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Water Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Yukon Technology

Water Treatment Operator

Baltimore, MD · 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 ...

Pilgrim's

Water Treatment Operator - Days

Arcadia, WI · On-site

$23.31/hr

Opportunity to grow your career through our Supervisor Development Program or Management Trainee ... The Water Treatment Operator is responsible for the daily operation and upkeep of the Water ...

jbs

Water Treatment Operator - Days

Arcadia, WI · On-site

$23.31/hr

Opportunity to grow your career through our Supervisor Development Program or Management Trainee ... The Water Treatment Operator is responsible for the daily operation and upkeep of the Water ...

Pilgrim's

Water Treatment Operator - Days

Arcadia, WI

$23.31/hr

Opportunity to grow your career through our Supervisor Development Program or Management Trainee ... The Water Treatment Operator is responsible for the daily operation and upkeep of the Water ...

Pilgrim's

Water Treatment Operator - Days

Arcadia, WI

$23.31/hr

Opportunity to grow your career through our Supervisor Development Program or Management Trainee ... The Water Treatment Operator is responsible for the daily operation and upkeep of the Water ...

Pilgrim's

Water Treatment Operator - Days

Arcadia, WI · On-site

$23.31/hr

Opportunity to grow your career through our Supervisor Development Program or Management Trainee ... The Water Treatment Operator is responsible for the daily operation and upkeep of the Water ...

Wood Plc

Water Treatment Operator

Othello, WA

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 ...

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Water Treatment Operator Trainee information

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$13

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

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment operator trainee 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Treatment Operator Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Treatment Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically at least a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, SCADA systems, and safety protocols is common, and obtaining state operator-in-training certification may be required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help trainees excel in monitoring and maintaining treatment systems. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient water treatment operations that protect public health.

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

AspectWater Treatment Operator TraineeWater Treatment Operator
CertificationsOften requires a high school diploma; some certifications may be preferred or required during trainingRequires relevant certifications such as state licensing or operator certification
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning on the jobFull-time, operational environment, responsible for daily water treatment tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning procedures, assisting with operations, gaining experienceMonitoring equipment, adjusting processes, ensuring water quality

In summary, a Water Treatment Operator Trainee is in the learning phase, gaining necessary skills and certifications, while a Water Treatment Operator is fully responsible for managing water treatment processes independently.

What are some common challenges faced by Water Treatment Operator Trainees during the initial training period?

As a Water Treatment Operator Trainee, one of the main challenges is quickly learning to operate complex equipment and monitoring systems while adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards. Trainees often need to develop a strong attention to detail and the ability to respond calmly to unexpected issues, such as equipment malfunctions or changes in water quality. Additionally, adjusting to shift work and collaborating effectively with experienced operators and maintenance staff can require good communication skills and adaptability. Support and mentorship from senior team members are common, helping trainees build confidence and technical expertise over time.

What are Water Treatment Operator Trainees?

Water Treatment Operator Trainees are entry-level professionals who assist in the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities. They work under the supervision of experienced operators to learn how to monitor water quality, operate equipment, and ensure that water meets safety and regulatory standards. Their duties often include conducting tests, recording data, and performing basic maintenance tasks. Over time, trainees gain the skills and certifications needed to become fully qualified water treatment operators.
What cities are hiring for Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Water Treatment Operator Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Treatment Operator jobs? The most popular types of Water Treatment Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs include:
Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Treatment Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 37% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,008 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Water Production Operator Trainee

Water Production Operator Trainee

City of Melbourne, FL

Melbourne, FL • On-site

$21.42 - $34.38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

City Of Melbourne (Florida) rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 646 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: $21.42 - $34.38 Hourly
Location : City of Melbourne, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 01792
Division: Water Production
Opening Date: 03/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
This position can be filled as a Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, C, B or A. Pay will be commensurate with the level of license held.
Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee - Salary Range $21.42 - $34.38/Hourly DOQ
Water Treatment Operator C - Salary Range $24.69 - $40.47/Hourly DOQ
Water Treatment Operator B - Salary Range $25.74 - $42.23/Hourly DOQ
Water Treatment Operator A - Salary Range $26.83- $44.06/Hourly DOQUnder the supervision of the Operations Supervisor and the direction of an assigned Certified Operator, performs entry level work in the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities and equipment. Work involves on-the-job training related to the maintenance of a water plant. Work is performed under close supervision. The supervisor provides instructions about procedures to be followed and training tasks to be performed and standards to be maintained. Work is reviewed periodically during the training period to note progress. Performs other work as required.
Examples of Duties
  • Participates in an on-the-job training program involving practical, "hands- on" experience with plant operations under the supervision of a Water Production plant supervisor and/or a Certified Operator; reads and comprehends a variety of technical laboratory, operations, and maintenance procedures.
  • Starts and stops machinery and pumps via supervisory control and data acquisition system, regulates valves and observes instrumentation; adds chemicals according to prescribed standards.
  • Collects and analyzes various samples periodically and reports results; maintains simple records.
  • Performs cleanup work on equipment and daily/weekly assigned housekeeping duties.
  • Assists certified operator in all work and duties required in water treatment plant operations.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High School diploma or G.E.D. (Proof must be uploaded with application).
  • Water Treatment Operator Trainee Qualifications: High School diploma or GED. Must have working knowledge of nomenclature of water treatment devices. A knowledge test will be given to all applicants whose applications meet all minimum requirements. Must have successfully completed a Florida Department of Environmental Protection approved training course for Water Treatment Plant Operator C-class licensure within the last five years and provide copies of approved coursework with application. Applicant must successfully pass Florida Department of Environmental Protection Water Treatment Plant C-class licensure examination within 6 months of hire.
  • Must possess a State of Florida Class "B" commercial driver's license with air brake endorsement. Applicants who do not currently possess a Class "B" CDL with air brake endorsement must acquire a learner's permit within 3 months of hire and obtain the license within 6 months of hire. Applicants who possess an out of state driver's license must obtain a Florida license within 10 days of employment.
  • Water Treatment Plant Operator C Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED. Must possess a current State of Florida Water Treatment Plant Operator class "C" license. Minimum of one year experience at the full performance level in a Water Treatment Plant Facility. Applicant who possess an out of state driver's license must obtain a Florida license within 1O days of employment.
  • Water Treatment Plant Operator B Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED. Must possess a current State of Florida Water Treatment Plant Operator class "B" license. Minimum of two years experience at the full performance level in a Water Treatment Plant Facility. Applicant who possess an out of state driver's license must obtain a Florida license within 1O days of employment.
  • Water Treatment Plant Operator A Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED. Must possess a current State of Florida Water Treatment Plant Operator class "A" license. Minimum of four years experience at the full performance level in a Water Treatment Plant Facility. Applicant who possess an out of state driver's license must obtain a Florida license within 1O days of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment.
  • Knowledge of basic mathematics and chemistry.
  • Ability to read and understand technical manuals.
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and supervision.
  • Ability to readily learn the operation of laboratory equipment.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • Able to print, draw, see, and read letters, numbers, words, characters, and symbols which are both large and small.
  • Able to use hands and fingers to perform titrations and other lab tests. Dexterity is required.
  • Able to hear, speak and understand conversation in English in normal tones of voice. Use of senses which include sight, smell, hearing and touch as aids in the evaluation and troubleshooting of malfunctioning equipment.
  • Able to hear normal conversations and communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
  • Able to identify and distinguish colors.
  • Able to smell, identify, and distinguish odors in laboratory water tests.
  • Able to learn, understand, remember, and complete normal tasks without assistance.
  • Able to wear personal protective equipment.
  • Exposure to outdoors, heat, noise, vibration, confined work space, chemicals, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.
  • Able to go from a standing or sitting position to a bending, kneeling, or squatting position, or vice-versa, periodically.
  • Able to move back and forth and sideways while in a bending, kneeling, or squatting position.
  • Able to operate a car, pickup truck, and dump truck.
  • Able to work in adverse environmental and weather conditions (day or night).
  • Able to load or unload vehicles with objects weighing up to 50 pounds that may be awkward to hold.
  • Able to lift, carry, push, or pull items which weigh 50 pounds.
  • Able to walk, stand, sit for periods longer than 30 minutes and walk continuously for more than five minutes at a time.
  • Able to climb stairs four stories high.
  • Able to climb ladders 35 feet high and work on scaffolds.
  • Able to use a variety of hand and gas powered tools and equipment.
  • Able to work night, weekend and holiday work shifts.
  • Able to work double shifts (overtime).
  • Able to work around chemicals used in laboratory water tests and water treatment processes.

The City of Melbourne offers a generous to include:
• 100% City paid medical insurance for employee only; coverage available for family
• Health Insurance opt-out incentive for employees with other medical coverage
• Dental
. Vision
• Life Insurance in the amount of 1 times your annual salary
• Additional life insurance to include coverage for your spouse and child(ren)
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• 457 Deferred Compensation
• Retirement Plans (FRS, local plan for Police and Fire personnel)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
01
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview.By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer to the questions.
  • Yes, I understand and agree
  • No, I do not agree

02
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
PROOF OF EDUCATION REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR MUST BE UPLOADED TO APPLICATION.
  • Did not complete High School Diploma or GED
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • High School Diploma or GED and Some College
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's or Higher

03
Do you possess a valid State of Florida driver's license, or a valid out of state driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you possess a valid State of Florida or a valid out of state Commercial Driver's License with air brake endorsement?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Please indicate your class of driver's license. For example: Class E, CDL B, CDL A, etc
06
Have you completed a Florida Department of Environmental Protection approved training course for Water Treatment Plan Operator C-Class Licensure within the last five (5) years? Copies of approved coursework must be uploaded with application.
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you have working knowledge of nomenclature of water treatment devices?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Do you currently possess a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Water Treatment Plant C-class of higher license?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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