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Water Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs in Colorado

City of Aurora

Water Treatment Operator A

Aurora, CO · On-site

$47.01/hr

OVERVIEW OF JOB The Water Treatment Plan Operator A performs senior level "A" certification duties in the maintenance and operation of high performing, nationally recognized water treatment ...

Summary

Wastewater Treatment Operator

Avon, CO

$27.74 - $52.05/hr

Eagle River Water and Sanitation District is hiring a Wastewater Operator to join our team of dedicated environmental professionals at the Avon Wastewater Treatment Facility. This role combines ...

RK Mechanical

Treatment System Operator

Denver, CO · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

As a Water Treatment System Operator you'll help keep our water clean, safe, and flowing. In this hands-on role, you'll assist with the installation, operation, and maintenance of advanced water ...

RK Industries, LLC

Treatment System Operator

Denver, CO · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

As a Water Treatment System Operator you'll help keep our water clean, safe, and flowing. In this hands-on role, you'll assist with the installation, operation, and maintenance of advanced water ...

RK Industries, LLC

Treatment System Operator

Denver, CO · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

As a Water Treatment System Operator you'll help keep our water clean, safe, and flowing. In this hands-on role, you'll assist with the installation, operation, and maintenance of advanced water ...

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All JobsWater Treatment Operator JobsWater Treatment Operator Trainee JobsWater Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs in Colorado

Water Treatment Operator Trainee information

What is a water treatment operator trainee?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water treatment operator trainee?

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Water Treatment Operator jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Water Treatment Operator jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs in Colorado?

For Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Water Treatment Operator Trainee job openings:

Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Treatment Operator Trainee job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Water Treatment Operator A

City of Aurora

Aurora, CO • On-site

$47.01/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

JOB LOCATION
18301 E Quincy Ave Aurora, Colorado 80015-3221
City of Aurora, Colorado
It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
Why Work for Aurora?
  • Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
  • Diverse community
  • Competitive total compensation package
  • Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
  • Light rail station minutes away
  • On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
  • Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Water Treatment Operator A:
Hiring Salary: $47.01/hour
**This job announcement is for collecting candidate applications for current and future Water Treatment Operator A. Applicants will be contacted only when a position need is identified, and qualifications match the needs of the position. **
OVERVIEW OF JOB
The Water Treatment Plan Operator A performs senior level "A" certification duties in the maintenance and operation of high performing, nationally recognized water treatment facilities.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Responsible for overseeing work performed on assigned shift and ensures treated water quality is at or above State, Federal, and Water Department standards

  • Acts as Lead worker for operators on assigned shift.

  • Monitors raw and treated water flows, adjusts flows and pumping rates as needed; mixes chemicals

  • Conducts quality tests on raw and treated water

  • Maintains and calibrates on-line process analyzers

  • Performs evaluation of treatment process to ensure optimization; keeps records of chemicals used and tests performed

  • Develops, monitors, and implements a process control plan for plant operation using manual and computerized systems

  • Maintains, inspects, troubleshoots, reports, and performs maintenance and repair of plant equipment

  • Maintains plant facility and grounds; maintains plant security

  • Prepares daily, weekly, and monthly reports of plant performance

  • Responds to questions, problems, and complaints concerning water quality or service

  • Trains and instructs staff in plant maintenance and operation activities

  • Ensures use of proper safety equipment and procedures

  • Ensures cleanliness of assigned areas and proper storage of equipment and supplies

  • Perform other related duties as assigned

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Education:
  • High School Diploma or GED.

Experience:
  • Experience required to obtain a Water Treatment Operator A certification as per CDPHE certification requirements

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate's Degree in water technology or water quality management preferred.

Knowledge:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of safety practices and requirements of a water treatment plant.

  • Knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, mathematics, and hydrology; pumps, valves, motors, filters, backflow prevention devices, piping, and plumbing structures;

  • Chemical analysis and testing techniques

Skills:
  • Skill in the use of personal computers including word processing and spreadsheet software applications.

  • Skill in checking information for accuracy and completeness and correcting errors.

  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Abilities:
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and citizens

  • Perform mathematical computations

  • Perform chemical, physical, and biological control analyses, corrosion control, and cross-connection control

work without close supervision
  • Direct the work of other employees

  • Creatively solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner.

Licenses and Certifications Required:
  • Colorado Water Treatment Plant Operators Class A Certificate.

  • Colorado driver's license with a good driving history.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Essential Personnel:
  • When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands:
  • Medium physical work requiring the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds repetitively

  • Frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 20 pounds

  • Frequent walking and standing to monitor control room and treatment plant operations

  • Frequent pushing, pulling, and climbing to check system equipment

  • Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer keyboard and treatment plant controls

  • Foot/eye coordination for operation of motor vehicle

  • Clear vision to read and interpret written reports and control room gauges

  • Speech communications for communication with employees and citizens

  • Hearing and listening for instructions and warning signals.

Work Environment:
  • Works primarily indoors in a treatment plant facility with exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and fumes; some outdoor work.

Equipment Used:
  • Operates treatment plant equipment, computer, and motor vehicles.

  • This role may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.

The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.
For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check.
Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.
Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.

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