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Water Plant Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Pencco, Inc

Plant Operator

Middlesex, NC · On-site

$20/hr

The Plant Operator is essential to maintaining the efficiency and safety of production operations. Responsibilities include handling and monitoring chemicals and accurately recording data. The role ...

Pencco, Inc

Plant Operator

Middlesex, NC · On-site

$20/hr

The Plant Operator is essential to maintaining the efficiency and safety of production operations. Responsibilities include handling and monitoring chemicals and accurately recording data. The role ...

PENCCO, Inc

Plant Operator

Middlesex, NC

$20/hr

The Plant Operator is essential to maintaining the efficiency and safety of production operations. Responsibilities include handling and monitoring chemicals and accurately recording data. The role ...

bp

Plant Operator

Smithfield, NC · On-site

$27 - $28/hr

Operations Group About Archaea Archaea Energy, a leader in the landfill gas to energy industry has an immediate opening for a Plant Operator/Technician at our Johnston Land Fill Gas to Electric Plant ...

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All JobsWater Plant Operator JobsWater Plant Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Water Plant Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$28.7K

$57.2K

$95.7K

How much do water plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator in Raleigh, NC is $57,241.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,700.00 and $65,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Plant Operator, and why are they important?

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.

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 Water Plant Operators?

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.
More about Water Plant Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Plant Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Water Plant Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Plant Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Water Plant Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Plant Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Water Plant Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Water Plant Operator jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Water Plant Operator job openings:
Water Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,241 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Harnett County

Lillington, NC • On-site

$49K - $57K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY POSITION SUMMARY: An employee in this position performs technical work in the operation and minor maintenance of equipment at a water treatment plant on an assigned shift for Harnett Regional Water. Work involves controlling mechanical, electrical, and chemical equipment involved in pumping and/or treating water. This is a night shift position working from 7:00pm to 7:00am.

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee $49,177 Water Treatment Plant Operator C $51,636 Water Treatment Plant Operator B $54,217 Water Treatment Plant Operator A $56,927 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: Monitors pumps, gauge charts, and equipment and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system; and maintains chemical feed systems and levels. Monitors coagulation process of raw water; plans and monitors clear well water level and usage. Keeps plant records and periodic summary reports of operations; completes daily monitoring reports required by state and federal government.

Inspects plant equipment and machinery; makes minor repairs and adjustments on equipment according to preventive maintenance schedules or as necessary. Must be able to drive and operate a vehicle to travel as needed. Prepares lab chemicals and performs physical tests such as turbidity, color, odor, taste and temperature; performs chemical tests as needed such as pH, alkalinity, carbon dioxide, hardness, metal content, and residual chlorine and fluoride; and performs other bacteriological tests as needed.

Answers telephone and provides answers or refers caller to appropriate personnel. Performs other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: High school diploma or equivalent.

No experience required. Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license. Possession of a NC Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator: Level C Certification within one (1) year of hire date.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: Knowledge of the operating principles and practices of water treatment. Knowledge of the maintenance requirements of water treatment plant equipment and machinery. Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with water plant and related activities.

Knowledge of County policies and procedures. Knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment. Knowledge of standard laboratory principles, techniques, terminology, and equipment.

Skill in using a computer and popular word-processing and spreadsheet software. Skill in identifying and assisting in identifying solutions to work problems. Ability to follow specified operating and recording procedures.

Ability to detect defects and to take appropriate action in the operation of water treatment equipment, chemical feed machines, and other related equipment. Ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Ability to meet deadlines. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to perform light work frequently exerting up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, using mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, performing repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, and walking.

An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to analyze data, work with color or depth perception, determine accuracy or make observations, operated equipment, and inspect defects. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The employee works in a plant environment which included indoor and outdoor activities.

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