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Water System Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Operator - Water Transfer

Fort Lupton, CO · On-site

... systems from water sources to customer frac jobs. Water Transfer employees work on crews and are ... operating, and rigging down jobs safely. Their work is laborious and performed outdoors in all ...

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Water System Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$15

$32

$52

How much do water system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for water system operator in Colorado is $32.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.74 and $38.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a water operator worth it?

A water system operator is responsible for maintaining and operating water treatment and distribution systems, often requiring technical skills and certifications. The job offers stable employment, competitive wages, and the opportunity to work outdoors or in a plant environment, making it a valuable career for those interested in public health and infrastructure. Career advancement and ongoing training are common aspects of the role.

What are some common challenges faced by Water System Operators in maintaining regulatory compliance?

Water System Operators often encounter challenges in keeping up with evolving regulations and ensuring that all testing, monitoring, and reporting requirements are met consistently. This may involve staying updated with local, state, and federal water quality standards, managing the documentation of water sampling, and responding quickly to any detected issues. Operators must also balance routine maintenance with emergency repairs, all while coordinating with team members and regulatory agencies. Proactive communication and ongoing training are key to successfully navigating these challenges.

How much do water operators make in the US?

Water system operators in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, with experienced operators or those in supervisory roles earning higher. Salaries can vary based on location, level of certification, and the size of the water system they manage.

What are Water System Operators?

Water System Operators are professionals responsible for managing and maintaining the equipment, processes, and infrastructure that treat and distribute drinking water or process wastewater. They monitor water quality, operate pumps and valves, test samples, and ensure that water systems comply with government regulations. Their work is essential for public health and environmental protection, as they help provide safe, clean water to communities and manage wastewater disposal.

What do I need to become a water operator?

To become a water system operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training, and often a state-issued certification or license. Experience with water treatment processes, pumps, and safety protocols is also important, and some positions require ongoing education to maintain certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water System Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water System Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, regulatory compliance, and basic mathematics, typically supported by a high school diploma and state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water testing equipment, and compliance documentation is essential for daily operations. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help operators respond to emergencies and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure safe, reliable water delivery, regulatory compliance, and protection of public health.

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

AspectWater System OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater operator licenses, state-specific certificationsWater operator licenses, state-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentWater distribution systems, pipelines, reservoirsWater treatment facilities, filtration, chemical handling
Industry UsageMunicipal water supply, public utilitiesMunicipal water treatment, industrial facilities

Both roles require similar certifications and often work within municipal water systems. The main difference is that Water System Operators focus on maintaining and operating water distribution networks, while Water Treatment Plant Operators specialize in treating water at treatment facilities. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path within the water industry.

Where do water treatment operators make the most money?

Water system operators tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for water infrastructure, such as urban areas or states with extensive water treatment needs. Factors like experience, certifications, and the size of the water system also influence earning potential.
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Water System Operator jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Water System Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Water System Operator jobs in CO? For Water System Operator jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Water System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water System Operator job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,666 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Water Systems Operator (Entry, Journey and Senior Levels)

Water Systems Operator (Entry, Journey and Senior Levels)

City of Loveland

Loveland, CO • On-site

$31.23 - $43.72/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

City Of Loveland (Colorado) rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 668 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Job Summary:
The Water Systems Operator performs installation, maintenance and repair on water distribution and wastewater collection facilities and operates a variety of heavy equipment, specialized equipment and other department-related equipment. We are hiring for all levels of operators. The salary range for this position is dependent on qualifications and experience. This position will remain open until filled.
The hiring range for an Entry level Water Systems Operator is $23.11 - $27.16, With a salary range of $23.11 - $31.20
The hiring range of a Journey Water Systems Operator is $27.88 - $33.46, with a salary range of $27.88 to $39.04.
The hiring range of a Senior Water Systems Operator is $31.23 - $37.48, with a salary range of $31.23 to $43.72.
A current resume is required, and a cover letter is preferred.
Loveland Water Division has multiple openings for entry level and experienced water systems operators. Water operators ensure reliable, clean, and safe drinking water to Loveland's 80,000 residents by operating a variety of equipment to maintain our underground water network. This is an opportunity to learn all aspects of the water and wastewater industry in a consistent and in-demand career field. There are multiple opportunities for advancement with additional certifications and years of experience. CDL and on the job training offered to operate all equipment including excavators, loaders, tandem axel vehicles, and Jet vac trucks. Employees can expect consistent and regular hours with additional overtime opportunity during weather events. Water operators experience a new challenge each day and work together in a highly team-orientated environment to maintain the City of Loveland's 482 miles of water pipe, 377 miles of sewer line, 3,362 fire hydrants, and 11,000+ water valves.
Please view our video Working at Loveland to learn more about our exceptional Loveland community and the benefits of working for the City.
Essential Functions:
Water Systems Operator (Entry Level)
  • Uses proper safety apparel, procedures and equipment per city standards. Ability to work safely in very high traffic areas.
  • Learns to operate and maintain equipment and vehicles such as dump trucks, front-end loader, excavator and other applicable equipment.
  • Maintains assigned equipment to specifications, i.e., uses correct fuel, checks gauges, fluid levels, and makes sure equipment is clean both inside and out.
  • Subject to call-back work and must be capable of responding to an emergency situation upon short notice.
  • Maintains accurate records such as daily reports, work order service requests and map revisions within 6 months of hire.
  • Ensures truck is stocked with necessary materials and tools, and all equipment is ready for the next job within 6 months of hire.
  • Assists with various repairs and maintenance of water and wastewater systems.

Water Systems Operator (Journey Level)
  • Installs, maintains, and repairs or replaces water distribution and wastewater collection systems, lines, fire hydrants, water valves, wastewater manholes, water services, etc.
  • Operates and maintains equipment and vehicles such as dump trucks, front-end loader, excavator, jet truck, valve exerciser and other applicable equipment.
  • Provides customer service by answering questions, providing information and referrals, and resolving complaints and problems.
  • Performs leak detection surveys of water distribution system to identify accurate location of water leaks within 6 months of hire.
  • Performs emergency locates as needed within 6 months of hire.
  • All Entry level essential job functions:
    • Uses proper safety apparel, procedures and equipment per city standards. Ability to work safely in very high traffic areas.
    • Subject to call-back work and must be capable of responding to an emergency situation upon short notice.
    • Maintains accurate records such as daily reports, work order service requests and map revisions.
    • Ensures truck is stocked with necessary materials and tools, and all equipment is ready for the next job.
    • Assists with various repairs and maintenance of water and wastewater systems.

Water Systems Operator (Senior Level)
  • Performs Crew Leader responsibilities during emergencies, after-hours, weekends, holidays and call back as assigned.
  • Proficiently and independently operate leak detection equipment, valve exerciser, jet truck, and CCTV equipment.
  • Performs periodic Crew Leader responsibilities in daily work activities.
  • Performs all Entry and Journey level essential job functions:
    • Uses proper safety apparel, procedures and equipment per city standards. Ability to work safely in very high traffic areas.
    • Subject to call-back work and must be capable of responding to an emergency situation upon short notice.
    • Maintains accurate records such as daily reports, work order service requests and map revisions.
    • Ensures truck is stocked with necessary materials and tools, and all equipment is ready for the next job.
    • Installs, maintains, and repairs or replaces water distribution and wastewater collection systems, lines, fire hydrants, water valves, wastewater manholes, water services, etc.
    • Operates and maintains equipment and vehicles such as dump trucks, front-end loader, excavator, jet truck, valve exerciser and other applicable equipment.
    • Provides customer service by answering questions, providing information and referrals, and resolving complaints and problems.
    • Performs leak detection surveys of water distribution system to identify accurate location of water leaks within 6 months of hire.
    • Performs emergency locates as needed.

Other Job Functions All Levels:
  • Assists with snow removal work crews as requested by the Public Works Department.
  • Assists other work groups in the Water and Power Department and other City departments.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Level and Management Expectations:
  • There are no supervisory or manager expectations.

Qualifications:
Education:
  • Required: High School or GED.

Core competencies: Accountability, Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness
Job specific competencies: Job Knowledge, Equipment Operation, Reporting, Community Relations, Responsiveness, Communication
Education and/or experience:Water Systems Operator (Entry Level)
  • Interpersonal skills
  • One (1) year of equipment operation experience preferred
  • Combination of one (1) year of experience in underground utilities including water or wastewater systems preferred.

Water Systems Operator (Journey Level)
  • One (1) year experience in construction, equipment operation (i.e. backhoe, dump truck, excavator, loader, etc.) required.
  • Two (2) years water related equipment operations and/or maintenance experience required.
  • Two (2) years water distribution system experience required.
  • Combination of two (2) years of experience in underground utilities, water or wastewater systems required.
  • Experience in operating valve exercising equipment, CCTV sewer camera, operating sanitary sewer jetting equipment required within 6 months of hire
  • All Entry level experience

Water Systems Operator (Senior Level)
  • Five (5) years of experience in underground utilities, water and wastewater systems required.
  • Five (5) years of experience in equipment operation required.
  • Proficient at maintaining all water and wastewater system infrastructure and associated appurtenances.
  • All Entry and Journey level experience

Licensure and/or certifications: All required certifications must be kept current and maintained throughout employment with the City.
Water Systems Operator (Entry Level)
  • Valid Colorado Driver's License
  • Must possess a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsements and no air brake restriction within 6 months of hire. The City will provide all required CDL training. The CDL license training is subject to the condition that you must repay the City of Loveland three thousand dollars, $3,000.00 in the event you resign or you are terminated for cause within twenty-four (24) months after your starting date with the City. In such event, you irrevocably authorize repayment of the cost by set-off from any final payment of compensation or reimbursement due to you from the City. Any remaining balance shall be paid in certified funds within thirty (30) days of such resignation or termination date.
  • Colorado Class I Water Distribution and Class I Wastewater Collections Certifications are preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • General knowledge of construction methods and equipment.
  • General knowledge of operational procedures of construction equipment, hazards and necessary safety precautions common to equipment operation.
  • Ability to recognize and report abnormal operating function of equipment within 6 months of hire.
  • General knowledge of safety practices and procedures including trench, traffic control, and personal protective equipment.

Water Systems Operator (Journey Level)
  • Valid Colorado Driver's License
  • Must possess a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement and no air brake restriction.
  • Colorado Class I Water Distribution and Class I Wastewater Collection Certifications required within one (1) year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Thorough knowledge of safety practices and procedures of the department including trench, traffic control, and personal protective equipment.
  • Knowledge of confined space entry and the ability to work in confine spaces.
  • Thorough knowledge of pipe materials and repair parts used by the department.
  • Working knowledge of a distribution and collection systems.
  • Working knowledge of water taps and meter installations.
  • Ability to use GIS mapping system within 6 months of hire.
  • Must have ability to work with customers and contractors in a positive manner.
  • Ability to operate assigned equipment and tools safely under all conditions, i.e., weather, stress, time of day, etc.
  • All Entry level knowledge, skills and abilities.

Water Systems Operator (Senior Level)
  • Valid Colorado Driver's License
  • Must possess a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement and no air brake restriction.
  • Require Colorado Class II Water Distribution and Class II Wastewater Collection System Certifications.
  • Certifications from the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) and Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program (PACP) preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Must have a thorough knowledge of Water & Wastewater Systems best practices regarding maintenance and safety.
  • Trained to perform pipeline assessments.
  • Lead duties in absence of Crew Leader, after hour callback and on weekends.
  • Leadership and management skills.
  • Thorough knowledge of safety practices and procedures of the department including trench, traffic control, and personal protective equipment.
  • Knowledge of confined space entry and the ability to work in confine spaces.
  • Thorough knowledge of pipe materials and repair parts used by the department.
  • Working knowledge of a distribution and collection systems.
  • Working knowledge of water taps and meter installations.
  • Ability to use GIS mapping system.
  • Must have ability to work with customers and contractors in a positive manner.
  • Ability to operate assigned equipment and tools safely under all conditions, i.e., weather, stress, time of day, etc.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
  • Frequent: Moderate to considerable physical effort that includes working from ladders in awkward positions. Frequent use of light or medium weight objects (e.g., 25-50 lbs) and use of medium weight tools.

Working Environment:
  • Occasional: Exposure to hazards that are predictable or well protected against.
  • Frequent: Exposure to heat and noise along with working outside in the elements

Additional Working Demands / Conditions:
  • Incumbent is subject to call-back work and must be capable of responding to emergency situations upon short notice.
  • Mandatory duty rotation will include after-hours and weekend work, and incumbent must be able to make competent decisions while on duty.
  • May be required to be available by cellular phone 7 days a week.
  • Incumbent must be able to respond within 30-minutes to the intersection of U.S. Highway 287 and U.S. Highway 34.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.
With over 300 days of sunshine, and just 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park in the heart of northern Colorado, Loveland is an ideal community for anyone to call home. Known as the Sweetheart City, this vibrant cultural hub is home to nearly 500 sculptures and public art installations, the world-famous Valentine Remail Program,

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