1

Water Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Koch Fertilizer Dodge City, LLC is looking for a Plant Operator Trainee to join our team. This is a great opportunity to learn about an industrial setting without any previous experience and grow a ...

New

JOB TITLE WATER PLANT OPERATER I, II AKA SUMMARY OPERATOR 1: Under supervision of the Water Superintendent, assists in maintaining the water distribution system and water plant. OPERATOR 2: With ...

... Water Treatment. The Plant Operator will report to the Board Operator and the Lead Operator any analyses that are not in operating specification so changes to the process can be made. The Plant ...

Plant Operator - Wastewater

Gardner, KS · On-site

$20.60 - $26.15/hr

Plant Operator - Wastewater Department: Utility Reports To: Plant Superintendent - Wastewater Salary Range: 3 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime pay) Last Update: August 6, 2026 Job ...

Power Plant Operator

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$22.83 - $29.11/hr

... to provide operating and maintenance support in the Power Plant operation, including related ... chilled water from our central plants. Additionally, the department oversees all utility ...

Wastewater Plant Operator I

Salina, KS · On-site

$50K - $53K/yr

WASTEWATER PLANT OPERATOR I City of Salina, Kansas Utilities Department On the Job Video The Wastewater Plant Operator I position is pivotal to the efficient operation of Salina's utility systems ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Water Plant Operator Trainee information

See Kansas salary details

$26.8K

$51.2K

$83.4K

How much do water plant operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator trainee in Kansas is $51,151.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,200.00 and $58,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by water plant operator trainees during their initial training period?

Water Plant Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to rotating shifts, learning complex technical procedures, and understanding strict safety and regulatory requirements. They must quickly become familiar with the operation of specialized equipment and monitoring systems, as well as develop problem-solving skills to address equipment malfunctions or water quality issues. Teamwork is essential, as trainees frequently collaborate with experienced operators and maintenance staff to ensure smooth plant operations and compliance with environmental standards.

How hard is it to become a water plant operator trainee?

Becoming a water plant operator trainee typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and passing a written exam that tests basic math and technical knowledge. Trainees often learn on the job and may need to obtain relevant certifications or licenses, which can involve additional training and testing. The difficulty varies depending on the individual's background and the specific requirements of the employer or jurisdiction.

Is it hard to become a water plant operator trainee?

Becoming a water plant operator trainee typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, basic technical skills, and sometimes passing a written exam. The training involves learning about water treatment processes, safety protocols, and operating equipment, which can take several months to a year depending on the program and employer requirements.

What is a water plant operator trainee?

Water Plant Operator Trainees are entry-level professionals who learn to operate and maintain water treatment facilities. They assist experienced operators in monitoring equipment, testing water quality, and ensuring that treated water meets safety standards. Trainees typically work under supervision while they gain the knowledge and skills required to become certified water plant operators. Their responsibilities may include collecting samples, recording data, and performing basic maintenance tasks. Training often combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction, preparing them for state certification exams.

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

AspectWater Plant Operator TraineeWater Plant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma; some certifications may be preferredRequires relevant certifications or licenses, such as a state water operator license
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, often in a water treatment plantFull responsibility for water treatment operations, maintenance, and safety
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning operational procedures, assisting with maintenance, gaining experienceOperating equipment, monitoring systems, ensuring water quality standards

The Water Plant Operator Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience under supervision, while the Water Plant Operator is a fully qualified role responsible for managing water treatment processes independently.

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

To thrive as a Water Plant Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and the pursuit of relevant operator certification is typical for this role. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for success. These competencies ensure safe, efficient water treatment operations and compliance with regulatory standards.

What are popular job titles related to Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas?

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

What job categories do people searching Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Water Plant Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,151 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Water Plant Operator

HR Partners

Louisburg, KS

Full-time

Re-posted 2 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.
  • Candidates must live within a 30-minute radius of the plant's location on the Marias Des Cygne River.
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.