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Water Treatment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Yukon Technology

Water Treatment Operator

Baltimore, MD ยท Remote

$25 - $30/hr

Water Treatment Operator Location: Baltimore, Maryland Position Type: Full-Time About Us: Yukon Technology is dedicated to providing clean, safe, and reliable water to our community. We are committed ...

Cascades

Water Treatment Operator

Ashland, VA

$34.20 - $39.25/hr

Join us as a Water Treatment Operator in Ashland and help bring materials to life in a workplace where health and safety always come first. What's in it for you Taking care of our people is in our ...

Olin Corporation

Water Treatment Operator

Independence, MO ยท On-site

$29.25 - $35.74/hr

Water Treatment Operator Location: Lake City Army Ammunition Plant - Independence, MO Schedule: Weekend Nights: 3x12 F-SU (6p-6:30a, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with 4 hours worked on Thursday or ...

NAES Corporation

Water Treatment Operator

Hannibal, OH ยท On-site

$31.10 - $46.94/hr

Opportunity Summary The Water Treatment Operator plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Long Ridge Energy Generation Facility by maintaining water and ...

NAES

Water Treatment Operator

Hannibal, OH ยท On-site

Opportunity Summary The Water Treatment Operator plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Long Ridge Energy Generation Facility by maintaining water and ...

Wood Plc

Water Treatment Operator

Othello, WA ยท On-site

Come join Wood as a Water Treatment Operator in Othello, WA. Wood offers health benefits, 401k, vacation and more. Per-diem is offered. Authorization to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship ...

Wood

Water Treatment Operator

Kennewick, WA

Come join Wood as a Water Treatment Operator in Kennewick, WA. Wood offers health benefits, 401k, vacation and more. Per-diem is offered. Authorization to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship ...

City of Albany, OR

Water Treatment Operator

Albany, OR ยท On-site

$27.18 - $34.59/hr

Water Treatment Operator I: $27.18 - $34.59 * Water Treatment Operator II: $29.12 - $37.11 * Water Treatment Operator III: $31.75 - $40.52 Benefits include: * Excellent medical, vision and dental ...

City of Albany

Water Treatment Operator

Albany, OR

$58K - $74K/yr

Water Treatment Operator I: $27.18 - $34.59 Water Treatment Operator II: $29.12 - $37.11 Water Treatment Operator III: $31.75 - $40.52 Benefits include: Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit ...

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Water Treatment Operator information

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$13

$27

$49

How much do water treatment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment 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 is a water treatment operator?

Water treatment operators treat and transfer water and wastewater. They operate treatment plant machine systems with control boards, collect water and sewage samples, test and study water for quality, and transport water to designated locations. They also add chemicals to wastewater to disinfect it and turn it into drinking water. Water and wastewater treatment operators must hold a special certification or license and adhere to state regulations and safety procedures.

What does a water treatment operator do?

Water Treatment Operators are typically responsible for monitoring and adjusting equipment, conducting water quality tests, recording data, and responding to alarms or malfunctions. Daily tasks may include inspecting pumps and filters, adding chemicals, and ensuring regulatory compliance. These responsibilities are vital for maintaining safe, reliable water supply and for preventing environmental contamination, making operators integral to both public health and operational efficiency.

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

To thrive as a Water Treatment Operator, you need knowledge of water treatment processes, chemistry, and safety regulations, generally supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant certifications like a state water operator license. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient operation of water treatment facilities and compliance with environmental standards, directly impacting public health.

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

AspectWater Treatment OperatorWater Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires state-specific water treatment certificationsOften requires similar water treatment or plant operation licenses
Work EnvironmentWorks at water treatment facilities, handling water purification processesOperates and maintains water treatment or distribution systems
Industry UsageCommonly used in municipal water treatment plantsUsed in municipal, industrial, and commercial water facilities

Water Treatment Operators and Water Plant Operators often perform similar roles in water facilities, focusing on water purification and system maintenance. While their titles may differ, both require comparable certifications and work environments. The main distinction lies in terminology used by employers, but their responsibilities and industry usage overlap significantly.

How much do water treatment operators make in the US?

Water treatment operators in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and certifications such as the Wastewater Treatment Certification or Water Treatment Certification, and they often work in shifts to ensure continuous operation of treatment facilities.

Is being a water treatment operator hard?

Water treatment operators are responsible for maintaining and operating water treatment systems, which requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols. The job can be physically demanding and often involves shift work, but proper training and certifications can help manage the complexity of the tasks involved.

Where do water treatment operators make the most money?

Water treatment operators tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for water management, such as urban areas or states with strict environmental regulations. Factors like experience, certifications, and the complexity of the treatment systems also influence earning potential.
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Water Treatment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Treatment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,008 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Water Treatment Operator

Nashua, NH โ€ข On-site

Pennichuck Water Works Inc.
See more jobs at Pennichuck Water Works Inc.external

$41.28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Our Company
Pennichuck Corporation is engaged primarily in the collection, storage, treatment, distribution and sale of potable water in southern and central New Hampshire. We have two business segments: regulated water utility operations and non-regulated water management services. This position is based in our treatment plant in Nashua, NH.
Water Treatment Operator
In this position, your primary responsibilities will include the operation, monitoring, controlling, maintaining, testing and troubleshooting of the water treatment processes at our plants, booster and well stations and/or water storage facilities. Your duties will include but are not limited to the following:
  • Operate, monitor, control, test and troubleshoot the water treatment process at the Nashua Water Treatment Plant, a 24/7/365 operation.
  • Travel assigned routes to perform routine inspection, calibration, sample collection and maintenance duties on booster stations, well stations and/or storage facilities and equipment to ensure the water systems remain working efficiently and within established standards of operation.
  • Perform a variety of standardize testing and analysis to ensure optimal water quality and compliance with federal and state regulations and general water quality goals
  • Travel to, inspect and maintain assigned storage tanks, dams or intake structures.

Qualifications for this position include:
Entry level - ($27.87/hour*) Requirements:
  • High school diploma/GED
  • Valid state driver's license in good standing
  • First Aid Training within 12 months of hire
  • OSHA 10 Hour Card within 12 months of hire
  • Ability to work a rotating shift schedule

Operator I - ($31.35/hour*) Additional Requirements:
  • One year successful service and deemed as fully qualified by means of training, experience, and knowledge; or relevant experience

Operator II - ($35.78/hour*) Additional Requirements:
  • NHDES Treatment Operator Certification I
  • Two years of successful operator service and deemed as fully qualified by means of training, experience, and knowledge

Operator III - ($41.28/hour*) - eligible for consideration after two years at Pennichuck and with additional requirements:
  • NHDES Treatment Operator Certification II
  • Three total years of successful experience (at least two of which at Pennichuck) and deemed as fully qualified by means of training, experience, and knowledge

*Water Treatment Plant employees scheduled to work on shifts, other than first shift on weekdays, will be paid a shift differential of $3.52 per hour.
What We Offer:
๏ฟฝ A robust total rewards package which includes vacation and sick time, multiple health insurance options, company-paid dental insurance, a 401K plan with company 3% match, and a fully company-funded pension plan.
๏ฟฝ Opportunities for professional growth and development.
๏ฟฝ A supportive and inclusive work culture.
Apply Today: Are you ready to make a difference? Apply now and become a part of the team!

Apply