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Water Purification Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Electrician Maintenance Craftsman

Dayton, OR · On-site

$29 - $37.25/hr

Knowledge of mechanical systems, electrical systems, irrigation plumbing, water pumps, water purification systems, greenhouse climate control and heating/cooling systems. * Must have good math and ...

Knowledge of mechanical systems, electrical systems, irrigation plumbing, water pumps, water purification systems, greenhouse climate control and heating/cooling systems. * Must have good math and ...

Millwright (Hourly)

Corvallis, OR · On-site

$26.25 - $34.25/hr

Expert-level skills in 2 or more of the following: hydraulic systems, water treatment and purification systems, waste water systems, casting and curing refractory, precious metal fabrication ...

Millwright (Hourly)

Corvallis, OR

$26.25 - $34.25/hr

Expert-level skills in 2 or more of the following: hydraulic systems, water treatment and purification systems, waste water systems, casting and curing refractory, precious metal fabrication ...

Water Purification information

See Oregon salary details

$148.5K

$224.1K

$250.6K

How much do water purification jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for water purification in Oregon is $224,076.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $216,700.00 and $232,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water purification job?

A Water Purification job involves ensuring that water is safe for consumption and usage by removing contaminants, toxins, and impurities. Professionals in this field operate, monitor, and maintain purification systems in municipal water plants, industrial facilities, or private organizations. Their duties may include testing water quality, adjusting chemical levels, troubleshooting equipment, and complying with safety regulations. This role is essential in providing clean drinking water and preventing waterborne diseases.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in water purification?

Professionals in Water Purification are responsible for operating and maintaining treatment equipment, conducting tests to monitor water quality, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Each day may include collecting water samples, analyzing data from laboratory tests, adjusting chemical dosages, and troubleshooting any issues with filtration systems. They also document findings, report maintenance needs, and often collaborate with engineers, health officials, and municipal staff. Staying organized and vigilant is essential, as small changes in water quality parameters can have significant impacts on public health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the water purification position?

To thrive in Water Purification, a solid background in environmental science, chemistry, or engineering is typically required, often supported by relevant certifications such as Water Treatment Operator licenses. Familiarity with water filtration systems, laboratory testing equipment, and monitoring software is crucial for managing and maintaining water quality. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork contribute to superior job performance in this field. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient water treatment processes that meet regulatory standards.

How do I get into the water purification industry?

To enter the water purification industry, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring technical training or certifications such as a water treatment operator license. Gaining experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions and developing skills in water chemistry, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols can improve job prospects.

Is water purification a good job?

Water purification is a stable career that involves maintaining and operating water treatment systems to ensure safe drinking water. It often requires technical skills, certifications, and adherence to safety standards, with job opportunities available in municipal, industrial, and environmental sectors.

Where do water purification operators make the most money?

Water purification operators tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater industrial or municipal water treatment demands. States or areas with extensive infrastructure and stricter environmental regulations often offer higher wages for these roles. Experience, certifications, and working in urban or industrial settings can also increase earning potential.

What are popular job titles related to Water Purification jobs in Oregon?

For Water Purification jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Purification jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Purification jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Water Purification job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $224,076 per year, or $107.7 per hour.

National Water Treatment Technical Expert

kennedyjc

Portland, OR • Hybrid

$213K - $266K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

As a National Water Treatment Technical Expert, you will provide technical leadership, strategic guidance, and client-facing support for complex water quality and treatment initiatives.

  • Provide technical process and water quality expertise for municipal drinking water treatment, water reuse, and advanced water purification, including treatment process evaluation, process selection, preliminary engineering studies, and operations optimization.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with municipal and private-sector water clients; identify emerging client needs, strategic opportunities, and market trends; collaborate with client service managers and regional leaders, lead pursuit strategies, and secure new work that advances Kennedy Jenks’ national water treatment practice.
  • Process design in feasibility studies, facility plans, and process pilot testing for complex water projects.
  • Advise preliminary process design, including basis of design reports and preliminary engineering drawings and specifications for complex water projects.
  • Guide development and provide quality control review of process flow diagrams, process design criteria, and process and instrumentation diagrams.
  • Evaluate process performance and operations optimization of existing water treatment facilities.
  • Actively participate in water-focused professional organizations; submit abstracts and present technical material at regional and national conferences.
  • Collaborate with our Applied Research Group staff to support and/or participate in research projects related to water quality and water treatment processes.
  • Team up with private sector water treatment staff to support and participate in industrial water quality and water treatment processes.

What Makes This Role Different

  • Serve as a trusted technical expert supporting clients and project teams across the firm.
  • Apply your expertise to advanced treatment, reuse, purification, and optimization projects with meaningful community impact.
  • Help develop mid-level staff by sharing expertise in water quality, treatment processes, regulations, and practical project delivery.

What You Bring

  • Demonstrated success developing client relationships, identifying and capturing project opportunities, leading pursuits, and contributing to revenue growth within the water sector.
  • Proven ability to serve as a trusted client advisor, guide project teams in delivering exceptional client experiences, and translate technical expertise into long-term client relationships.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical information for clients, project teams, and stakeholders.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, government regulations, reports, design drawings, specifications, and technical memos.
  • Experience reviewing technical deliverables and providing constructive guidance to multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Ability to collaborate with and mentor junior and senior staff in water quality and water treatment processes and regulations.
  • Ability to work independently and/or as a valuable member of the team.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related scientific discipline required.
  • 15+ years of experience in drinking water treatment engineering.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required; license in one or multiple states preferred, including CA, CO, FL, HI, OR, TX, VA, and WA.

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and do their best work.

Salary range for this position is anticipated to be $213,000 to $266,000 and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications and geographic location.

Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth.

#LI-Hybrid