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Water Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Munson Healthcare

Plant Operator

Traverse City, MI · On-site

... The Plant Operator is responsible for Operating stationary engines and mechanical equipment ... water softeners to provide utility services. This position observes meters, records operating ...

Munson Healthcare

Plant Operator

Traverse City, MI · On-site

... The Plant Operator is responsible for Operating stationary engines and mechanical equipment ... water softeners to provide utility services. This position observes meters, records operating ...

City of Saginaw, MI

Plant Operator B

Saginaw, MI · On-site

Department of Water and Wastewater Treatment Division: Wastewater Treatment Opening Date: 09/03 ... This posting is subject to close after 14 days Responsible for operating plant processes, equipment ...

Walbec Group

Asphalt Plant Operator

Houghton, MI · On-site

The Position: We're looking for an Experienced Asphalt Plant Operator to work in our Asphalt ... Water Truck, Telescoping Boom Truck, Dump Truck Requirements: * 5+ years of relevant work ...

Walbec Group

Asphalt Plant Operator

Baraga, MI · On-site

The Position: We're looking for an Experienced Asphalt Plant Operator to work in our Asphalt ... Water Truck, Telescoping Boom Truck, Dump Truck Requirements: * 5+ years of relevant work ...

Walbec Group

Asphalt Plant Operator

Calumet, MI · On-site

The Position: We're looking for an Experienced Asphalt Plant Operator to work in our Asphalt ... Water Truck, Telescoping Boom Truck, Dump Truck Requirements: * 5+ years of relevant work ...

Walbec Group

Asphalt Plant Operator

Houghton, MI · On-site

The Position: We're looking for an Experienced Asphalt Plant Operator to work in our Asphalt ... Water Truck, Telescoping Boom Truck, Dump Truck Requirements: * 5+ years of relevant work ...

Walbec Group

Asphalt Plant Operator

Baraga, MI · On-site

The Position: We're looking for an Experienced Asphalt Plant Operator to work in our Asphalt ... Water Truck, Telescoping Boom Truck, Dump Truck Requirements: * 5+ years of relevant work ...

Walbec Group

Asphalt Plant Operator

Calumet, MI · On-site

The Position: We're looking for an Experienced Asphalt Plant Operator to work in our Asphalt ... Water Truck, Telescoping Boom Truck, Dump Truck Requirements: * 5+ years of relevant work ...

Walbec Group

Asphalt Plant Operator

Houghton, MI · On-site

The Position: We're looking for an Experienced Asphalt Plant Operator to work in our Asphalt ... Water Truck, Telescoping Boom Truck, Dump Truck Requirements: * 5+ years of relevant work ...

The City of Saginaw

Plant Operator B

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

This posting is subject to close after 14 days Responsible for operating plant processes, equipment ... feed systems, water systems, and sludge handling processes. WAGE SCALE Classification E ...

DTE Energy

Operating Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$44.90/hr

Detroit, MI The Chilled Water Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a largescale central chilled water plant supplying comfort cooling to the Renaissance ...

DTE Energy

Operating Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$44.90/hr

Detroit, MI The Chilled Water Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a large-scale central chilled water plant supplying comfort cooling to the Renaissance ...

Imh

Central Plant Operator

Denver, CO · On-site

$34.88 - $53.07/hr

This includes performing water treatment on boilers, steam systems, chillers, and cooling towers ... Plant Equipment Operations * Troubleshooting * Corrective Maintenance Required Qualifications

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsWater Plant Operator JobsWater Plant Operator Trainee JobsWater Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Michigan

Water Plant Operator Trainee information

See Michigan salary details

$26.1K

$50K

$81.5K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator trainee in Michigan is $49,989.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,400.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

How to get hired as a water plant operator trainee?

To become a water plant operator trainee, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training or coursework, and sometimes a valid driver's license. Employers often require basic knowledge of water treatment processes, safety procedures, and may prefer candidates with some experience or certifications such as a state-issued water operator trainee license. Applying to municipal or private water treatment facilities and demonstrating a willingness to learn are key steps in securing a trainee position.

Is being a water plant operator trainee worth it?

A water plant operator trainee role provides hands-on experience in water treatment processes, often leading to certification and career advancement in the utility industry. The job typically involves working with control systems, monitoring water quality, and following safety protocols, making it a valuable entry-level position for those interested in public utilities and environmental management.

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. Training programs often last several months and include classroom instruction and on-the-job experience, with certifications like a state operator license usually needed for advancement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Plant Operator jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Water Plant Operator jobs in Michigan are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,989 per year, or $24 per hour.

Plant Operator

Munson Healthcare

Traverse City, MI • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Munson Healthcare rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Company Description

More Than Just Care, It’s Community  

Imagine doing meaningful work in a place where people vacation. That’s life at Munson Healthcare - northern Michigan’s largest healthcare system, with eight award-winning community hospitals serving over half a million residents across 29 counties.  

If you want a career in healthcare and a lifestyle most people only dream about – with freshwater lakes, scenic trails, charming downtowns, a vibrant arts scene, and endless outdoor adventures - you might just be Munson Material. To us, that means teammates who live by our values of excellence, teamness, positivity, creativity, and a commitment to creating exceptional experiences for our patients and each other. Join a team that delivers outstanding care in one of the most beautiful regions in the country.

Invested in You  

  • Grow: Tuition reimbursement, in-person and online development, and access to our career hub to help you advance. 

  • Thrive: Full benefits, paid holidays, generous PTO, employee discounts, and free individual retirement counseling.  

  • Be Well: Free wellness platform for you and your family, plus personalized support for personal or family challenges. 

  • Be Heard: Share your ideas and help shape the way we work through improvement huddles, employee surveys, and town hall meetings  

Job Description

A Day in the Life 

The Plant Operator is responsible for Operating stationary engines and mechanical equipment including but not exclusive to steam and hot water boilers, steam turbines, generators, air handlers, air conditioners, chillers, and water softeners to provide utility services. This position observes meters, records operating conditions of equipment along with performing preventative maintenance and repairs, and regulatory documentation as needed.

Qualifications

What’s Required  

  • .High School Diploma or GED

  • Experience in the operation, inspection preparation and preventive maintenance of high pressure boilers, controls, feed water systems and steam specialties

  • Valid MI Driver License 

  • State of Michigan Third-Class Stationary Engineer Registration- Must be completed within three years or an approved equivalency.


Additional Information

$4,500 Sign on Bonus Terms and Conditions Apply*

Are you Munson Material? Apply today! 

Munson Healthcare requires all employees be vaccinated or have lab confirmed immunity for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella. MHC also requires all employees to receive a flu vaccine during the flu season in the year that they are hired and annually thereafter, or receive an approved medical or religious exemption.

What Munson Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Munson Healthcare logo

About Munson Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Munson Healthcare is Northern Michigan's largest regional healthcare provider. We serve 30 Michigan counties with 8 community-based hospitals each with a system of outlying primary care and specialty clinics. We are committed to improving lives in those communities and invite you to become part of that mission by choosing Munson for your career in healthcare.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Traverse City, MI, US

Year founded

1925

Social media

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