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Water Reclamation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Reclamation Operator

Toledo, OH ยท On-site

$59K - $63K/yr

Water Reclamation Opening Date: 08/20/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Description POSITION SUMMARY: Under general supervision the Water Reclamation Operator will perform work of moderate difficulty on ...

Water Reclamation Operator

Toledo, OH ยท On-site

$59K - $63K/yr

Under general supervision the Water Reclamation Operator will perform work of moderate difficulty on an assigned shift in the operation of pumps, valves, engines, treatment processes and other ...

Water Reclamation Operator

Fargo, ND ยท On-site

$23.06 - $37.93/hr

The Water Reclamation Apprentice Operator I, II, III, IV is responsible for the quality and accuracy of his/her own work in ensuring the Water Reclamation Facility meets Environmental Protection ...

Water Reclamation Supervisor

Aubrey, TX ยท On-site

$75 - $116/hr

Through proactive oversight that ensures compliance--and by delivering accurate assessments of facility conditions--the Water Reclamation Supervisor supports Mustang's mission to provide reliable ...

$75 - $116/hr

Through proactive oversight that ensures compliance--and by delivering accurate assessments of facility conditions--the Water Reclamation Supervisor supports Mustang's mission to provide reliable ...

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Water Reclamation information

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How much do water reclamation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for water reclamation in the United States is $22.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is water reclamation?

Water reclamation is the process of treating wastewater so it can be reused for various purposes, such as irrigation, industrial processes, or even replenishing groundwater. This process involves removing contaminants and impurities from used water through physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods. The goal is to make the water safe and suitable for its intended reuse, reducing the demand on freshwater resources and promoting environmental sustainability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water reclamation specialist?

To thrive as a Water Reclamation Specialist, you need strong knowledge of water treatment processes, environmental regulations, and a background in environmental science or engineering, often with relevant certifications such as a state wastewater treatment operator license. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for monitoring operations and responding to issues. These competencies ensure safe, efficient treatment of wastewater, environmental compliance, and protection of public health.

What are some common challenges faced by water reclamation specialists on the job?

Water reclamation specialists often encounter challenges such as managing complex treatment systems, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and responding quickly to system malfunctions or unexpected water quality issues. The role frequently involves troubleshooting mechanical and chemical processes, coordinating with engineers and maintenance staff, and maintaining detailed records for regulatory reporting. Staying current with evolving technologies and best practices is also essential for success in this dynamic and impactful field.

What is the difference between Water Reclamation vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater ReclamationWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater Reclamation Certification, Wastewater Treatment LicenseWater Treatment Operator License, Wastewater Certification
Work EnvironmentRecycling facilities, wastewater treatment plantsWater treatment plants, municipal facilities
Job FocusRecycling and reuse of wastewater for environmental and industrial purposesOperating and maintaining water treatment systems for potable water supply

Water Reclamation and Water Treatment Plant Operator roles both involve wastewater and water management, often requiring similar certifications. However, Water Reclamation focuses on recycling wastewater for reuse, while Water Treatment Plant Operators primarily ensure safe drinking water production. Both roles are vital in water industry operations and share overlapping skills and work environments.

What qualifications do you need to work at a water reclamation plant?

To work as a water reclamation technician or operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant technical training or certification in water treatment or environmental science. Some positions may require a state-issued water treatment operator license, and familiarity with water treatment equipment and safety protocols is essential.
More about Water Reclamation jobs

What cities are hiring for Water Reclamation jobs?

Cities with the most Water Reclamation job openings:

What states have the most Water Reclamation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Water Reclamation jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Water Reclamation jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Reclamation jobs are:

Infographic showing various Water Reclamation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,210 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Water Reclamation Operator

City of Toledo, OH

Toledo, OH โ€ข On-site

$59K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Salary : $59,995.52 - $63,152.96 Annually
Location : One Government Center, Toledo, OH
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00256
Department: Public Utilities
Division: Water Reclamation
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under general supervision the Water Reclamation Operator will perform work of moderate difficulty on an assigned shift in the operation of pumps, valves, engines, treatment processes and other equipment in the Water Reclamation Plant; performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Responsible on an assigned shift for monitoring and adjusting instrumentation systems associated with an activated sludge treatment process, lift stations and related functions located outside of the Water Reclamation Plant.
  • Starts and regulates, both manually and using computer equipment, the operation of electric motors, pumps, valves, engines, samplers, bar screens and emergency stand-by equipment which control the flow of municipal and industrial sewage, sludge, gases and chemicals.
  • Controls the feeding and assures the constant flow of chemicals into the treatment process through adjustments in valves, filling bins, changing tanks or computer equipment as needed.
  • Adjusts and controls flow of sewage, air and return sludge generated through every day and emergency conditions (including combined sewer overflow) by coordinating regulation through computer equipment and manual operations; assists in the training of new operators.
  • Checks oil levels of engines, gear boxes, air compressors, blowers, etc.
  • Lubricates bearings; cleans meters, gauges and probes.
  • Inspects valves and equipment to detect leaks and other malfunctions and makes necessary adjustments to correct deficiencies and restore normal operations.
  • Performs preventive maintenance as required at assigned work locations; exercises standard and emergency equipment.
  • Checks for alarms on each shift.
  • Makes calculations as needed to determine and distribute flow of sewage according to conditions and specifications.
  • Reads meters, gauges, charts, graphs, and schematics; monitors river and weather conditions.
  • Obtains samples throughout the treatment process and conducts certain analyses (such as pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorine residual, temperature, etc.) of samples; monitors and records pressures, temperatures, flow rates and other data.
  • Completes chain of custody sheets for samples.
  • Maintains logs of all activities that take place on shifts.
  • Submits work order requests to supervisor for Water Reclamation equipment repair as needed.
  • Performs maintenance duties in connection with the cleanliness and maintenance of the Water Reclamation Plant.
  • Cleans up spills as needed.
  • loads, unloads, and dumps trucks or trailers as required (which may involve using an overhead crane or forklift).
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
  • The operation of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.
  • Maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities and equipment.
  • Hazards and safety precautions of the work.
  • Operation of computerized process control equipment.
  • Basic chemistry, math and hydraulics.

Skill in:
  • Oral and written communication.
  • Using basic hand tools
  • Following written and oral instructions.
  • Recordkeeping.
  • Handling chemicals and raw sewage.
  • Mechanical skills.
  • Operating a computer.

Ability to:
  • Work with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, superiors, vendor representatives and clients.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Graduation from high school or General Educational Development (GED) tests equivalency
  • A Class I Wastewater Treatment Professional Operator Certification issued by the State of Ohio EPA

OR
  • Designation as an operator in training (OIT) by the State of Ohio after passing the Class I Wastewater Treatment Certification exam.

ADDITIONAL OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
  • An individual with an equivalent license from another state must obtain reciprocity from the State of Ohio EPA before their application will be considered.
  • An individual designated as an operator in training (OIT) by the State of Ohio must apply for a Class I Wastewater Treatment Certified Operator license within three (3) months after achieving the minimum experience required for the license.
  • Position assignment may require the possession of a State of Ohio driver's license.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS:
  • One (1) year of experience in the operation of equipment in a wastewater treatment plant is preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described within this job description 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.
In this position, the employee will occasionally stand, sit, climb, push, pull, drag and/or carry up to 55 pounds. The employee will frequently walk-in all-weather conditions. Occasional stooping, kneeling, crawling and crouching may occur with this position. Speaking and listening are constant essential functions of this position.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment described within this job description will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee is frequently indoors and outdoors. This employee will occasionally work in extreme heat. This employee will frequently work in conditions where fumes and mists are presents. In addition, this employee will occasionally work in conditions where poor ventilation, dust and gases are present. This employee will be occasionally exposed to various hazards. The employee must be able to wear required PPE whenever necessary. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
If you need assistance or an accommodation, or if you have questions about completing the online application, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (419)-245-1500.
Class Code: Water Reclamation Operator (3516)
The City of Toledo provides excellent health and retirement benefits for its employees.
Health Insurance
The City of Toledo is a self-funded medical plan provider that offers a broad network of health services options for its employees. The City also offers a multi-tiered prescription drug plan and dental and vision care services.
Employees are required to pay a monthly premium depending on the employee's selection of single, single plus one, or family coverage. Coverage is also afforded for qualifying domestic partners, depending on the employee's bargaining unit. Monthly co-premiums are determined by collective bargaining agreement or Municipal Code.
Group Life Insurance
City employees are covered by a group life insurance plan depending on collective bargaining agreement or Municipal Code.
Ohio Public Employees Retirement Plan
The City is a member of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Plan (OPERS). All employees who are paid in whole or in part by the state of Ohio, a county, municipality, or any other political subdivision of state or local government in Ohio must become members of OPERS unless they are covered by another state retirement system in Ohio.
OPERS is a pension plan providing fixed retirement benefits every month based on a formula that rewards years of service. The City contributes 14.00% of the employee's annual base salary and employees contribute 10.00% of their annual base salary.
For more information about OPERS, click on this link: https://www.opers.org/
Deferred Compensation & 401(K)
The City of Toledo offers a voluntary governmental 457(b) deferred compensation plan, which is a retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees to supplement any existing retirement/pension benefits by saving and investing pre-tax dollars through salary deferral.
Contributions and any earnings are tax-deferred (both federal and state income taxes) until money is withdrawn. Withdrawals are taxed at ordinary income levels.
For more information about the Ohio Deferred Compensation click on this link: https://www.ohio457.org/iApp/tcm/ohio457/index.jsp
401(k)
The City of Toledo offers a voluntary pre-tax savings contributions retirement plan. The plan is commonly referred to as a 401(k).
Under the 401(k) plan, an employee's retirement savings contributions are deducted from the employee's paycheck before taxation. The City does not make contributions on the employee's behalf. (Contributions are tax-deferred until withdrawn during retirement). Annual contributions to the 401(k) plan are limited to a maximum pre-tax annual contribution, as established by Internal Revenue Service regulations.
Roth 401(k)
The City of Toledo also offers a voluntary post-tax savings contributions retirement plan. This plan is commonly referred to as a Roth 401(k) Plan.
Under a Roth 401(k) Plan, an employee's retirement savings contributions are deducted from the employee's paycheck on a post-tax basis. Annual contributions to the Roth 401(k) plan are limited to a maximum post-tax annual contribution, as established by the Internal Revenue Service.
01
Are you currently employed by the City of Toledo?
  • Yes
  • No

02
If you are currently employed by the City of Toledo, please list your Division.
03
What is your highest level of education?
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D.
  • Some College
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctorate Degree
  • None of the above

04
Please indicate which of the following you possess.
  • A Class I Wastewater Treatment Operator License issued by the State of Ohio
  • A Class I Wastewater Treatment Operator License issued by a DIFFERENT State
  • A higher Wastewater Treatment License (Class ii, Class III or IV)
  • No, I do not possess a Class I Wastewater Treatment License but I have been DESIGNATED as an operator in Training (OIT) by the State of Ohio
  • No, I do not possess any of the above licenses or designations

05
If you possess a Wastewater Treatment Operator License, did you attach it to your application?
  • Yes
  • No

06
How many years of experience do you have in the operator of equipment in a water reclamation plant?
  • Three (3) or more years of experience
  • Two (2) years but less than Three (3) years of experience
  • One (1) year but less than Two (2) years of experience
  • Less than One (1) year of experience

Required Question