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Water Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Decatur, AL

Kohler

Maintenance General Supervisor

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$87K - $133K/yr

This position serves as the maintenance voice in daily operating rhythms, ensuring rapid response ... Oversee maintenance response to issues with plant infrastructure, including buildings, grounds ...

Kohler Co.

Maintenance General Supervisor

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$87K - $133K/yr

This position serves as the maintenance voice in daily operating rhythms, ensuring rapid response ... Oversee maintenance response to issues with plant infrastructure, including buildings, grounds ...

JB Poindexter & Co., Inc.

Mold Tech - 1st Shift

Decatur, AL · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

Experienced in pneumatic (air), steam, hydraulic and water systems preferred * Ability to follow ... Poindexter & Co., Inc., a privately held, diversified manufacturing company with operating ...

Teledyne

Technical Writer

Huntsville, AL

These markets include aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality ... Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish ...

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Technical Writer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

These markets include aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality ... Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish ...

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All JobsWater Plant Operator JobsWater Plant Operator Trainee JobsWater Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Decatur, AL

Water Plant Operator Trainee information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$28.1K

$53.8K

$87.7K

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

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator trainee in Decatur, AL is $53,766.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,200.00 and $61,900.00 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, followed by on-the-job training and passing relevant certification exams. The process involves learning about water treatment processes, safety protocols, and equipment operation, which can take several months to a year depending on the program and employer requirements.

What do I need to become a water operator?

To become a water plant operator trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions require relevant coursework or experience in water treatment or related fields. Certification or licensing, such as a state-issued water operator license, is often required or preferred, and on-the-job training is common for new trainees.

Is a water treatment plant operator a hard job?

A water treatment plant operator trainee job involves monitoring and maintaining water treatment processes, which requires attention to detail, technical skills, and adherence to safety protocols. The role can be physically demanding and often requires certification and ongoing training, but it is manageable with proper preparation and training.

What are Water Plant Operator Trainees?

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, and why are they important?

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 is the role of an operator trainee?

A Water Plant Operator Trainee is responsible for learning and assisting with the operation and maintenance of water treatment and distribution systems. They monitor equipment, follow safety procedures, and may need to obtain certifications such as a water operator license as they gain experience. The role involves working under supervision to ensure water quality and system efficiency.
What are popular job titles related to Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Decatur, AL? For Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL 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 Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,766 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Maintenance General Supervisor

Maintenance General Supervisor

Kohler

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$87K - $133K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Maintenance General Supervisor

WorkMode: Onsite

Location:  Onsite - Huntsville, AL

Opportunity

The General Supervisor – Maintenance & Facilities role provides direct leadership to shift supervisors and facility technicians, integrating equipment maintenance, utilities, and site infrastructure into a cohesive, high-performing operation.

This position serves as the maintenance voice in daily operating rhythms, ensuring rapid response to issues, strong cross-functional alignment, and continuous improvement in equipment and facility performance.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance & Reliability Execution

  • Lead execution of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance work orders and responses across all production equipment and plant systems
  • Drive downtime reduction and OEE improvement through disciplined troubleshooting and root cause problem solving
  • Own maintenance response time to breakdowns, ensuring rapid triage, escalation, and resolution to minimize production impact
  • Establish clear expectations and accountability for response time, repair quality, and follow-up actions
  • Support installation, commissioning, and optimization of new equipment as requested.

Facilities & Utilities Management

  • Oversee maintenance response to issues with plant infrastructure, including buildings, grounds, utilities, and critical systems (HVAC, compressed air, water, fire protection, etc.)
  • Ensure reliability of utility systems and facility services required for uninterrupted operations
  • Manage contracted services (janitorial, waste removal, grounds, etc.) and vendor performance as assigned.

Daily Operations & Tier Escalation Leadership

  • Serve as the maintenance representative in Tier 2 and Tier 3 meetings, providing clear status on downtime, constraints, and recovery plans
  • Own escalation of maintenance-related issues, ensuring timely communication, prioritization, and cross-functional alignment
  • Drive closure of escalated issues with defined actions, owners, and timelines

People Leadership & Development

  • Directly lead maintenance supervisors and facility technicians, setting clear expectations for safety, quality, responsiveness, and performance
  • Build a high-accountability culture focused on urgency, ownership, and teamwork
  • Coach and develop frontline leaders and skilled trades to strengthen bench depth and technical capability
  • Support staffing, scheduling, training, and performance management processes

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure compliance with all OSHA, EPA, and company policies related to maintenance and facility operations
  • Maintain and support programs including fire protection systems, environmental reporting, and permit compliance
  • Lead safe work practices, including LOTO, confined space, and contractor safety
  • Proactively identify and mitigate operational and infrastructure risks

Planning, Budget & Control

  • Drive cost control through effective resource utilization, contractor management, and inventory oversight
  • Partner on shutdown planning and major maintenance events to optimize efficiency and minimize downtime
  • Ensure accurate maintenance data, asset history, and reporting for decision-making
  • Trained on all applicable SOPs, LOPs, policies, and procedures.

Skills/Requirements

  • Associate's degree in related field.
  • 8+ years of relevant work experience in a manufacturing operation.
  • Good communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to control costs and plan budgets.
  • Ability to motivate, energize, influence and develop subordinates.

#LI-Onsite

#LI-TH1

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

We believe in supporting you from the moment you join us, which is why Kohler offers day 1 benefits. This means you'll have access to your applicable benefit programs from your first day on the job, with no waiting period. The salary range for this position is $87,500 - $133,600. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's experience, their education, and the work location. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation.

Why Choose Kohler?
We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we're driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.
About Us
It is Kohler's policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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