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Water Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Three Rivers, MI

Kaiser Aluminum

Facilities Engineer

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

... plant. Please apply to requisition 1431 at www.kaiseraluminum.com/careers. This is an onsite ... Water Cooling Systems * Compressed Air System * Facility cement work * Hot Bag House * HVAC * Fire ...

JBS USA

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Plainwell, MI

$11 - $14/hr

The Plainwell facility produces biogas in an anaerobic lagoon and uses it in place of natural gas to heat a portion of the water used in the plant. The facility was recognized by the American Meat ...

JBS USA

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Plainwell, MI

$11 - $14/hr

The Plainwell facility produces biogas in an anaerobic lagoon and uses it in place of natural gas to heat a portion of the water used in the plant. The facility was recognized by the American Meat ...

JBS USA

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Plainwell, MI

$11 - $14/hr

The Plainwell facility produces biogas in an anaerobic lagoon and uses it in place of natural gas to heat a portion of the water used in the plant. The facility was recognized by the American Meat ...

JBS Imports

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Plainwell, MI · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

The Plainwell facility produces biogas in an anaerobic lagoon and uses it in place of natural gas to heat a portion of the water used in the plant. The facility was recognized by the American Meat ...

JBS USA

BEEF MODERNIZATION SORTER

Plainwell, MI · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

The Plainwell facility produces biogas in an anaerobic lagoon and uses it in place of natural gas to heat a portion of the water used in the plant. The facility was recognized by the American Meat ...

Hydro North America

Finance Manager

Cassopolis, MI

Partner with plant leadership to develop annual business plans, operating budgets, forecasts, and ... Monitor facility utility consumption and costs--including electricity, natural gas, water, argon ...

Norsk Hydro

Finance Manager

Cassopolis, MI · On-site

Partner with plant leadership to develop annual business plans, operating budgets, forecasts, and ... Monitor facility utility consumption and costs-including electricity, natural gas, water, argon ...

Norsk Hydro

Finance Manager (22511)

Cassopolis, MI · On-site

Partner with plant leadership to develop annual business plans, operating budgets, forecasts, and ... Monitor facility utility consumption and costs-including electricity, natural gas, water, argon ...

Norsk Hydro

Finance Manager

Cassopolis, MI · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Partner with plant leadership to develop annual business plans, operating budgets, forecasts, and ... Monitor facility utility consumption and costs--including electricity, natural gas, water, argon ...

Norsk Hydro

Finance Manager

Cassopolis, MI · On-site

Partner with plant leadership to develop annual business plans, operating budgets, forecasts, and ... Monitor facility utility consumption and costs-including electricity, natural gas, water, argon ...

Spartan Tool

Winder

Niles, MI · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

From our plant in Niles, Michigan, we design and assemble electro-mechanical machines, video inspection camera systems and high-pressure water jetters that are built to last, easy to use, and ready ...

Spartan Tool

Winder

Niles, MI · On-site

From our plant in Niles, Michigan, we design and assemble electro-mechanical machines, video inspection camera systems and high-pressure water jetters that are built to last, easy to use, and ready ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsWater Plant Operator JobsWater Plant Operator Trainee JobsWater Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Three Rivers, MI

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:

Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs near you
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.

Facilities Engineer

Kaiser Aluminum

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

Kaiser Aluminum rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

296th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

The Facilities Engineer identifies and manage asset reliability risks that could adversely affect plant or business operations at our Kalamazoo Michigan aluminum casting and extrusion plant. Please apply to requisition 1431 at www.kaiseraluminum.com/careers.


This is an onsite position. At this time, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role, either now or in the future. Therefore, we cannot move forward with candidates who would require sponsorship and or are on (e.g., H-1B, F-1, STEM OPT, OPT) visas.


What you will work on:

  • Work with maintenance, engineering, and 3rd parties to ensure the reliability and maintainability of new and modified installations for facility equipment including but not limited to:
  • Water Cooling Systems
  • Compressed Air System
  • Facility cement work
  • Hot Bag House
  • HVAC
  • Fire suppression systems
  • Environmental requirements
  • Plant Electrical distribution and efficiencies
  • Other Facilities or shared resource related equipment
  • Develop solutions to reduce losses from repetitive failures and all other problems that adversely affect plant operations including capacity, quality, cost or regulatory compliance issues
  • To fulfill the responsibility listed above, this position shall apply:
  • Root-Cause and Root-Cause Failure Analysis (RCA, RCFA)
  • Failure Reporting, Analysis and Corrective Action System (FRACAS)
  • Analyze asset system performance to include:
  • Asset utilization
  • Remaining useful life
  • Other parameters that define operating condition, reliability, and costs of assets
  • Develop and monitor asset
  • Apply value analysis to repair/replace, repair/re-design, and make/buy decisions
  • Track utility spend with CI mindset for overall plant cost reductions opportunities
  • Provide documentation and on site training for maintenance and engineering personnel.


Relationships

  • Report to the Engineering & Maintenance Manager
  • Maintenance department and 3rd party resources to be utilized


What you will bring to the role:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related technical field, OR a minimum of five (5) years of experience working with industrial facility systems is required
  • Master Electrician License a plus
  • Working PC skills including Windows, Word, Excel, Power Point, AutoCAD, Maximo
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Ability to define, collect, and analyze data


Other skills:

  • Excellent equipment troubleshooting abilities is essential.
  • Strong analytical problem-solving and organization skills.
  • PC proficiency including, but not limited to, the use of Word, Excel, and Power Point.
  • Solid interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication.
  • Proven ability to work in a low supervision environment while successfully meeting goals.
  • Willingness to work around large manufacturing equipment and furnaces.
  • Experience with technical projects/initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Strong PC skills, including Windows, Word, Excel, various data collection and analysis packages.
  • Proven ability to work in teams.
  • Robotics experience is a plus.
  • AutoCAD Electrical.
  • Industrial networking.


No third-party candidate submissions are being accepted at this time for this opening.


We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered based on job-related qualifications and abilities. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran, or disability status.


About Kaiser Aluminum: Talented people join our team because we are a company passionate about environmental sustainability, employee growth, contributing back to our communities and championing an inclusive culture.

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