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Water System Operator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Utility Worker

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$6.6K - $8.4K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... maintaining vital water and wastewater systems. In this role, you will work with a skilled ... operating safely and efficiently.You will work alongside experienced team members, handle ...

Utility Worker

Mukilteo, WA · On-site

$6.6K - $9.6K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... maintaining vital water and wastewater systems. In this role, you will work with a skilled ... operating safely and efficiently. You will work alongside experienced team members, handle ...

... Systems. * Monitoring equipment parameters such as temperature, pressure, levels, vibration, operating hours, and water chemistry, as well as reviewing Operator rounds, to verify operating conditions ...

Water Processing Tech

Kent, WA · On-site

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Position This position is responsible for operating equipment used in the treatment of spent ... Complete specific system maintenance activities such as systems clean up, pit sludge removal, and ...

... Water Treatment Plant equipment and operation and the ability to analyze and make process change ... Maintains SDS system as assigned. Ensures logbook, reports, bench sheets and work orders are ...

Field Service Engineer

Bellevue, WA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operating experience with water treatment equipment, including evaporators, crystallizers, reverse osmosis (RO) systems, micro-filtration, clarification, and conventional filtration. Additional ...

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Field Service Engineer - Water Treatment

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Operating experience with water treatment equipment including reverse osmosis (RO) systems, Ion Exchange Systems, Hot Water Loops and EDI. Performance Objectives / What you'll be doing:

WWTP Operator 1, 2, or 3

Edmonds, WA · On-site

$6.8K - $10K/mo

... Water Treatment Plant equipment and operation and the ability to analyze and make process change ... Maintains SDS system as assigned. * Ensures logbook, reports, bench sheets and work orders are ...

Water Processing Tech

Kent, WA · On-site

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Position This position is responsible for operating equipment used in the treatment of spent ... Complete specific system maintenance activities such as systems clean up, pit sludge removal, and ...

CDL Propane Driver

Woodinville, WA · On-site

$29 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... needed with general water system maintenance and repairs where water solutions are offered ... states operating under a number of strong regional brands. The business has succeeded in ...

CDL Propane Driver

Woodinville, WA · On-site

$29 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... needed with general water system maintenance and repairs where water solutions are offered ... states operating under a number of strong regional brands. The business has succeeded in ...

Showing results 21-40

Water System Operator information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$16

$35

$56

How much do water system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for water system operator in Seattle, WA is $35.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.62 and $41.30 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.

Infographic showing various Water System Operator job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,232 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

$50K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Washington Water Service

Job Description:

California Water Service Group (Cal Water) invites you to build a meaningful career with the third largest publicly traded water utility in the United States. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values-integrity, quality, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship-and is reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace, a Great Place to Work, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.
The Construction Electrical Mechanical Technician Helper assists and supports the EMT in the construction of pump stations, storage facilities and central control systems. The position assists with maintaining and troubleshooting all electrical service work under supervision of the Construction Superintendent and with the guidance of the EMT. This position is located in Gig Harbor, WA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Assists and participates in above ground construction, including pump house building, plumbing and electrical, setting hydro tanks, and pouring slabs for tanks, generators, and propane cylinders.
  • Maintains and repairs automatic control valves in the distribution system
  • Installs new pumps and necessary operating equipment
  • Installs and maintains telemetering systems
  • Installs and maintains central and remote control equipment
  • Installs and maintains various types of control valves, both electrically and hydraulically operated
  • Installs and repairs all electrical systems under supervision and guidance of the EMT
  • Installs and maintains water treatment equipment
  • Checks elevated tanks and appurtenances up to 120ft of elevation
  • Repairs and tests meters, including flow and production meters
  • Completes necessary paperwork
  • Participates in the Company's Continuous improvement Process
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Maintains and submits electrical trainee records to the company's electrical administrator for reporting to the Washington State Department of labor and industries

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Experience working with motor and pump controls for water and wastewater systems desired.
  • State of Washington Water Distribution Specialist certification within 1 year of employment
  • First Aid (2 years) certificate or obtain within one year
  • State of Washington Electrical ApprenticeLicense (EL03) for Pump and irrigation maintained by CEU'sor enrolled in an accredited training school
  • Valid State of Washington Driver's License with clean driving record
  • Ability to work in extreme Washington weather conditions
  • Ability to lift awkward and heavy equipment


Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of all machines and tools used in the job
  • Basic knowledge of electrical pumping plants
  • Knowledge of safety regulations, protocols, principles, practices and procedures for water systems
  • Basic math skills
  • Ability to recognize potential dangers when installing and maintaining electrical equipment and controls that could result in injury to other employees or damage to Company equipment or customers residence plumbing
  • Ability to communicate well with others, both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to understand and follow verbal and/or written policies, procedures and instructions
  • Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or verbal instructions
  • Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
  • Ability to regularly interact with employees, public, and customers, requiring common sense, tact and diplomacy in order to accomplish assignments
  • Ability to provide outstanding customer service
  • Ability to work after hours and remain on-call

Salary Range: $50,200 - $93,100

Resumes Deadline is: OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Serviceand Washington Water Servicedo not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.