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Water Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Akron, OH

Water Plant Operator

Akron, OH · On-site

$52K - $62K/yr

Water Plant Division - 841 Opening Date: 07/21/2026 Closing Date: 8/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern ... Makes rounds to visually and audibly inspect the operating condition and settings of pumps ...

City of West Melbourne, FL

Water Plant Operator

FL · On-site

$44K - $68K/yr

JOB SUMMARY Under the direction of the Chief Operator and/or Water Plant Director, this position is responsible for the skilled operation, maintenance and repair of the City's RO Water Treatment ...

City of Akron

Water Plant Operator

Akron, OH

$52K - $62K/yr

Characteristic Work Monitors and operates the water treatment processes using the plant SCADA ... Makes rounds to visually and audibly inspect the operating condition and settings of pumps ...

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Water Plant Operator information

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$29.5K

$58.9K

$98.5K

How much do water plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator in the United States is $58,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $67,500.00 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
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Water Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,885 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Filter - Water Plant Operator II

Filter - Water Plant Operator II

City of Madisonville, KY

Madisonville, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
TITLE: WATER PLANT OPERATOR II
PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION:
The purpose of this classification is to assist in the daily operation and maintenance of the City's water treatment plants.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
  • Provides quality drinking water, free of contaminates, for customers; performs daily analysis of water.
  • Starts up and shuts down plant.
  • Monitors storage tank levels, high service pressure, water level in filters, sludge pond levels, and sludge pond pump; monitors pH, turbidity, temperature, fluoride, and manganese in raw, applied and finished water; checks feeders, filters, and basins.
  • Visually checks all pumps and feeders; visually checks chemicals used for reordering purposes; unloads and ensures proper storage of chemicals.
  • Calibrates testing equipment.
  • Makes checks around the plant to ensure that equipment is running properly and makes technical adjustments when necessary.
  • Collects and maintains accurate data; prepares and submits a variety of records, reports, charts, logs, etc.
  • Performs preventive maintenance on all treatment plant equipment.
  • Maintains plant security on assigned shifts.
  • Performs building and grounds maintenance.
  • Gathers samples for lab analysis.
  • Reads previous logbook entries and communicates with other operators for any problems or instructions occurring while off duty.
  • Adds chemicals in accordance with prescribed standards.
  • Attends continuing education classes in order to maintain up to date certifications required for operator's position.
  • Operates chemical feeders and pumps, backwash pump, high service pumps, pickup truck, calculator, forklift, tractor, lawn mowers, personal computer, lab equipment, telephone, radio, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:
Obtains weather book readings.
Performs general housekeeping duties at plant; assists in grounds maintenance.
Performs other related duties as required.
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or GED; one year of experience in water or wastewater treatment plant operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Must possess and maintain a valid Kentucky driver's license.
Must possess and maintain a valid Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet Class II Water Plant Operators License.

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