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Water Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Hall's Culligan Water

Plant Operator

Cleveland, OH

$20.50/hr

Western Reserve Pure Water is searching for a Plant Operator to join our team. As the premium provider of drinking water and water treatment services for the greater part of a century, Hall ...

Hall's Culligan Water

Plant Operator

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$20.50/hr

Western Reserve Pure Water is searching for a Plant Operator to join our team. As the premium provider of drinking water and water treatment services for the greater part of a century, Hall ...

CITY OF FREMONT

Water Supply Operator 1

Fremont, OH · On-site

$21.66/hr

Operates and monitors water treatment plant in accordance with established operating procedures ... Provides guidance to operator trainees. Performs duties of co-workers as workload dictates.

CRH Ohio, LTD

Plant Operator

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$20.50/hr

Western Reserve Pure Water is searching for a Plant Operator to join our team. As the premium provider of drinking water and water treatment services for the greater part of a century, Hall ...

City of Cincinnati, OH

PLANT OPERATOR 1

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$56K - $58K/yr

Water Works Opening Date: 08/19/2025 Closing Date: 9/2/2026 12:02 PM Eastern General Statement of ... A Plant Operator 1 possessing the required Ohio EPA Class I Water Supply Professional Operator ...

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All JobsWater Plant Operator JobsWater Plant Operator Trainee JobsWater Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Ohio

Water Plant Operator Trainee information

See Ohio salary details

$28.5K

$54.5K

$88.9K

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

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator trainee in Ohio is $54,526.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,800.00 and $62,700.00 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 Ohio?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cities in Ohio 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 Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,526 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Water Plant Operator

Washington Court House, OH • On-site

Fayette County State of Ohio
See more jobs at Fayette County State of Ohioexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Pay Scale:

OIT $20.40-$23.46 Hourly

Class I $28.05-$31.42 Hourly

Class II $31.42-$34.78 Hourly

Class III $34.78-$38.15 Hourly

FRINGE BENEFITS:  

  • Medical, dental, and vision available for employee, spouse, and family  
  • Employee assistance program provided to employees and their households 
  • Wellness program for employees and spouses enrolled in a medical insurance plan 
  • Paid sick leave, if earned leave is available 
  • Paid vacation, , if earned leave is available 
  • Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) 
  • Deferred compensation plans available
Job Description

Monitors and operates the water treatment processes using the plant SCADA system, process control switches, digital readouts, gauges, charts, and other instrumentation.  Interprets operational data and adjusts valve positions, chemical dosages and feed points, filtration rates, and pumping rates.  Monitors and inspects chemical storage tanks.  Monitors the unloading of chemicals from tanker trucks.  Backwashes filters and visually observes the characteristics of the wash water.  Makes rounds to visually and audibly inspect the operating condition and settings of pumps, electric motors, valves, mixers, flocculators, sludge collectors, compressors, electrical generators, chemical feed systems, and flow meters.   Drives to various locations to assist in the delivery of chemicals and to inspect process equipment.  Logs readings from various gauges, meters, and instruments as needed.  Operates stand-by generators during power outages or as a supplemental electrical power supply.  Keeps a log of various activities during shift.  Performs snow and ice removal from plant walkways using shovel, salt spreader, and/or snow blower.  Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must possess a high school diploma, GED equivalent.
  • Additional trade specific courses preferred.
  • Possession of a Class I Water Supply Professional Operators Certificate as issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency or must obtain within two years of employment.
  •   Possession of a valid State of Ohio driver’s license and have the ability to be insured.
  • Be able to consistently lift 50 lbs.
  • Able to work in inclement weather
  • Ability to work alone and make educated decisions based off of data collected to ensure consistent operation of the plant.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Class III water supply professional operators license issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
  • Three years in operation of water treatment processes, ideally surface water, lime softening systems
  • Knowledge of the equipment, operations, practices, and safety precautions relevant to the treatment and pumping of potable water.  
  • Knowledge of the servicing and maintenance of water treatment plant equipment.

Additional Information

Who We Are?

Fayette County Water is a fast-growing water system currently in the process of building a brand new 4.0 MGD surface water treatment plant and a 1 MGD WWTP for an ever-expanding system.  We are 100 % team-oriented organization, with a large emphasis on setting and achieving goals in order to provide a safe, quality product to our customers. We currently looking to fill several operator positions by the end of 2024.  With an additional 2 satellite distribution systems and 2 separate Wastewater treatment plants located within Fayette County along with a 2MGD raw water plant

Definition

Independently operate, maintain, repair and inspect water mains and collection systems within 6 systems. Aid in the operation of the counties Collection system and satellite Waste Water plants as needed Includes the collection of water samples per state regulations, recording data and preparing regulatory reports, and other similar duties. With parameters and goals set forth by management and the OEPA.

Fayette County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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