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Water Transfer Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ExxonMobil

Water Transfer Operator

Carlsbad, NM

As a major operator in the Permian Basin, ExxonMobil invests heavily in local community development ... Individual to work with water transfer team (PWM) supporting completions and drilling activities in ...

ExxonMobil

Water Transfer Operator

Carlsbad, NM

As a major operator in the Permian Basin, ExxonMobil invests heavily in local community development ... Individual to work with water transfer team (PWM) supporting completions and drilling activities in ...

ExxonMobil

Water Transfer Operator

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$16.25 - $18.50/hr

As a major operator in the Permian Basin, ExxonMobil invests heavily in local community development ... Individual to work with water transfer team (PWM) supporting completions and drilling activities in ...

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Operator - Water Transfer

Fort Lupton, CO · On-site

WATER TRANSFER OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Transfer Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement: Yes Top Tier ...

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Operator - Water Transfer

Du Bois, PA · On-site

WATER TRANSFER OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Transfer Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement: Yes Top Tier ...

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Operator - Water Transfer

Williston, ND · On-site

WATER TRANSFER OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Transfer Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement: Yes Top Tier ...

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Operator - Water Transfer

Karnes City, TX · On-site

WATER TRANSFER OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Transfer Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement: Yes Top Tier ...

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Operator - Water Transfer

Kittanning, PA · On-site

WATER TRANSFER OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Transfer Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement: Yes Top Tier ...

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Operator - Water Transfer

Ponder, TX · On-site

WATER TRANSFER OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Transfer Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement: Yes Top Tier ...

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Operator - Water Transfer

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

WATER TRANSFER OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Transfer Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement: Yes Top Tier ...

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Operator - Water Transfer

Pecos, TX

WATER TRANSFER OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Transfer Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement: Yes Top Tier ...

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Operator - Water Transfer

Saint Marys, WV · On-site

WATER TRANSFER OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Transfer Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement: Yes Top Tier ...

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Operator - Water Transfer

Hickory, PA · On-site

WATER TRANSFER OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Transfer Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement: Yes Top Tier ...

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Operator - Water Transfer

Big Spring, TX

WATER TRANSFER OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Transfer Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement: Yes Top Tier ...

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Operator - Water Transfer

Midland, TX · On-site

WATER TRANSFER OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Transfer Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement: Yes Top Tier ...

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Operator - Water Transfer

Carthage, TX · On-site

WATER TRANSFER OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Transfer Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement: Yes Top Tier ...

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Water Transfer Operator information

See salary details

$13

$26

$40

How much do water transfer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for water transfer operator in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water transfer operator do?

A Water Transfer Operator is responsible for safely moving water from one location to another, typically in support of oil and gas drilling or fracking operations. They operate pumps, hoses, and other equipment to ensure efficient water transfer, monitor water quality, and prevent spills or leaks. Their job also includes maintaining equipment, following environmental regulations, and coordinating with other workers on-site to ensure smooth operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water transfer operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Transfer Operator, you need a solid understanding of water systems, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pumps, valves, hoses, flow meters, and sometimes SCADA systems is often required, along with relevant safety certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient water transfer operations and preventing environmental or equipment issues.

What are some common challenges faced by water transfer operators in the field?

Water Transfer Operators often work in remote locations and must adapt to varying weather and terrain conditions. One of the main challenges is ensuring the safe and efficient transfer of large volumes of water without causing environmental spills or equipment failures. Operators must also coordinate closely with drilling supervisors, truck drivers, and other team members to maintain a continuous water supply for operations, which can require long hours and prompt problem-solving in high-pressure situations.

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

AspectWater Transfer OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater transfer certifications, safety trainingWater treatment certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentField sites, pipelines, construction areasWater treatment facilities, plant floors
Industry UsageWater transfer projects, infrastructureWater purification, treatment processes

While both roles involve working with water systems, Water Transfer Operators focus on moving water through pipelines and infrastructure, often outdoors and in construction settings. Water Treatment Plant Operators manage water purification processes within treatment facilities. Both require safety and technical certifications, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

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Water Transfer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Transfer Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,297 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Water Transfer Operator II

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

BKV Corporation
See more jobs at BKV Corporationexternal

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description
Job Summary
The Water Transfer Operator II is an experienced field operator responsible for independently operating and troubleshooting BKV's produced-water transfer infrastructure. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the reliability of a system consisting of more than 250 transfer pumps and associated pipelines, valves, controls, tanks, and instrumentation.
The Water Transfer Operator II is expected to independently identify operational issues, troubleshoot equipment, coordinate repairs, and minimize downtime. This position also provides regular support to SWD Operations and helps develop less-experienced Water Transfer Operators. This role requires knowledge of job procedures and tools. Works under moderate supervision with the ability to handle routine situations independently.
Demonstrates integrity, accountability and transparency; upholds BKV standards, values and culture.
Responsibilities
Safety & Operational Ownership
  • Demonstrate strong safety leadership and reinforce expectations for JSAs, Stop Work Authority, housekeeping, and environmental stewardship.
  • Independently operate assigned water transfer systems and take ownership of equipment condition and system reliability.
  • Proactively identify developing problems and communicate risks before they result in downtime or environmental impact.

System Operations & Optimization
  • Monitor system performance and optimize pump utilization and water routing based on field conditions.
  • Coordinate multiple transfer systems to prevent facility constraints, high tank conditions, or production impacts.
  • Understand how upstream production changes affect water volumes, transfer requirements, and SWD capacity.
  • Effectively use SCADA and field data to prioritize work and make sound operational decisions.

Troubleshooting & Reliability
  • Troubleshoot pump, motor, electrical, instrumentation, communication, and control issues.
  • Diagnose abnormal pressure, reduced flow, cavitation, vibration, overheating, and other performance concerns.
  • Coordinate repairs with Maintenance, I&E, Automation, and contractors as needed.
  • Identify recurring failures and communicate bad actors and reliability concerns to leadership.

SWD Operations Support
  • Provide qualified operational coverage for SWD facilities as needed.
  • Understand the relationship between transfer-system performance, SWD capacity, and field production.
  • Assist with triplex/quintuplex pump operation, routine maintenance, and basic SWD troubleshooting.
  • Coordinate water routing during SWD outages, maintenance, or capacity constraints.

Employee Development
  • Assist with training and mentoring Water Transfer Operator I employees.
  • Demonstrate proper operating, troubleshooting, communication, and safety practices.
  • Share lessons learned and best practices across the Water Operations team.

Weekend & After-Hours Callouts
  • Independently respond to weekend and after-hours operational events.
  • Prioritize multiple alarms or failures based on safety, environmental risk, production impact, and operational urgency.
  • Coordinate additional resources when necessary and maintain strong communication during significant events.

Required Skills
  • Demonstrated pump and mechanical troubleshooting experience.
  • Familiarity with SCADA, automation, VFDs, instrumentation, and remote field operations.
  • Experience operating or supporting SWD facilities.
  • Understanding of produced water management, water transfer systems, and related regulatory requirements.
  • Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Office and job-related applications. Understands how to use digital tools to make informed decisions.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal, collaboration and communication skills, including clear shift handoff and accurate reporting of operating conditions.
  • Effective communication skills to collaborate with various internal teams and stakeholders.
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail, organization, and prioritization skills.
  • Demonstrated cognitive and problem-solving skills.
  • Growth mindset with a demonstrated ability to innovate, embrace change and have grit.

Education & Experience
Required
  • High school diploma or GED required. Commensurate work experience considered.
  • Typically requires a minimum of 3 years of water transfer, SWD, production operations, or related industrial experience.

Licenses & Certifications
  • Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Location
  • Barnett Field / Fort Worth Basin - BKV Fort Worth, Texas office.

Working Conditions
  • Must be available to work holidays, weekends, and non-scheduled callouts.
  • Outdoor working environment with varying weather conditions.
  • May be required to stand for long periods of time and potentially engage in frequent bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and lifting items over 20lbs.

Physical Demands
  • Sometimes exposed to hazardous environments that would require PPE (personal protective equipment) to be worn.
  • Frequently on the road and may remain in a stationary position up to 50% of the time. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and engage in frequent eye/hand/foot coordination.

Required Skills

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