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Water Plant Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of East Point

Water Plant Operator III

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$20/hr

Major Duties WATER PLANT OPERATOR III - This is the trainee/entry level classification level. Major Duties: Operates and maintains equipment such as pumps, blowers, motors, bar screens, chemical feed ...

City of Springfield (MO)

Plant Operator II

Springfield, MO · On-site

$39K - $64K/yr

The City of Springfield is committed to protecting the water quality of the Ozarks for many ... Plant Operator Trainee Experience, Education, and Training At least six months of experience in the ...

Tampa Bay Water

Water Plant Operator C

Clearwater, FL

$44K - $71K/yr

Position Overview Under general supervision, Water Plant Operators perform certified and skilled ... Provides training to Operator Trainees. Observes safety policies and procedures in accordance with ...

Uni

Utility Plant Operator Trainee/I/II/III

Campus, IL · On-site

$24.90/hr

... water production equipment, and associated auxiliaries; and coordinates power plant equipment ... Utility Plant Operator Trainee : Ability to read, write, and follow instructions. Upon completion ...

ntmw

Water Plant Operator III

Wylie, TX

Section 1 - Position Summary Under the direction of the Lead Control Room Operator, Lead Water Plant Operator(s), Shift Supervisor and/or the Plant Supervisor (depending on the size and scope of the ...

City of Springfield, MO

Plant Operator II

Springfield, MO · On-site

$39K - $64K/yr

The City of Springfield is committed to protecting the water quality of the Ozarks for many ... Plant Operator Trainee Experience, Education, and Training * At least six months of experience in ...

City of West Melbourne, FL

Water Plant Operator

FL · On-site

$44K - $68K/yr

JOB SUMMARY Under the direction of the Chief Operator and/or Water Plant Director, this position is responsible for the skilled operation, maintenance and repair of the City's RO Water Treatment ...

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Water Plant Operator Trainee information

See salary details

$30K

$57.4K

$93.5K

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

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator trainee in the United States is $57,354.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $66,000.00 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.

What does an operator trainee do?

A Water Plant Operator Trainee assists in the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities under supervision. They learn to monitor equipment, perform tests, and ensure water quality standards are met, often gaining certifications and technical skills during training. The role involves working with control systems, safety protocols, and routine inspections.

Is it hard to become a water treatment operator?

Becoming a water plant operator trainee typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a written exam, and gaining on-the-job training. The role involves understanding water treatment processes, operating control systems, and often obtaining state certification, which can involve additional coursework and testing. The difficulty varies depending on individual background and the specific certification requirements of the region.

Are water plant operators in demand?

Water plant operators are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for safe and reliable water treatment. Employment opportunities are often available in municipal, industrial, and environmental sectors, especially for those with certifications and technical skills in operating treatment equipment and monitoring water quality.

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.
More about Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Water Plant Operator Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Plant Operator jobs? The most popular types of Water Plant Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs are:
Water Plant Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,354 per year, or $27.6 per hour.
Water Plant Operator III

Water Plant Operator III

North Texas Municipal Water District

Wylie, TX • On-site

$27.24 - $40.31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

North Texas Municipal Water District rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) provides vital wholesale water, wastewater and solid waste management services to more than two million people who call North Texas their home. Our culture is deeply ingrained in our core values of Integrity, Trust, Respect, Unity, Service, and Teamwork (ITRUST). Our employees will tell you they feel a sense of purpose and have a daily opportunity to make a positive impact on the cities we serve by helping to provide services that their residents and businesses need to thrive. We offer an array of excellent benefits, including comprehensive health and wellness packages, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, and a robust pension plan to help secure our employees' financial future. If you are looking for a rewarding, long-term career where you can make a meaningful impact on the North Texas region, look no further than NTMWD!
Section 1 - Position Summary
Under the direction of the Lead Control Room Operator, Lead Water Plant Operator(s), Shift Supervisor and/or the Plant Supervisor (depending on the size and scope of the facility), the Water Plant Operator III performs, plans, and organizes the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of water facilities and associated systems including, but not limited to, raw water intakes, headworks, flocculation/sedimentation basins, solids handling, filtration, related facility structures, SCADA, Transmission system and pump stations; performs a variety of work assignments to ensure acceptable asset condition, water quality, and health and safety standards are met or exceeded; and performs and/or supervises related work as required to ensure efficient and effective facility operations. The Operator III may also be assigned special duty oversight of operational programs to support optimization and maintenance programs.
Section 2 - Major Responsibilities
  1. Work collaboratively with the supervisory personnel and other operators to assure optimal process efficiency, proper monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
  2. Monitors the treatment process from the control board/computer screen; monitors various treatment processes including coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection; monitors the addition of chemicals added for corrosion control and dental caries prevention.
  3. Monitors water quality, ensuring parameters are within compliance, by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process including tests for chlorine residual, fluoride residual, chlorite residual, pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, odors, and other tests as necessary to maintain water quality; calibrates laboratory equipment; maintains laboratory records.
  4. Determines chemical dosage and makes adjustments to plant processes as necessary including for ferric sulfate, chlorine, ammonia, sodium chlorite, ozone, caustic soda, and other chemicals.
  5. Reads gauges and meters; interprets data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper transmission operation, security, and alarm status; makes flow adjustments.
  6. Operates pumps and valves utilizing a SCADA system; operates power plant utilizing computer interface; backwashes filters using SCADA or manual control, monitors systems for alarms, make adjustments, and provides appropriate response; notifies water stand-by or other personnel as necessary to respond to problems.
  7. Operates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves; operates hand and power tools; operates a light truck.
  8. Operates chlorination equipment related to the chlorine and chlorine dioxide feed system; assist in performing maintenance on chemical feed systems including chemical piping system; participates in calibration of chemical feed equipment.
  9. Assist in orders chemicals; takes delivery of bulk chlorine and maintains chemical receiving logs.
  10. Creates service request related to plant operations and maintenance activities utilizing the CMMS to coordinate with personnel and support personnel.
  11. Maintains thorough operational logs and records.
  12. Makes visual inspections; monitors facilities and roads to insure adequate security.
  13. Performs preventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment; assists specialized trades personnel in making major and/or specialized repairs to equipment; coordinates work of contractors and of other departments.
  14. Operates the District's water transmission system including reservoirs and pump stations; ensures adequate availability and pressure to all service connections; delivers required flow rates to customers.
  15. Leads operational programs related to treatment optimization and maintenance related activities as directed by plant operations management.
  16. Provides appropriate response to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials; wears respirators including self-contained breathing apparatus as required.
  17. Responds to inquiries from the vendors, suppliers, and public; answers questions from customers pertaining to water quality, low pressure, and leak reports.
  18. May assist in training new operators.
  19. Performs related duties as required.

Section 3 - Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  1. Must possess the ability to communicate and document daily activities to ensure proper plant operation.
  2. Must be able to run lab tests and interpret results and equipment malfunction.

Section 4 - Education and Experience
  1. Maintain a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or predecessor agency) Class B Water Treatment Operator's License.
  2. Possess five (5) years of experience in water treatment or a suitable combination of directly relevant education and experience, as determined by NTMWD.
  3. Possess a high school diploma or GED (an associate degree or trade certification is preferred).
  4. Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License.

Section 5 - Environmental Factors, Activity Levels and Equipment
The duties and responsibilities are generally performed in a water treatment environment. The position involves sitting (up to 6 hours per day), frequent standing, frequent walking, light to heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.), light carrying, frequent bending and reaching, keyboarding, and telephone operation. It often requires an irregular work schedule and overtime hours. Specific physical conditions require frequent work with chemicals, tools, machinery, moving mechanical parts, etc.
The duties and responsibilities are performed both indoors and outdoors. Moderate to heavy exposure to sun, dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, biological hazards, rain, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials and chemicals, machinery, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, and water hazards are common. Performs and reviews work at locations that involve hazardous environments requiring the physical ability to wear and work using personal protective equipment (PPE) that meet or exceed guidelines such as established by OSHA which may result in some physical discomfort due to temperature, dust, odors, chemicals and noise. The position may require work in confined spaces, on ladders and rooftops, and in adverse weather conditions with appropriate training.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Ability to pass annual medical evaluation and receive certification to utilize respiratory protection equipment, where required by work assignment post-employment offer. Must meet shaving requirements for respiratory fit test at all times.
  • Must be able to pass hazardous materials medical examination and test during pre-employment (applicable only to those on Hazardous Response Team).
  • Perform functions requiring manual dexterity and precision movements, continuous or repetitive arm and hand movements, grasping movements, and occasional forceful exertion.
  • Perceive/discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth and visual cues or signals.
  • Possess visual and muscular dexterity to operate a motor vehicle (including while towing portable equipment), equipment, hand tools, and a computer.

Thank you for considering a career with us! We value diversity, equal opportunity, and a positive work environment. We are committed to providing a rewarding and fulfilling career with opportunities for growth and development. If you are passionate about making a difference and contributing to a dynamic and growing organization, we want to hear from you. Apply today and let's explore the potential of working together to provide affordable, safe and reliable water, wastewater, and solid waste management services to the North Texas region.

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