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Water Plant Operator Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

This includes performing water treatment on boilers, steam systems, chillers, and cooling towers ... Some experience as a plant operator. * Demonstrated abilities of the skills listed above * A valid ...

Batch Plant Operator RMX | Req ID: 17871 | HR Contact: Traci L MCMANUS | Location: Greenwell Springs RMX LA ABOUT THE ROLE The Batch Plant Operator is responsible for making quality concrete and ...

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Batch Plant Operator RMX | Req ID: 17871 | HR Contact: Traci L MCMANUS| Location: Greenwell Springs RMX LA ABOUT THE ROLE The Batch Plant Operator is responsible for making quality concrete and ...

New

Batch Plant Operator RMX | Req ID: 17871 | HR Contact: Traci L MCMANUS| Location: Greenwell Springs RMX LA ABOUT THE ROLE The Batch Plant Operator is responsible for making quality concrete and ...

New

Batch Plant Operator RMX | Req ID: 17871 | HR Contact: Traci L MCMANUS| Location: Greenwell Springs RMX LA ABOUT THE ROLE The Batch Plant Operator is responsible for making quality concrete and ...

New

Chemical Loading Operator Chemical Plant Loader PSC Group is hiring a Chemical Loading Operator to join our team! This full-time role offers hands-on training, safety-focused work, and long-term ...

Chemical Loading Operator Chemical Plant Loader PSC Group is hiring a Chemical Loading Operator to join our team! This full-time role offers hands-on training, safety-focused work, and long-term ...

... Water plant Air Liquide Large Industries provides our customers with industrial gas and energy ... Maintain and repair PLC's, computers equipment, single loop controllers and operator interfaces

I&E Maintenance Technician

Geismar, LA ยท On-site

$28.50 - $36.75/hr

... Water plant Air Liquide Large Industries provides our customers with industrial gas and energy ... Maintain and repair PLC's, computers equipment, single loop controllers and operator interfaces

Mechanical Maintenance Technician

Geismar, LA ยท On-site

$24.50 - $32.75/hr

... Water plant Air Liquide Large Industries provides our customers with industrial gas and energy ... Expertise in operating heavy equipment (Forklift, JLG, and possible 18-ton crane). * Knowledgeable ...

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Water Plant Operator information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$28.3K

$56.5K

$94.6K

How much do water plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator in Baton Rouge, LA is $56,543.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,200.00 and $64,800.00 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 job categories do people searching Water Plant Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Plant Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Water Plant Operator jobs?

Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Water Plant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,543 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Water Plant Operator I

ST. JAMES PARISH GOVERNMENT

Convent, LA โ€ข On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

St. James Parish Government is hiring for the position of Water Plant Operator I in the Operations Department.
JOB FUNCTION: Controls treatment plant machines and equipment to filter and clarify water for human consumption and industrial use. This position is classified as essential during declared emergencies or natural disasters. This is a nonexempt position, working a rotating shift. This position is Safety Sensitive and subject to random drug testing as per the St. James Parish Government Employee Handbook. Individuals in this class are able to complete the majority of their work with a minimum amount of supervision.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Includes any combination of the following illustrative examples of duties and responsibilities including but not limited to:
  • Operates and controls electric motors, pumps, and valve(s) to regulate the flow of raw water into treatment plant
  • Dumps specified amounts of chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, and lime into water; or adjust automatic devices that admit specified amounts of chemicals into tanks to disinfect, deodorize, and clarify water
  • Starts agitators to mix chemicals and allows impurities to settle to bottom of tank(s)

  • Turns valve(s) to regulate water through filter beds to remove impurities
  • Pumps filtered water into water mains
  • Monitor panel board and adjusts controls to regulate flow rates, loss of head pressure and water elevation, and distribution of water
  • Cleans tanks and filter beds using backwashing
  • Performs routine maintenance on machines and equipment

  • Tests water samples to determine acidity, color, and impurities
  • Adds chemicals such as alum into tanks to coagulate impurities and reduce acidity
  • Records data such as residual content of chemicals, water turbidity, and water pressure
  • Maintains daily and monthly logs
  • Performs maintenance, repairs, and installation tasks for the public gas and water distribution system

  • Reads and records current usage data from gas/water meters
  • Uses equipment or visually checks for gas and water leaks
  • May assist with the installation of wet taps on water and gas lines
  • Classifies, codes, and posts various information and data into computer systems
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. St. James Parish Government is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High School diploma or general education diploma (GED) with 1 year of experience as a Water Plant Operator Trainee.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and, proportions to practical situations.
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Drivers License with an acceptable driving record. Will need to pass the Water Treatment Operator Class I and Distribution Class I Certification or state temporary certificates.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • General knowledge of the hazards and applicable safety rules and regulations in equipment operation
  • Ability to perform physical labor required of the position

  • Ability to perform daily housekeeping duties
  • Have some knowledge of computer systems
    St. James Parish is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. The parish will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, agree or political affiliations.