, computers, water pumps, chlorine titrator, generators, remote booster pumps, internal combustion engines, turbidimeter, ph meter, alkalinity/hardness analyzer; bacterial count microscope, pumps, circuit breakers, electric valves, flow valves, air respirators, vacuum pumps, air compressors, boilers, two-way radios and other necessary equipment associated with water plant operation.
  • Ability to determine chemical feed rates due to changes in the characteristics of raw water.
  • Ability to determine proper pumpage of raw water as indicated by demand.
  • Ability to respond to electrical power failures and equipment failures; determine emergency equipment usage and appropriate steps to be taken.
  • Ability to determine the proper water levels to maintain in underground and overhead reservoirs.
  • Ability to operate manual and automatic valves.
  • Ability to operate emergency generators.
  • Ability to troubleshoot, assess problems, and determine course of actions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, co-workers, other employees and the public.
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints, electrical schematics and piping diagrams.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
  • Ability to detect small, distant objects; detect odors; bend, crawl, lift, and climb around machinery, distinguish colors, operate power tools.
  • Ability to hear, see and converse about machinery problems.
  • Ability to manually operate large valves.
  • Frequent exposure to chemicals, loud noise levels, dangerous equipment, humidity and odors.
  • Ability to climb ladders and other equipment throughout the plant.

SUPERVISION:
Work is performed under the direction of a supervisor. The employee uses judgment in regulating water processing operations by changing pumpage, feed ranges and chemicals depending on system demand and incoming water quality. Work assignments are given in the form of work orders or verbal instructions, with the employee responsible for completing the work according to City work rules and safety regulations. Work is reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communications, meetings and feedback from the supervisor and from other department employees. Guidance is provided through rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Unified Work Rules, Union Contract, Personnel Rules and OSHA. Additional guidance is provided through the Illinois EPA, federal and state water regulations and standards, and health quality standards. Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled operation of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with classification standard. Employees may assist in the training of new operators.
PUBLIC CONTACT:
The employee has regular contact with other City employees to exchange information, make pump changes, and assist in emergency crew operations. The employee also has contact with the general public regarding problems, information or complaints.
SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST
Structured Oral Interview Category Group Two Years
Qualifications Assessment
Chosen candidates will be subject to a qualifying pre-employment medical examination and drug/alcohol screen.
The City of Evanston is committed to making all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Any citizen needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact the Human Resources Office at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5935 (TTY).

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