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Water Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Newton, NC

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 ...

City of Cut Bank

Water Plant Operator

Cut Bank, MT · On-site

$26.27/hr

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 ...

City of Cut Bank

Water Plant Operator

Cut Bank, MT

$26.27/hr

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 ...

HR Partners

Water Plant Operator

Louisburg, KS

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 ...

City of Newton

$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 ...

Stafford County

Water Plant Operator

Stafford, VA

$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 ...

Stafford County, VA

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 ...

City of Riverdale

Be Seen First

Water Plant Operator

Riverdale, ND · On-site

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 ...

Anson County NC

Water Plant Operator

Lilesville, NC · 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 ...

County of Anson

Water Plant Operator

Lilesville, NC · 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 information

See salary details

$29.5K

$58.9K

$98.5K

How much do water plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator 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 is a water plant operator?

Water Plant Operators are professionals responsible for running and maintaining water treatment plants. They manage the equipment and processes that treat and distribute water for public consumption or industrial use. Their duties include monitoring water quality, conducting tests, adjusting chemical levels, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Water Plant Operators play a critical role in providing safe, clean water to communities.

What does a water plant operator do?

The job duties of a water plant operator include working to operate and maintain a water plant. Your responsibilities in this job revolve around monitoring pumping equipment and ensuring proper water treatment. You may need to repair or facilitate the repair of equipment to keep water supply flowing. You usually collect sample data and test the water to ensure quality and safety. You are often responsible for ensuring the proper flow of water through filtering equipment, and you may clean filters and fill treatment chemicals as needed. Most plant operators need to keep a log of their activities on a daily basis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water plant operator?

To thrive as a Water Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, safety regulations, and relevant environmental standards, often backed by a high school diploma and state-specific operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing instruments, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for monitoring systems and responding to issues. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of clean water to the community.

What are some common challenges faced by water plant operators in maintaining regulatory compliance?

Water Plant Operators often face challenges in keeping up with evolving environmental regulations and ensuring all treatment processes consistently meet strict water quality standards. This involves regular monitoring, accurate record-keeping, and prompt adjustments to chemical dosages or equipment settings. Operators must also be prepared to troubleshoot unexpected equipment malfunctions or respond to weather-related changes that affect water quality. Staying current with training and technological advancements is essential to successfully manage these compliance responsibilities.

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

AspectWater Plant OperatorWater Treatment Technician
CertificationsWater operator license, state certificationWater treatment certification, state license
Work EnvironmentWater treatment plants, distribution systemsWater treatment facilities, field sites
Job FocusOperating and maintaining water treatment equipmentMonitoring, testing, and troubleshooting treatment processes

Both roles involve working in water treatment facilities and require similar certifications. Water Plant Operators typically oversee the entire treatment process and plant operations, while Water Treatment Technicians focus more on testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting equipment. Both positions are essential for ensuring safe, clean water and often share similar work environments and industry usage.

How much do water treatment plant operators make?

Water treatment plant operators in Texas typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the size of the facility. Salaries can vary based on location, with additional pay for overtime, night shifts, or specialized skills such as SCADA system operation.

Is being a water plant operator a good job?

Water plant operators are responsible for maintaining and operating water treatment facilities to ensure safe drinking water. The job typically requires technical skills, certifications, and adherence to safety standards, and offers stable employment with opportunities for advancement. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in public health and environmental protection.
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The top employers for Water Plant Operator jobs are:

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

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

Water Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,885 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Water Plant Operator

City of Newton, NC

Newton, NC • On-site

$20.74 - $25.92/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Newton, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00278
Department: Public Works-Water Trtmnt Plant
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Job Details: Depending on experience and qualifications the hiring range will be as follows: 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 first 6 months.
Disclaimer: The City of Newton is a tobacco and drug free workplace. Applicants are subject to pre-employment drug and background screening. Equal Opportunity Employer
Description
Primary Reason Why Classification Exists
To perform technical and skilled manual work in the operation and maintenance of a municipal water treatment plant
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class is responsible for monitoring and treating the city's drinking water and water supply in the water treatment plant. Emphasis of the work is on performing routine tests to ensure optimum quality of water and efficient operation of the plant. Work includes conducting hourly rounds of the plant, maintaining records, performing tests on water and plant systems, adding required chemicals to water, troubleshooting mechanical problems, assisting customers, and performing related duties. 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 operations, and ability to lead and train other plant personnel. Work is performed under the supervision of a Chief Water Plant Operator or Water Plant Superintendent and is evaluated for quality of water produced, accuracy in tests performed, documentation of records, and efficient plant operations.
Illustrative Examples of Work
  • Makes hourly tours of plant to inspect operations; reads and documents gauge and meter readings and calibrations; adjusts chemical feed rates of equipment; ensures meters and pumps are functioning properly
  • Collects water samples and performs tests; inspects water plant equipment and biological and chemical systems for proper operation; reports needs for equipment repairs
  • Performs test on filtered water to determine excess color and records results; conducts tests for turbidity in raw, settled, and filtered water, chlorine residuals in filtered water, alkalinity levels in raw and filtered water, and records all results; calibrates fluoride meter and tests fluoride residual in raw and filtered water and records results
  • Performs tests for coagulation, PH levels, and alkalinity; determines optimal chemical dosages; performs tests for titrations, Baume levels, settable solids, specific gravity, water hardness, carbon dioxide levels, dissolved oxygen, chloride, coliform, alum percentage, caustic percentage, fluoride level, carbon, chlorine, and colorimetric tests
  • Backwashes and rewashes filters using a backwash pump and fills feeder hoppers
  • Checks levels of alum, caustic fluoride, corrosion inhibitor, carbon, coagulant aid, and other chemicals and adds chemicals as needed
  • Replaces chlorine cylinders and regulates the flow of chlorine; calculates chemical dosage, average readings, and plant performance and records in log book
  • Performs routine preventative maintenance and repairs to pumps, motors, and other mechanical equipment; reports equipment failures to supervisor for replacement
  • Performs associated work such as bulk chemical handling, grounds keeping, and housekeeping duties
  • Participates in classroom and on-the-job training to ensure knowledge level and eligibility for certification renewal is maintained
  • Provides information to citizens, vendors, or others who may need assistance with water plant operations
  • Performs related tasks as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a water treatment plant
  • Knowledge of state and federal water treatment and water quality regulations
  • Knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work and necessary safety precautions
  • Ability to make decisions about water quality and water supply in the absence of a supervisor
  • Ability to detect problems in the operation of mechanical equipment and report those problems to a supervisor or the appropriate employee
  • Ability to conduct routine water quality tests and read meters and charts accurately, and record results
  • Ability to perform environmental science calculations and to keep detailed records
  • Ability to receive and carry out instructions provided by a supervisor

Requirements
Physical Requirements
This is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions. Vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring or testing devices, assembly of equipment, operating plant equipment including motor vehicles, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work performed, and observing general surroundings and activities
Education and Experience
Minimum education qualification for all levels is graduation from high school or GED equivalency. Some experience with basic laboratory bench work; prior experience in a water treatment facility is desired. Must have a North Carolina certificate at the Surface Water Operator "C" level or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Some high school or college coursework in environmental science, physics, and chemistry is desired.
Special Requirements
  • Valid North Carolina driver's license
  • Certified in first aid and CPR

Please visit our to learn more about benefits offered at the City of Newton.
01
Which Surface Water Treatment Certifications do you currently possess?
  • A- Surface
  • B- Surface
  • C- Surface
  • Operator-in-Training
  • None

02
Have you ever worked in a laboratory setting?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Please list all the science courses you have completed (for example - biology, chemistry, earth science or please list none if you have not completed any)
04
In the event that you're hired, would you be willing to attend classes and sit for State exams for water treatment certifications?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Are you available to work nights, holidays & weekends?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Have you ever worked in a quality control or quality assurance position?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Please list all the math courses you have completed (for example - geometry, algebra I or II, statistics, calculus or please list none if you have not completed any)
Required Question

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