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Water Plant Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Hall's Culligan Water

Plant Operator

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$20.50/hr

Western Reserve Pure Water is searching for a Plant Operator to join our team. As the premium provider of drinking water and water treatment services for the greater part of a century, Hall ...

Hall's Culligan Water

Plant Operator

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$20.50/hr

Western Reserve Pure Water is searching for a Plant Operator to join our team. As the premium provider of drinking water and water treatment services for the greater part of a century, Hall ...

City of Cincinnati, OH

PLANT OPERATOR 1

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$56K - $58K/yr

Water Works Opening Date: 08/19/2025 Closing Date: 9/2/2026 12:02 PM Eastern General Statement of ... A Plant Operator 1 possessing the required Ohio EPA Class I Water Supply Professional Operator ...

Olon USA LLC

Plant Operator

Painesville, OH · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

Chemical Manufacturing Operato r Plant Operator (Technician II) OLON USA LLC is seeking qualified chemical manufacturing operator candidates to execute batch processes within the sites pilot plant ...

Olon USA LLC

Plant Operator

Painesville, OH · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

Chemical Manufacturing Operato r Plant Operator (Technician II) OLON USA LLC is seeking qualified chemical manufacturing operator candidates to execute batch processes within the sites pilot plant ...

Montauk Energy

Plant Operator

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

Plant Operator ID: 2275 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Department: Operations More about this job > Description Location: Cincinnati, OH Job Title: Plant Operator Reports To: Plant Manager Non-Exempt ...

WaterCo

Plant Operator

Fairfield, OH

$20/hr

Manage loading/unloading of 5-3-gallon water bottles, both empty and full. * Showcase teamwork as ... The Plant Operator role provides a dynamic team environment and the opportunity to contribute ...

WaterCo

Plant Operator

Fairborn, OH · On-site

$18/hr

Manage loading/unloading of 5-3-gallon water bottles, both empty and full. * Showcase teamwork as ... The Plant Operator role provides a dynamic team environment and the opportunity to contribute ...

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All JobsWater Plant Operator JobsWater Plant Operator Jobs in Ohio

Water Plant Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$28K

$56K

$93.6K

How much do water plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator in Ohio is $55,982.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,700.00 and $64,200.00 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.
More about Water Plant Operator jobs

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For Water Plant Operator jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Water Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,982 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Water Plant Operator

Fayette County State of Ohio

Washington Court House, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Company Description

Pay Scale:

OIT $20.40-$23.46 Hourly

Class I $28.05-$31.42 Hourly

Class II $31.42-$34.78 Hourly

Class III $34.78-$38.15 Hourly

FRINGE BENEFITS:  

  • Medical, dental, and vision available for employee, spouse, and family  
  • Employee assistance program provided to employees and their households 
  • Wellness program for employees and spouses enrolled in a medical insurance plan 
  • Paid sick leave, if earned leave is available 
  • Paid vacation, , if earned leave is available 
  • Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) 
  • Deferred compensation plans available
Job Description

Monitors and operates the water treatment processes using the plant SCADA system, process control switches, digital readouts, gauges, charts, and other instrumentation.  Interprets operational data and adjusts valve positions, chemical dosages and feed points, filtration rates, and pumping rates.  Monitors and inspects chemical storage tanks.  Monitors the unloading of chemicals from tanker trucks.  Backwashes filters and visually observes the characteristics of the wash water.  Makes rounds to visually and audibly inspect the operating condition and settings of pumps, electric motors, valves, mixers, flocculators, sludge collectors, compressors, electrical generators, chemical feed systems, and flow meters.   Drives to various locations to assist in the delivery of chemicals and to inspect process equipment.  Logs readings from various gauges, meters, and instruments as needed.  Operates stand-by generators during power outages or as a supplemental electrical power supply.  Keeps a log of various activities during shift.  Performs snow and ice removal from plant walkways using shovel, salt spreader, and/or snow blower.  Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must possess a high school diploma, GED equivalent.
  • Additional trade specific courses preferred.
  • Possession of a Class I Water Supply Professional Operators Certificate as issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency or must obtain within two years of employment.
  •   Possession of a valid State of Ohio driver’s license and have the ability to be insured.
  • Be able to consistently lift 50 lbs.
  • Able to work in inclement weather
  • Ability to work alone and make educated decisions based off of data collected to ensure consistent operation of the plant.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Class III water supply professional operators license issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
  • Three years in operation of water treatment processes, ideally surface water, lime softening systems
  • Knowledge of the equipment, operations, practices, and safety precautions relevant to the treatment and pumping of potable water.  
  • Knowledge of the servicing and maintenance of water treatment plant equipment.

Additional Information

Who We Are?

Fayette County Water is a fast-growing water system currently in the process of building a brand new 4.0 MGD surface water treatment plant and a 1 MGD WWTP for an ever-expanding system.  We are 100 % team-oriented organization, with a large emphasis on setting and achieving goals in order to provide a safe, quality product to our customers. We currently looking to fill several operator positions by the end of 2024.  With an additional 2 satellite distribution systems and 2 separate Wastewater treatment plants located within Fayette County along with a 2MGD raw water plant

Definition

Independently operate, maintain, repair and inspect water mains and collection systems within 6 systems. Aid in the operation of the counties Collection system and satellite Waste Water plants as needed Includes the collection of water samples per state regulations, recording data and preparing regulatory reports, and other similar duties. With parameters and goals set forth by management and the OEPA.

Fayette County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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