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Water Systems Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Garland Texas

Water Systems Operator I

Apollo, PA · On-site

$19.37 - $24.96/hr

... System and provides 24-hour/7-day per week/365 day per year call center and dispatch operations for water utility trouble calls. Also, responsible for serving as municipal 311 operator for after hour ...

City of Aubrey, TX

Water Systems Operator I

Aubrey, TX · On-site

$48K/yr

Operate and maintain water supply, wastewater, and drainage systems. * Performs preventative and emergency maintenance on various system components and appurtenances. * Installs and repairs water ...

Washington City

Water System Operator

Washington, UT

$63K/yr

May receive close supervision from a Water Systems Operator IV, III or II while in training or on a project-by-project basis. Supervision Exercised: None Essential Functions: Water: Operates various ...

Washington City

Water System Operator

Washington, UT · On-site

$43K - $63K/yr

May receive close supervision from a Water Systems Operator IV, III or II while in training or on a project-by-project basis. Supervision Exercised: None Essential Functions: Water: Operates various ...

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Water Systems Operator information

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$14

$30

$49

How much do water systems operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for water systems operator in the United States is $30.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $36.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Water Systems Operators face in ensuring water quality compliance?

Water Systems Operators often encounter challenges such as keeping up with evolving regulatory standards, managing aging infrastructure, and responding to unexpected equipment malfunctions. They must diligently monitor water quality through regular testing and documentation to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Adapting to new technologies and coordinating with maintenance teams to address issues promptly are also important aspects of the role. Staying organized and proactive is key to overcoming these challenges and maintaining safe, reliable water services for the community.

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

AspectWater Systems OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires state-specific water operator licensesRequires similar water treatment certifications, often the same licenses
Work EnvironmentMaintains water distribution systems, pumps, and pipelinesOperates and monitors water treatment processes at treatment plants
Industry UsageUsed in municipal, industrial, and rural water systemsPrimarily employed in water treatment facilities

Both roles require water operator licenses and involve maintaining water quality. Water Systems Operators focus on distribution systems, while Water Treatment Plant Operators manage treatment processes. The roles often overlap, but their primary responsibilities differ based on the work environment.

What are Water Systems Operators?

Water Systems Operators are professionals responsible for managing and maintaining water treatment, distribution, and wastewater facilities. They ensure that water is safe to drink, complies with regulatory standards, and that wastewater is treated properly before being released back into the environment. Their duties include monitoring equipment, conducting tests, making adjustments to treatment processes, and responding to system malfunctions or emergencies. They play a critical role in protecting public health and the environment.

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

To thrive as a Water Systems Operator, you need knowledge of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent along with state-issued operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, chemical dosing equipment, and regulatory compliance software is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of water systems, protecting public health and meeting regulatory standards.
More about Water Systems Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Systems Operator jobs? Cities with the most Water Systems Operator job openings:
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What states have the most Water Systems Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Systems Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water Systems Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Systems Operator jobs are:
Water Systems Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Systems Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,351 per year, or $30.9 per hour.
Water Systems Operator

Water Systems Operator

American Water Works Service Company, Inc.

Richmond, IN

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

American Water rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 53 rated energy and utility

Job description

Requisition ID:  110139 

Share Our Purpose.  Be Yourself.  Feel Valued. 

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career.  Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!  Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations.  American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Primary Role

Responsible for the startup, shutdown, and periodic operating checks. Adjust plant equipment such as pumping systems, chemical feeders, auxiliary equipment, and control systems storage tank levels and pump station indicators.

Key Accountabilities
  • Responsible for the startup, shutdown, and periodic operating checks.
  • Adjust plant equipment such as pumping systems, chemical feeders, auxiliary equipment, and control systems storage tank levels and pump station indicators.
  • Inspects plant every hour, recording all data and problems on daily log.
  • Performs routine preventative maintenance such as operating adjustments, cleaning and painting equipment.
  • Performs routine maintenance of plant grounds and buildings such as painting, cleaning, snow removal and other repairs.
  • Loads and unloads chemicals used at the treatment plans.
  • Performs minor corrective maintenance on plant mechanical equipment.
  • Monitors flow, pressures, chemical feeds, levels and water quality indicators.
  • Collects water samples and perform laboratory tests on samples for turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, ph, fluoride, and chlorine.
  • Maintains plant records such as operating logs, chemical feeds, temperature, levels and pressures (various equipment is located through plant facilities).
  • Backwashes multimedia filters as needed.
  • Records all operating data on daily work sheet from laboratory analysis and flow metering equipment's.
  • Acquires knowledge of metric system to use for calibration.
  • Conducts safety inspections and follows safety rules and procedures.
  • Communicates effectively with outer operators and supervisors on the technical level.
  • Answers calls from the Alton call center, and relay information to supervisor as requested.
  • Calls out employees in other departments as directed.
  • Attends and participates in operational and safety training programs as directed by management. Interacts with fellow employees and the public in a professional and courteous manner at all times.
Experience/Education
  • High School graduate or equivalent required
  • Must have a valid driver's license
Travel Requirements
  • Must be able to travel periodically - 5%
Work Environment
  • Outdoor work during seasonal heat and cold, and other adverse weather conditions
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds
  • Must be able to work all different shifts including weekends
Certifications/Licenses
  • Required to obtain and maintain a WT5 license within two (2) years of employment, followed by a WT3 license.
  • Must be able to comprehend analytical methods described in "Standards Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
Competencies
Champions safety
Collaborates
Cultivates innovation
Customer obsessed
Drives Results
Nimble learning

Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

What American Water employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About American Water

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Camden, NJ, US

Year founded

1886

Social media

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