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Water Systems Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

NW Natural

Water Operations Senior Manager

Newberg, OR

$97K - $155K/yr

Major areas of management include staffing, water systems compliance, budgeting, and revenue ... Oregon Water Distribution Operator (Grade 1-4) * Oregon Water Treatment Operator (Grade 1-4) * ...

New

NW Natural

Water Operations Senior Manager

Newberg, OR · On-site

$97K - $155K/yr

Major areas of management include staffing, water systems compliance, budgeting, and revenue ... Oregon Water Distribution Operator (Grade 1-4) * Oregon Water Treatment Operator (Grade 1-4) * ...

NW Natural

Water Operations Senior Manager

Newberg, OR

$97K - $155K/yr

Major areas of management include staffing, water systems compliance, budgeting, and revenue ... Oregon Water Distribution Operator (Grade 1-4) * Oregon Water Treatment Operator (Grade 1-4) * ...

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Water/Wastewater

Portland, OR

$23 - $31.75/hr

... systems, and large diameter conveyance (water distribution and wastewater collection) * Has an ... Operating with integrity and sound business principles * Providing vision, business planning and ...

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Water/Wastewater

Portland, OR · On-site

$23 - $31.75/hr

... systems, and large diameter conveyance (water distribution and wastewater collection) * Has an ... Operating with integrity and sound business principles * Providing vision, business planning and ...

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Water/Wastewater

Portland, OR

$23 - $31.75/hr

... systems, and large diameter conveyance (water distribution and wastewater collection) * Has an ... Operating with integrity and sound business principles * Providing vision, business planning and ...

Kimley-Horn

Practice Leader - Water/Wastewater

Portland, OR · On-site

$23 - $31.75/hr

... systems, and large diameter conveyance (water distribution and wastewater collection) * Has an ... Operating with integrity and sound business principles * Providing vision, business planning and ...

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All JobsWater Systems Operator JobsWater Systems Operator Jobs in Portland, OR

Water Systems Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$15

$32

$52

How much do water systems operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for water systems operator in Portland, OR is $32.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.93 and $38.51 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.
What are popular job titles related to Water Systems Operator jobs in Portland, OR? For Water Systems Operator jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Systems Operator jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Water Systems Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:
Water Systems Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Systems Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 56% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,245 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Water Operations Senior Manager

NW Natural

Newberg, OR

$97K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Water Operations Senior Manager 

Non-Union Position
WTR-Water Services Management; Newberg, Oregon (US-OR)  
Regular FT, Exempt
Posting # 5589  

About Us:

NW Natural Water owns and operates water and wastewater utilities in communities throughout Texas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Since 2018, we have acquired more than 30 utilities and today serve more than 190,000 people via 76,000 connections.

Our parent company, NW Natural Holding Company (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has been doing business for over 165 years. The company operates through NW Natural Gas Company (NW Natural), SiEnergy Operating (SiEnergy), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), and other business interests, serving a combined population of over 2.6 million people.

The Role:

Administer client relationship and operations management responsibilities pertaining to service agreement scope fulfillment in the areas of system operation, utility management, and management of client relationships. Major areas of management include staffing, water systems compliance, budgeting, and revenue generation.  

Day to Day:
  • Administer the overall operation of water distribution, water treatment, wastewater collections, and wastewater treatment for client water systems within department service area. Execute all contractual deliverables in the areas of field operations and management services.
  • Manage client communications, including preparation of written status reports, email, phone, and in person meetings as required.
  • Facilitate preparation of annual client budgets and midyear budget adjustments. Coordinate client budget approvals and manage service contracts to meet budgets.  
  • Maintain current knowledge and understanding in order to ensure strict compliance with all federal and state rules and regulations.
  • Develop and manage operations team, including responsibility to hire in accordance with staffing plan, develop staff to effectively provide services, and to complete training and gain certifications in accordance with company policy.  
  • Conduct scheduled employee staffing performance evaluations within Company guidelines.
  • Manage department budget through personnel utilization and other metrics.
  • Direct emergency response programs.
  • Comply with all Company policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
  • Comply with Company Grooming and uniform policy. 
Come on your first day with:

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/experience.  
  • Five years experience in a leadership/management role.  
  • Two to five years of experience in covering all aspects of utility operation.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of laws and regulations that apply to various governing agencies.
  • Thorough knowledge of water and wastewater system operations, as applicable. 
  • Valid driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days if out-of-state), required certifications/endorsements, and satisfactory driving record. 

CERTIFICATIONS: Preference to hold one or more upon hire, or must obtain a level 1 certification within one year of employment 

  • Oregon Water Distribution Operator (Grade 1-4)
  • Oregon Water Treatment Operator (Grade 1-4)
  • Oregon Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Grade 1-4)
  • Oregon Wastewater Collections Operator (Grade 1-4) 
Working Conditions:

The working environment will vary from extreme outdoor conditions to indoor job duties.  This position requires decision and leadership ability, at times in emergency situations. Safety procedures must always be followed.  Employees may be exposed to hazardous materials, confined space, electrical components, and heavy equipment such as backhoes, dump trucks and sewer flushing vehicles.  Employees must be in a physical condition that will allow personnel access into typical industrial processing plant facilities and equipment. 

What we offer:


Health & Wellness –

  • Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
  • Free access to an online wellness resources platform 

Work Life Balance -

  • Accrue up to 15 Vacation Days annually
  • 13 paid holidays
  • 3 weeks paid parental leave

Financial -

  • Competitive 401K company contribution and match 
  • 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement  

Base salary range: $97,078.00 - $155,324.00 per year, depending on qualifications 
 

Application Process: To be considered for this position, submit a complete electronic application including cover letter and resume via our website.

https://www.careers.nwnatural.com/nwnaturalwater

Deadline: 8/11/26

Disclosure: We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural Water participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

E-Verify Information
NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

All applications must be submitted through NW Natural Water’s Electronic Application System. Resumes submitted via email, fax or mail will not be accepted in lieu of an electronic application.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

NW Natural Water does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural Water valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural Water HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural Water. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural Water as a result of the referral or through other means.

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