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Water System Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Portsmouth

Water System Dispatcher

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$42K - $55K/yr

... system which scans 61 waste water pumping stations located throughout the city. Operates a water ... Has general knowledge of the operating principles and practices and the maintenance requirements of ...

FEMA

Utility Systems Operator

Round Hill, VA

In this position, you will serve as a Utility System Operator, responsible for monitoring, operating and maintaining site water and wastewater systems where water requires both non-filtration ...

BAE Systems

Water Dept Chief Operator

Radford, VA · On-site

$20K/yr

BAE Systems, Inc.located at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Radford, VA is currently recruiting Class II Licensed Operators for multiple Water Department Chief Operator positions. In this role ...

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All JobsWater System Operator JobsWater System Operator Jobs in Virginia

Water System Operator information

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$14

$30

$49

How much do water system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for water system operator in Virginia is $30.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $36.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that pay around $2,000 a day typically include specialized roles such as certain surgeons, anesthesiologists, or high-level corporate executives, often requiring advanced degrees, certifications, or extensive experience. These positions usually involve high responsibility, long hours, and significant expertise in their fields.

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.

Is a water operator a hard job?

A water system operator's job involves monitoring and maintaining water treatment and distribution systems, which can require physical activity, technical skills, and attention to safety protocols. The job may involve shift work and handling complex equipment, making it moderately challenging but manageable with proper training and certifications. Overall, it depends on individual skills and experience, but it is considered a skilled trade that requires responsibility and problem-solving abilities.

What is the highest paying operator job?

The highest paying operator jobs are often in specialized fields such as nuclear power plant operators, oil and gas refinery operators, and industrial machinery operators, which require advanced technical skills and certifications. These roles typically offer higher salaries due to the complexity, risk, and responsibility involved in their operations.

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.

How much do wastewater operators make?

Wastewater operators in Alabama typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the size of the facility. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with advanced certifications can earn higher wages. The job often requires knowledge of treatment processes, equipment, and safety protocols.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Water System Operator jobs in VA? For Water System Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Water System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water System Operator job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 38% 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 $63,799 per year, or $30.7 per hour.
Water System Analyst

Water System Analyst

Concurrent Technologies Corporation

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Water System Analyst

Concurrent Technologies Corporation

Arlington, VA (Hybrid Position)

Minimum Clearance Required: N/A

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret

Background Investigation Required

As a trusted partner and leader in providing energy and sustainability consulting services to the federal government, Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) understands the increasing complexity of achieving energy security and data management in a changing world. As part of the Energy, Resilience and Sustainability (ERS) Division, you will collaborate with experts to provide comprehensive policy, planning, and implementation services to deliver solutions that address critical infrastructure resilience and security, and data management issues and support the military mission, while reducing environmental impacts. We take our role seriously, as our efforts ensure our installations and assets are prepared in any operating environment, present and future.

The ERS Division is seeking a highly motivated and qualified candidate to support our Department of the War (DoW) clients who manage a portfolio of energy and water-related programs. You'll provide technical support by water evaluating water systems, developing water resilience and security metrics, and collaborating with stakeholders to identify risks and conceptual solutions. The role also synthesizes data across sites, contributes to policy development, and prepares clear technical deliverables and briefings to guide priority water projects and inform leadership decisions. This is a hybrid position located in the Washington, D.C area, with the flexibility to work from home while participating in some in-person client and team discussions at or near our Crystal City office.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop water security and water resilience metrics for remote locations based on literature reviews and stakeholder engagement
  • Conduct water system assessments involving engagement with local utility representatives
  • Provide developing country perspective for water system management and development
  • Collaborate with DoW installation stakeholders to assess water resilience and water management deficiencies and to identify and develop conceptual solutions
  • Assist with development of military water resilience, security, and management policies
  • Assist with development of deliverables, such as water system assessment results, water resilience and security analysis results, water emergency response plans for DoW installations, etc.
  • Develop project documentation and collaborate with various stakeholders to assist clients with initiating highest priority water projects
  • Synthesize data across multiple installations to identify trends and distill to high-level statistics for DoW clients
  • Develop technical and high-level briefings to inform decision-makers

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Water Resources Management, Civil Engineering or related field.
  • 4-6 years' experience with water utility system development and evaluation
  • Experience with water resilience and management policy development, implementation, or evaluation
  • Strong attention to detail with excellent time management, project management, follow through and communication skills
  • Capability to work as a member of a team as well as be a self-motivator with ability to work independently in both a virtual and in-person environment
  • Ability to work on multiple projects at a time and juggle competing priorities while meeting tight deadlines
  • Experience with Microsoft product suite, including MS Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active Secret clearance at time of application
  • Prior experience with DoW, DHS, DOE, or other federal agencies supporting energy, water, infrastructure, or national security missions
  • Experience with water system development and assessment at military installations or forward operating sites
  • Water system assessment experience in Indo-Pacific Region
  • Experience with managing and leading water resilience, security, or infrastructure projects
  • Experience with organizing, leading, facilitating workshops with multiple stakeholders

Why CTC?

  • Our teams at CTC are passionate and thrive on collaboration in a team environment.
  • When we encounter a difficult problem, we have a variety of talented and diverse employees that work together to solve the toughest challenges.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Although our work at CTC is extremely important, we also recognize the need for our employees to maintain a proper mix of work and personal life.
  • Visit www.ctc.com to learn more.

Join us! CTC offers exceptional career growth, cutting edge technology, educational opportunities, and recognition for quality work.

https://concurrent-technologies-corporation.breezy.hr

Staffing Requisition: SR# 2026-0069

"We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law."

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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