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Water Treatment Distribution Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Treatment Operator

Frederick, MD · On-site

$24.11 - $29.95/hr

... distribution tanks and pump stations, control panels and adjust valves, pumps and chemical settings ... WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR II $25.91 per hour ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs all of ...

Water Distribution Operator

Danville, KY · On-site

$32K - $71K/yr

... treatment, police and fire services, 911 emergency dispatch services, parks and recreation ... Water Distribution Operator Pay Classification: Non-exempt Job Classification: Full-time Pay Grade:

This position is responsible for the operation of water treatment and distribution systems. Job ... Water Treatment Operators also perform field sampling and testing to determine the required water ...

Showing results 41-60

Water Treatment Distribution Operator information

See salary details

$13

$27

$49

How much do water treatment distribution operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment distribution operator in the United States is $27.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water treatment distribution operator do?

A Water Treatment Distribution Operator is responsible for ensuring that clean, safe drinking water is delivered to homes and businesses by monitoring, operating, and maintaining water treatment and distribution systems. Their duties include testing water quality, adjusting chemical levels, inspecting equipment, and repairing leaks or broken pipes. They also record data, perform routine maintenance, and respond to emergencies such as water main breaks or contamination incidents. This role is essential in protecting public health and complying with government regulations for water quality.

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

To thrive as a Water Treatment Distribution Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, hydraulics, and chemistry, typically backed by a high school diploma and a state-issued operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance tools is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong teamwork skills help operators quickly address issues and maintain compliance. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, reliable water distribution and public health protection.

What are some common challenges water treatment distribution operators face when maintaining water quality in distribution systems?

Water Treatment Distribution Operators often encounter challenges such as managing fluctuations in water demand, detecting and addressing leaks or pipe breaks, and ensuring consistent water pressure throughout the distribution network. They must also monitor water quality parameters closely to prevent contamination and comply with regulatory standards. Collaborating with maintenance crews and responding quickly to emergencies are key aspects of the role, making adaptability and strong problem-solving skills essential for success.

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

AspectWater Treatment Distribution OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater Distribution Operator license, EPA certificationsWater Treatment Operator license, EPA certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in distribution systems, pipelines, and reservoirsPlant environment, treatment facilities, and laboratory settings
Job FocusMaintaining and operating water distribution systemsOperating and maintaining water treatment processes

The Water Treatment Distribution Operator primarily manages the distribution system, ensuring safe water delivery through pipelines and reservoirs. In contrast, the Water Treatment Plant Operator focuses on the treatment process within the plant. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments but differ in their specific responsibilities within the water industry.

What cities are hiring for Water Treatment Distribution Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Water Treatment Distribution Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Water Treatment Distribution Operator jobs?

For Water Treatment Distribution Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Water Treatment Distribution Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,008 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Water Treatment Operator

Frederick, MD • On-site

The City of Frederick
Public Administration • 501 - 1,000 employees

$24.11 - $29.95/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Summary JOB SUMMARY: This skilled, technical position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a Water Treatment Plant facility with the primary responsibility being maintaining compliance with the requirements by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), City of Frederick and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Our Water Treatment Plants operate 24-hours a day, 365-days a year with eight-hour shifts that may vary. Shifts include night, weekend and holiday work schedules.

The person in this position must be able to regularly work beyond the scheduled work shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and to travel to various seminars or training classes as required; staying current in the water treatment profession. The person in this position is considered essential personnel and will be required to respond to emergencies as directed by the Assistant Superintendent or Superintendent. WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR I $24.11per hour ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs regular walking inspections of the facility and observes Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), monitors water plant performances, distribution tanks and pump stations, control panels and adjust valves, pumps and chemical settings manually or by remote control to regulate the flows and treatment processes under direct supervision

Maintains log of operations and records meter readings, gauge readings and laboratory test results in written form or via computer: handwriting must be legible. Collects water samples and conducts and interprets routine laboratory tests, which include, but are not limited to: Chlorine Residual, pH and Dissolved Oxygen, Turbidity with direct supervision. Performs plant standard operating procedures with direct supervision.

Ensures plant equipment and facilities are well maintained, reliable and clean. Performs preventative maintenance on equipment. Adjusts chemical dosing and pump rates with direct supervision.

Receives and unloads chemicals. Applies copper sulfate to bodies of water. Drains and cleans out sedimentation basins.

Attends classes and completes courses to maintain water license. Performs assigned janitorial duties. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: High school education, general education diploma (GED) or equivalent. REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES: Vehicle Operator's license with satisfactory driving record that meets insurability standards of the City's insurance carrier is required. The employee must maintain the license for the duration of their employment.

Ability to obtain an Operator In Training Water Treatment Class 4 (T-4) certificate issued by the Maryland Board of Water Works and Waste Systems Operators within 45 days of hire. The employee must maintain the certification for the duration of their employment. REQUIRED SKILLS(Communication/Language; Mathematical; Computer; etc.): Effective written and spoken (English) communication skills, including the ability to read and maintain clear concise records, and the ability to follow spoken and written instructions

Self-motivated, capable of taking initiative. Ability to work under stress from various changing water quality and plant performance conditions. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of operating the facilities and associated processes in accordance with state and federal water quality regulations.

Knowledge of basic mathematics skills which include arithmetic functions, area calculations and estimation. Knowledge of basic computer software skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook. WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR II $25.91 per hour ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs all of the duties listed under Water Treatment Operator I with less constant supervision

Assists the Operator I's in meeting their goals and objectives. Determines the cause and course of action to properly respond to alarms occurring at the facility. Performs basic adjustments to the treatment process equipment with supervision.

Performs other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: High school education, general education diploma (GED) or equivalent. Six (6) months of related work experience at a Class 4 facility.

A combination of relevant education, experience, and/or training may be substituted to meet this requirement. REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES: Vehicle Operator's license with satisfactory driving record that meets insurability standards of the City's insurance carrier is required. The employee must maintain the license for the duration of their employment.

Ability to obtain an Operator In Training for Water Treatment Class 4 (T-4) certificate issued by the Maryland Board of Water Works and Waste Systems Operators within 45 days of hire. The employee must maintain the certification for the duration of their employment. REQUIRED SKILLS(Communication/Language; Mathematical; Computer; etc.): Effective written and spoken (English) communication skills, including the ability to read and maintain clear concise records, and the ability to follow spoken and written instructions

Self-motivated, capable of taking initiative. Ability to work under stress from various changing water quality and plant performance conditions. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of operating the facilities and associated processes in accordance with state and federal water quality regulations.

Knowledge of basic mathematics skills which include arithmetic functions, area calculations and estimation. Intermediate knowledge of computers and their applications, especially skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and SCADA applications such as Citect and PLC's OTHER DESIRABLES: Experience operating a Forklift. Experience conducting safety inspections.

Hazardous chemical response training. Knowledge in the use of laboratory equipment and performing multiple Water Treatment laboratory testing. WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR III $27.86 per hour ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs all of the duties listed under Water Treatment Operator I and II with limited supervision

Assists the Operator I and II's in meeting their goals and objectives. Monitors, evaluates and maintains EPA, MDE and City regulatory compliance by reviewing daily operating reports, logs and SCADA trending data. Making necessary adjustments to the process and/or flow production.

Performs basic adjustments to the treatment process equipment with supervision. Performs other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: High school education, general education diploma (GED) or equivalent.

Two (2) years of related work experience at a Class 4 facility. A combination of relevant education, experience, and/or training may be substituted to meet this requirement. REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES: Vehicle Operator's license with satisfactory driving record that meets insurability standards of the City's insurance carrier is required.

The employee must maintain the license for the duration of their employment. Ability to obtain an Operator In Training for Water Treatment Class 4 (T-4) certificate issued by the Maryland Board of Water Works and Waste Systems Operators within 45 days of hire. The employee must maintain the certification for the duration of their employment.

REQUIRED SKILLS(Communication/Language; Mathematical; Computer; etc.): Understanding of the Daily Operating Reports and MORs. Knowledge of City, Federal and State regulations and materials, methods, processes, and techniques commonly used in Water Treatment. Knowledge of safety standards and practices for hazardous environments, including OSHA safety rules, standards and regulations

Ability to communicate effectively in English and to carry out instruction furnished in oral, written or diagram form; ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and to individuals. Intermediate knowledge of computers and their applications, especially Microsoft Office Suite at an intermediate level and SCADA applications such as Citect and PLC's. Ability to define problems, collect data, interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables, calculate figures, decimals, fractions, percentages, averages, conversions and solve for unknown values; must possess the ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry such as linear, area and volume measurements; must be able to solve mathematical word problems and set up and solve difficult water treatment formulas.

Knowledge and understanding of MDE and OSHA Regulations as well as the safe operating limits of equipment used in the operation of Water Treatment. OTHER DESIRABLES: Experience operating a Forklift. Experience conducting safety inspections.

Hazardous chemical response training. Knowledge in the use of laboratory equipment and performing multiple Water Treatment laboratory testing. WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR IV $29.95 per hour ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs all of the duties listed under Water Treatment Operator I, II and III

Assists the Operator I, II and III's in meeting their goals and objectives. Maintains professional/technical proficiency in all areas of responsibility. Receives, instructs, trains and ensures compliance with the Safe Water Drinking Act (SWDA), City of Frederick, Department of Public Works and Water Treatment Plant policies, practices, operating theory and safety regulations.

Upholds all of the requirements to maintain water treatment plant compliance (State of Maryland Maximum Contamination Levels (MCL) and The City of Frederick Maximum Permissible Level (MPL). Promptly notifies the Superintendent and/or Assistant Superintendent of potential compliance and safety issues. Observes variations in operating conditions and test results to determine optimum plant operations and make any necessary changes without supervision.

Performs other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: High school education, general education diploma (GED) or equivalent. Three (3) years of related work experience at Class IV Water Treatment facility.

A combination of relevant education, experience, and/or training may be substituted to meet this requirement. REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES: Vehicle Operator's license with satisfactory driving record that meets insurability standards of the City's insurance carrier is required. The employee must maintain the license for the duration of their employment.

Class IV Water Treatment Operator Certification issued by Maryland Board of Water Works and Waste Systems Operators. The employee must maintain the certification for the duration of their employment. REQUIRED SKILLS(Communication/Language; Mathematical; Computer; etc.): Demonstrated proficiency in all job duties of an Operator I, II, and III

Knowledge of Federal, State and City regulations and materials, methods, processes and techniques commonly used in Water Treatment. Knowledge of safety standards and practices for hazardous environments, including OSHA safety rules, standards and regulations. Possess knowledge and understanding of EPA, MDE, City and OSHA Regulations, requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as well as the safe operating limits of equipment used in the operation of Water Treatment.

Intermediate knowledge of computers and their applications, especially Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point) at an intermediate level and SCADA applications such as Citect and PLC's. Ability to communicate effectively in English and to carry out instruction furnished in oral, written or diagram form; ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and to individuals. Ability to define problems, collect data, interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables, calculate figures, decimals, fractions, percentages, averages, conversions and solve for unknown values; must possess the ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry such as linear, area and volume measurements; must be able to solve mathematical word problems and set up and solve difficult wastewater formulas.

OTHER DESIRABLES: Experience operating a Forklift. Experience conducting safety inspections. Hazardous chemical response training.

Knowledge in the use of laboratory equipment and performing multiple Water Treatment laboratory testing. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: In concert with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (Title IV, Section 401-403), verification of employment eligibility and a criminal background check will be conducted. Ability to pass the Maryland Class 4 Water Treatment Operator Certificate Exam within three (3) years from the date of hire.

Ability to regularly work beyond the scheduled work shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and to travel to various seminars or training classes as required to keep current in the water treatment profession and to maintain the required license and certifications. Maintain facial hair in compliance with Federal Regulations to be able to wear a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) ...