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Water Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Three Rivers, MI

Monitor emissions control systems and promptly notify the Control Room Operator of regulatory deviations. * Collect water samples and perform chemical testing in accordance with plant procedures and ...

Water Cooling Systems * Compressed Air System * Facility cement work * Hot Bag House * HVAC * Fire ... Plant Electrical distribution and efficiencies * Other Facilities or shared resource related ...

Water Cooling Systems * Compressed Air System * Facility cement work * Hot Bag House * HVAC * Fire ... Plant Electrical distribution and efficiencies * Other Facilities or shared resource related ...

Water Cooling Systems * Compressed Air System * Facility cement work * Hot Bag House * HVAC * Fire ... Plant Electrical distribution and efficiencies * Other Facilities or shared resource related ...

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Water Plant Operator Trainee information

See Three Rivers, MI salary details

$27.7K

$52.9K

$86.2K

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 Three Rivers, MI is $52,896.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,600.00 and $60,900.00 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 cities near Three Rivers, MI are hiring for Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Three Rivers, MI with the most Water Plant Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Three Rivers, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,896 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Water/Wastewater Plant Operator - Maintenance

Veolia Environnement SA

Dowagiac, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Company Description

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Job Description

Position Purpose:ย 

Participates in the operation, maintenance, and repair of the water and wastewater treatment facilities.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:ย 

  • Monitors and operates wastewater treatment plant equipment such as pumps, valves, motors, blowers, and chemical feed equipment. Adjusts and makes minor repairs to wastewater treatment plant equipment, collects samples, runs tests and keep records. Adjusts or alters chemical treatment of plant process as required.
  • Participates in treatment processes, plant laboratory analyses and the operation and maintenance of all plant equipment.
  • Ensures that all plant records and reports are completed and maintained accurately and on time.
  • Furnishes necessary assistance to regulatory representatives inspecting the plant.
  • Adjusts or alters chemical treatment of plant processes as required.
  • Responds to and controls accidental releases of hazardous liquids and gasses, performs confined space entries as required.
  • Observation of pump and motor operation and other routine monitoring of equipment, daily record keeping involved writing a logbook and entering data into a computer.

Work Environment:

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely exposed to a variety of outside weather conditions, including very hot temperatures.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background:ย 

  • High School Diploma/GED is required.
  • Some Water and or Wastewater experience preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:ย 

  • Ability to communicate with all levels including team, management, clients, and vendors in a professional manner both orally and in writing.
  • Safety procedures in maintenance and operations.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training:ย 

  • Valid MI "S3" and "D3" Water License and/or Class "C" Wastewater License within 2.5 years of employment.
  • Valid MIย driver's license required.

Physical Requirements:

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
  • The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, climb stairs or ladders, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell.
  • The employee may regularly lift 10-20 pounds and may occasionally lift and or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to distinguish color, close vision and distance vision.
  • The employee must be able to operate electric motors fueled by gasoline, diesel, or gaseous fuels, paint, welding, and fabrication equipment, and other hand tools required.
Additional Information

Benefits: Veolia's comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.