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Water Plant Operator Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Operator

Decatur, IL ยท On-site

$23.18/hr

Assists plant operators and other departments with shut-downs, start-ups and maintenance activity ... Experience in operating in a water, wastewater or an industrial facility is preferred, but not ...

Operator

Decatur, IL ยท On-site

$23.18/hr

Assists plant operators and other departments with shut-downs, start-ups and maintenance activity ... Experience in operating in a water, wastewater or an industrial facility is preferred, but not ...

Operator

Decatur, IL ยท On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Assists plant operators and other departments with shut-downs, start-ups and maintenance activity ... Experience in operating in a water, wastewater or an industrial facility is preferred, but not ...

Water Plant Operator information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$29.2K

$58.4K

$97.6K

How much do water plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator in Springfield, IL is $58,361.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $66,900.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Water Plant Operator jobs in Springfield, IL? For Water Plant Operator jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Water Plant Operator jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Water Plant Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator job openings in Springfield, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,361 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Operator

Operator

Sanitary District of Decatur

Decatur, IL โ€ข On-site

$23.18/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Summary:

The Operator will rotate through assignments with varying shifts of : 1st, 2nd and 3rd including weekends in order to become familiar with all aspects of the district operations for up to two years. At the completion of training the shift will be assigned based on the needs of the District and seniority.

Duties and Responsibilities:

(Other duties may be assigned)

Reads and records meters and gauges or observes automatic recording devices at specified intervals to verify operating conditions.

Operates and visually inspects equipment such as pumps, valves, chemical feed systems, and gates.

Writes and/or completes preventative and/or repair work orders. Performs preventative and/or repair work of process equipment.

Records shift activity in operator's logbooks and completes daily check sheets.

Assists plant operators and other departments with shut-downs, start-ups and maintenance activity.

Monitors the operation of the plant, interprets laboratory data and adjusts all aspects of the wastewater treatment process including preliminary, primary and secondary treatment, disinfection, land application and collection systems both manually in the field and via a computerized SCADA system.

Monitors and interprets alarms and takes appropriate action to resolve the reason for the alarm.

Checks for proper operation of all equipment in assigned work area. Cleans and adjusts instrumentation.

Cleans tanks, weirs, screens, and buildings.

Operates sludge lagoon equipment and assists with land application of biosolids.

Recommends plant process adjustment and modifications. General housekeeping.

Collects and analyze samples.

Fills in on any shift on any day with advanced notification as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or general education degree (GED) is required. Must have experience and working knowledge in the operation of computers.

Experience in operating in a water, wastewater or an industrial facility is preferred, but not required.

Language Skills:

Must have the ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Must have the ability to write simple correspondence. Must have the ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability:

Must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Illinois EPA Certificate of Competency as a Class 4 Wastewater Treatment Works Operator within two years of appointment. Must have a valid Illinois Driver's license.

Failure to successfully obtain or maintain required licenses will prevent advancement and could result in termination.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear and read. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk (non-paved areas), sit, climb, balance, and use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms and smell. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, knee, crouch or crawl. The employee may also be required to enter confined spaces and navigate construction in progress areas.

The employee must lift or up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to focus.

The employee must routinely perform tasks requiring good muscular coordination, alertness, physical strength, agility and stamina.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts, and in an environment typical of an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant facility. These conditions include; wet humid conditions (non-weather related), high precarious places, exposure to toxic and/or caustic conditions, risk of electrical shock, fumes, air borne particles and outdoor weather conditions. The employee occasionally works within areas where there is the danger of explosion, electrical shock, and vibration.

While performing the duties of this job the employee works in a variety of environments including outside; in and out of a vehicle; on a watercraft, in a control room and within the plant. These conditions are compliant with all OSHA regulations and include: incidental VOC's, temperature controlled work environment, insects and spiders and vagrant odors.

Although a large percent of this employee's time is inside he/she must have the ability to work outside in the most extreme of conditions year round.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to very loud.