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Water Plant Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Senior Plant Operator

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$32.80 - $43.79/hr

SENIOR PLANT OPERATOR This recruitment is open until the position is filled. Applications will be ... Public Works / Water Utilities Job Type: Full-Time Regular This position is classified as safety ...

Senior Plant Operator

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$32.80 - $43.79/hr

SENIOR PLANT OPERATOR This recruitment is open until the position is filled. Applications will be ... Public Works / Water Utilities Job Type: Full-Time Regular This position is classified as safety ...

Plant Operations • Chillers • SCADA • Water Treatment • Tucson, AZ Night shift: Wed-Sat 8 ... You'll diagnose operating problems, conduct preventive maintenance, operate PLCs and SCADA systems ...

Water/Wastewater Operator- Kingman, AZ

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$21.50 - $29.75/hr

GHD has an exciting opportunity for a Wastewater/Water Treatment Plant Operator to be based on location in Kingman, AZ. As a Wastewater/Water Operator, you will be working with the Contract ...

Operating water/wastewater treatment plants, Utility mechanic, stationary engineer, refrigeration mechanic * The ability to demonstrate advanced skills in the field of plant operations. * Independent ...

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Water Plant Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$27.5K

$54.9K

$91.8K

How much do water plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator in Arizona is $54,874.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,900.00 and $62,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water plant operator?

Water Plant Operators are professionals responsible for running and maintaining water treatment plants. They manage the equipment and processes that treat and distribute water for public consumption or industrial use. Their duties include monitoring water quality, conducting tests, adjusting chemical levels, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Water Plant Operators play a critical role in providing safe, clean water to communities.

What does a water plant operator do?

The job duties of a water plant operator include working to operate and maintain a water plant. Your responsibilities in this job revolve around monitoring pumping equipment and ensuring proper water treatment. You may need to repair or facilitate the repair of equipment to keep water supply flowing. You usually collect sample data and test the water to ensure quality and safety. You are often responsible for ensuring the proper flow of water through filtering equipment, and you may clean filters and fill treatment chemicals as needed. Most plant operators need to keep a log of their activities on a daily basis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water plant operator?

To thrive as a Water Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, safety regulations, and relevant environmental standards, often backed by a high school diploma and state-specific operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing instruments, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for monitoring systems and responding to issues. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of clean water to the community.

What are some common challenges faced by water plant operators in maintaining regulatory compliance?

Water Plant Operators often face challenges in keeping up with evolving environmental regulations and ensuring all treatment processes consistently meet strict water quality standards. This involves regular monitoring, accurate record-keeping, and prompt adjustments to chemical dosages or equipment settings. Operators must also be prepared to troubleshoot unexpected equipment malfunctions or respond to weather-related changes that affect water quality. Staying current with training and technological advancements is essential to successfully manage these compliance responsibilities.

What is the difference between Water Plant Operator vs Water Treatment Technician?

AspectWater Plant OperatorWater Treatment Technician
CertificationsWater operator license, state certificationWater treatment certification, state license
Work EnvironmentWater treatment plants, distribution systemsWater treatment facilities, field sites
Job FocusOperating and maintaining water treatment equipmentMonitoring, testing, and troubleshooting treatment processes

Both roles involve working in water treatment facilities and require similar certifications. Water Plant Operators typically oversee the entire treatment process and plant operations, while Water Treatment Technicians focus more on testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting equipment. Both positions are essential for ensuring safe, clean water and often share similar work environments and industry usage.

How much do water treatment plant operators make?

Water treatment plant operators in Texas typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the size of the facility. Salaries can vary based on location, with additional pay for overtime, night shifts, or specialized skills such as SCADA system operation.

Is being a water plant operator a good job?

Water plant operators are responsible for maintaining and operating water treatment facilities to ensure safe drinking water. The job typically requires technical skills, certifications, and adherence to safety standards, and offers stable employment with opportunities for advancement. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in public health and environmental protection.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Plant Operator jobs in Arizona?

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

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

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

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Water Plant Operator jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Water Plant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,874 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

WATER PLANT OPERATOR LEAD

Lake Havasu City, AZ

Lake Havasu City, AZ • On-site

$31.91 - $46.27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

**WATER PLANT OPERATOR LEAD**

Lake Havasu City, AZ

Closing Date: Open until Filled

OTF26-308

Salary: $31.91-$46.27/Hourly DOQ

Trainee: $28.71/Hourly

Grade: CP11

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt                                                                                 

Department: PW/Water Treatment

INITIAL APPLICATION REVIEW WILL TAKE PLACE TWO WEEKS AFTER OPEN. INTERESTED CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REVIEW WILL ONLY BE CONDUCTED IF NECESSARY.

Lake Havasu City is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Water Plant Operator Lead to join our Water Division team. In this essential leadership role, you'll oversee daily operations at our water treatment facility, guide and support plant operators, and ensure we continue delivering high-quality, safe drinking water to our growing community.

This is an excellent opportunity for a certified operator ready to take the next step into leadership, training, and complex system troubleshooting.

What you will do:

  • Lead and train operations staff in daily plant functions

  • Operate and monitor treatment processes, equipment, and SCADA systems

  • Perform lab testing and analyze water quality data

  • Ensure compliance with ADEQ and EPA regulations

  • Oversee preventative maintenance and coordinate repairs

  • Maintain accurate records, logs, and compliance documentation

  • Respond to emergency situations and participate in on-call rotation

TO VIEW DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION, Click Here

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

We're looking for someone who is:

  • A strong team player with excellent time management and communication skills.

  • Experienced in a lead position at a potable water treatment plant.

  • A natural leader who inspires others and builds strong community relationships

  • Exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and committed to excellence

  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements for water quality. 

REQUIREMENTS

  • High School Diploma

  • 3-5 years' experience in utility plant operations and maintenance, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

  • Possession of Grade III Water Treatment and Grade IV Water Treatment Certification issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) at hire.

  • Possession of a valid Commercial Driver License Class B with a Tanker Endorsement is preferred.

The selected candidate who does not possess the required certification will be considered a trainee at the time of hire.

Position may also require one (1) or more of the following certifications depending on assignment:

Confined Space Certification.

Lock-out/tag-out

Forklift Certification.

Hazardous Materials Certification

Lake Havasu City offers an exceptional benefits package for full-time (FTE) Employees: 

    Employer-provided Medical/Rx (EPO or HDHP)

    Dental/Vision

    Wellness Program

    Employee Assistance Program

    Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account

    Employer-Provided Basic Life Insurance

    Optional Additional Life Insurance

    Optional Insurance-Critical Illness, Hospitalization, Indemnity

    11 Paid Holidays Annually

    Bereavement Leave

    Paid Vacation 

    Short Term Disability 

    Long Term Disability

    Opportunities for advancement

    Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

    Optional Deferred Compensation

    Tuition Reimbursement

    Service Awards

Additional Comments

Lake Havasu City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. 

Applicants for employment opportunities should be aware of the Lake Havasu City policies concerning the use of drugs and alcohol. These policies have not been altered by the passage of Proposition 207. The use of recreational marijuana is a violation of the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy. All positions within the City are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test. A positive result for drugs tested under the policy, including recreational marijuana, may be grounds for withdrawal of an offer of employment. 

The City reserves the right to consider only the most highly qualified applicants. The succeeding examination processes may be required: training and experience, testing, panel interview, employment eligibility verification (EEV) requirements, personnel evaluation profile (PEP), polygraph test, background investigation, and alcohol/drug screening test. Appointment subject to successful background investigation and City-paid post-employment medical examination after offer of employment has been made.

Lake Havasu City sits comfortably on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu along the Colorado River border of California and Arizona. The city was established in 1963 by Robert P. McCulloch, Sr. as a self-sufficient, planned community.

Lake Havasu City is located on what is known as "Arizona's West Coast," just 3 hours west of Phoenix, 2 hours south of Las Vegas and 4-5 hours east of the Los Angeles area. As part of the northern and western limits of the Sonoran Desert, Lake Havasu City and the surrounding area feature outstanding biodiversity absolutely loaded with beautiful experiences.