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

Plant Maintenance Mechanic

Durham, NC · On-site

$53K - $78K/yr

Not only do we deliver the Best Tasting Water in the state to our customers each and every day, but ... operating regulations, policies, and procedures. parts. Performs office and operational support ...

Water Truck Driver

Durham, NC · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Water flowers and other plant materials * Installing flowers * Preparing flower beds * Pulling ... operating across the Triangle Region of North Carolina. Established in 1979, today we employ over ...

Plant Maintenance Mechanic

Durham, NC · On-site

$53K - $78K/yr

Water Management Opening Date: 03/13/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Position Description Work, Serve ... safety and operating regulations, policies, and procedures. parts. * Performs office and ...

Plant Maintenance Mechanic

Durham, NC · On-site

$53K - $78K/yr

The City of Durham's Department of Water Management (DWM) wants YOU to join our team of more than ... operating regulations, policies, and procedures. parts. Performs office and operational support ...

Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve ... Successful track record leading design and plant facilities projects * Demonstrated ability in both ...

Plant Maintenance Mechanic

Durham, NC · On-site

$53K - $78K/yr

Water Management Opening Date: 07/17/2026 Position Description Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City ... safety and operating regulations, policies, and procedures. parts. * Performs office and ...

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Water and fertilize putting greens, tees, fairways, and roughs as instructed. * Grade and prepare ... plant vegetative material, and seed putting greens, tees, fairways, and roughs. * Change cups on ...

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Water and fertilize putting greens, tees, fairways, and roughs as instructed. * Grade and prepare ... plant vegetative material, and seed putting greens, tees, fairways, and roughs. * Change cups on ...

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Water and fertilize putting greens, tees, fairways, and roughs as instructed. * Grade and prepare ... plant vegetative material, and seed putting greens, tees, fairways, and roughs. * Change cups on ...

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$16 - $18.50/hr

Water and fertilize putting greens, tees, fairways, and roughs as instructed. * Grade and prepare ... plant vegetative material, and seed putting greens, tees, fairways, and roughs. * Change cups on ...

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Water and fertilize putting greens, tees, fairways, and roughs as instructed. * Grade and prepare ... plant vegetative material, and seed putting greens, tees, fairways, and roughs. * Change cups on ...

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Water and fertilize putting greens, tees, fairways, and roughs as instructed. * Grade and prepare ... plant vegetative material, and seed putting greens, tees, fairways, and roughs. * Change cups on ...

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Water and fertilize putting greens, tees, fairways, and roughs as instructed. * Grade and prepare ... plant vegetative material, and seed putting greens, tees, fairways, and roughs. * Change cups on ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 7, 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 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Water Plant Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC 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:

Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,241 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Plant Maintenance Mechanic

City of Durham

Durham, NC • On-site

$53K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


City Of Durham (North Carolina) rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Description Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve. Hiring Range: $53,272 - $55,000 Work Day/Hours: 6:00 a.m

2:30 p.m. This position is eligible for a one-time sign-on bonus will be paid upon successful completion of the new hire's six-month probationary period. $5,000 sign-on bonus will be paid to new hires, internal promotional/transfer hires would not be eligible

The City of Durham's Department of Water Management (DWM) wants YOU to join our team of more than 380 talented and dedicated employees that provide critical water and sewer services for Durham's 309,000 plus residents. Not only do we deliver the Best Tasting Water in the state to our customers each and every day, but we also make sure that the wastewater leaving our facilities is carefully treated to protect the environment. We have a wide-ranging variety of positions open to match your skill set - mechanics, engineers, maintenance specialists, technicians, customer billing techs, and much more.

If you have a passion for managing vital water resources, protecting the environment, providing excellent customer service, and keeping the water and wastewater in the pipes, bring your skills and talent to Durham. This position is devoted to maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plant(s), dams and lift stations. Employee will perform a broad range of paraprofessional work ranging from routine to specialized corrective and preventative maintenance to treatment plants, dams, pump and lift stations.

Responsible for receiving work orders and stocking vehicles with necessary supplies and tools for work; performing preventative and corrective mechanical maintenance to water and wastewater facilities including repairs and rebuilds of pumps, motors and gearboxes; fabricating parts; repairing clarifiers, grit collectors, scum troughs, belt presses and GBTs; testing equipment or removing equipment for rebuild at the shop; cleaning and/or washing down the work area; performing work using welding, rigging, millwrighting and various tools and machinery; and serving as emergency standby responder on a rotating basis. Position may need to order parts, speak with technical representatives, via phone or in person, and work with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) representatives on various pieces of equipment. Duties/Responsibilities Performs preventative and corrective mechanical maintenance; uses specialized equipment, tools, and machinery to repair and rebuild pumps, motors, gearboxes, and other equipment and facility components; and fabricates Inspects, tests, and cleans equipment, alarms, and related equipment to ensure proper working condition and compliance with applicable safety and operating regulations, policies, and procedures.

parts. Performs office and operational support duties, such as receiving work orders, stocking vehicles with necessary supplies and tools for work, maintaining databases and records, cleaning and/or washing down the work area, performing emergency or on-call duties, maintaining inventory, answering phones, and training lower-level staff. Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC) Two (2) years of related experience if hired externally or a minimum of 2 years of related experience if hired as Plant Maintenance Apprentice including completion of DWM's training program, or upon completion of DWM training if requirements met earlier than 2 years Valid, unrestricted, North Carolina driver's license "or" if you currently have another states driver's license, must be willing and able to obtain a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire Must be willing and able to obtain a CDL-B license with Tanker Endorsement, within 1 year of hire date AWWA Maintenance Technologist I (Not required at time of hire, but must be obtained within 2 years of hire date) Additional Preferred Skills NC Grade 1 Wastewater Collections Welding, OSHA Confined Space, and/or Forklift certifications One year of experience with a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) program. Extensive use and knowledge of OSHA safety especially Lock-out/Tag-out Skilled in welding practices (stick, TIG, MIG, and use of torch) Machine shop experience using lathe`s, milling machines, etc.


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