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Water System Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator II

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$44K - $75K/yr

... Storm Water System and Waste Management and Recycling Systems. The Department is comprised of 8 ... This Equipment Operator II position is in a Public Works Crew who performs permanent repairs and ...

Field Technician

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$20 - $30/hr

They collect and analyze water samples, perform treatment procedures, and operate and maintain the associated testing and treatment equipment. The role centers on keeping each system operating within ...

Field Technician

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$20 - $30/hr

They collect and analyze water samples, perform treatment procedures, and operate and maintain the associated testing and treatment equipment. The role centers on keeping each system operating within ...

Field Technician

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$20 - $30/hr

They collect and analyze water samples, perform treatment procedures, and operate and maintain the associated testing and treatment equipment. The role centers on keeping each system operating within ...

Water Treatment Technician

Chester, VA ยท On-site

$18 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate and maintain sand filtration systems, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency ... Work closely with other technicians and operators to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.

Water Treatment Technician

Chester, VA ยท On-site

$18 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate and maintain sand filtration systems, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency ... Work closely with other technicians and operators to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.

Showing results 41-60

Water System Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$30

$49

How much do water system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 is a water system operator?

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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Water System Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,799 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Water Treatment Plant Operator: Trainee, I or II

Town of Leesburg, VA

Leesburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$53K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Salary: $53,570.00 - $116,738.00 Annually
Location : 43234 Edwards Ferry Road Leesburg, VA
Job Type: RFT
Job Number: 01303
Department: Utilities Department
Division: Water Supply Facility
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
About the Town of Leesburg and Nature of Work
Do you want to apply your expertise for a cause you can feel good about? Do you want to work for an organization that wants you to grow with it and offers tuition reimbursement, certification training, and a chance to learn about multiple industries? Come work for the Town of Leesburg, hometown of the 21st century! Located 35 miles west of the nation's capital in the heart of DC's Wine Country, you'll enjoy a vibrant and authentic community with "big city" amenities. The Town of Leesburg strongly encourages innovation, promotes career development, and offers excellent benefits to employees. Benefits include membership to the Town's full-service recreation center, enrollment into the Virginia Retirement System, excellent healthcare insurance, and other fringe benefits.
What You'll Be Doing
This position involves entry level through journey-level technical work opportunities in the Water Supply Division in the operation; and maintenance of a water treatment plant, associated facilities and plant grounds. Work involves responsibility for the operation, monitoring, and control of the facility on a shift under the close guidance of senior operations personnel. Work involves conducting tests in a microbiology lab; adjusting treatment processes to ensure conformance with applicable standards; operating wells, storage tanks and booster stations; participating in the maintenance of equipment and facilities; performing data entry on a computer; and preparing operating reports and records. The Water Supply Division is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the Town's Kenneth B. Rollins Water Treatment Plant (WTP), one well, five water storage tanks, and four water booster stations.
Schedule
This position requires working rotating shifts (days/nights), including weekends and holidays.
Career Development Program
The Town's Water Supply Division offers a career development program. The purpose of this program is to recognize and compensate those individuals who have acquired additional or advanced work-related knowledge, skills and abilities during their career with the Town's Utilities Department. This program provides a career development plan based on an employee's performance, training, licensure and length of service.
For more detailed job descriptions, please visit the Town's
Required Qualifications
Utility Plant Operator Trainee ($53,570-$116,738 DOQ): HS/GED. Ability to obtain a Class IV Water Works Operator License for Water Supply within 18 months. Ability to obtain a Class III Water Works Operators License for Water Supply. Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. Certifications in CPR/AED and First Aid or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Knowledge in MS Suite applications and computer program applications appropriate to the position. Available and able to work shifts (nights, weekends and holidays).
Utility Plant Operator I ($54,601-$118,938 DOQ): High school diploma (or GED) and one year of experience operating a water or wastewater treatment
plant facility. Possession of a current Class III Water Works Operator License for Water Supply as issued by Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Water or environmental laboratory experience. Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. CPR / AED First Aid certification or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Knowledge and familiarity with Virginia Waterworks Regulations. Knowledge in MS Suite applications and computer program applications appropriate to the position. Available to work shifts (nights, weekends and holidays).
Utility Plant Operator II ($57,331-$127,295 DOQ): HS/GED and two years of progressively responsible work in water treatment. Water or environmental laboratory experience. Possession of a Class II Water Works Operator License as issued by the Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR). CPR/AED First Aid certification or within one year of hire. Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. Experience with industrial computer control systems (SCDA) and process control system. Available to work shifts ( nights, weekends and holidays).
Preferred Qualifications
Utility Plant Operator Trainee: Class IV License Water Works Operator License issued by the Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Water or environmental laboratory experience.
Utility Plant Operator I: Backflow device certification. Experience with SCADA and Process Control Systems. Completion of VDH/VWEA Operators Short School - Virginia Tech.
Utility Plant Operator II: Backflow device certification. Associates or Bachelors degree in Biology, Chemistry or other related science. Bacteriology Laboratory Experience.
Employee BenefitsThe Town offers competitive compensation, affordable health insurance coverage, participation in the Virginia Retirement System, an optional 457(b) retirement plan with a Town matching contribution, flexible spending accounts, voluntary benefits, employee assistance program (EAP), membership to the Town's full-service recreation center, an optional payroll Roth IRA, and generous paid time off. For more information on the Town's robust benefits package, please visit the Town'sEmployee Benefits page.
EOE/ADA
Please click on "Employee Benefits" to review detailed information regarding employee benefits for regular full-time and regular part-time employees.