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Water Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs in Colorado

Water Treatment Operator A

Aurora, CO ยท 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 ...

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Operating and maintaining water treatment equipment and systems , including pumps, chemical feed machines, and filtration units . * Monitoring water quality through routine testing and analysis to ...

Wastewater Treatment Operator

Avon, CO ยท On-site

$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 ...

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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 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:

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.

Certified Water Treatment Operator, A, B, C, D License or Trainee

Pueblo Water

Pueblo, CO โ€ข On-site

$44K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Salary: $44,676.00 Annually
Location : Pueblo, CO
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: Operator-PUB 9-26
Department: Water Quality, Treating & Pumping
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/1/2026 11:58 PM Mountain
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: BU
General Purpose
Pueblo Water has an opening for a Certified Water Treating Operator who is responsible for the operation of the water treatment and pumping facilities as a scheduled or relief worker. The Water Treatment Operator will ensure that treated water meets or exceeds state and federal Safe Drinking Water Standards.
Placement in the Water Operator position is based upon qualifications depending upon certifications and years of experience. Candidates may be considered in a "trainee" position if they hold a "D" certification or higher.
Full Salary Ranges:
Certified "A" Treating Operator $70,525.00* - $95,213.00 annually
Certified "B" Treating Operator $56,906.00* - $76,824.00 annually
Certified "C" Treating Operator $51,612.00* - $69,675.00 annually
Certified "D" Treating Operator $44,676.00* - $60,315.00 annually
*All New Hires will be placed at entry level salary range
A comprehensive benefit package to include medical, dental, life and disability insurance, deferred compensation, pension, paid leave time for holidays, sick time and vacation. Work hours are subject to change. Our water treatment plant operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The least likely shift for this position is days (8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.) and the least likely days off are Saturday and Sunday.
Education, Training and Experience
Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or GED equivalent, Colorado Class "R" Driver's License or equivalent, excellent math and diagnostic skills to detect and evaluate critical situations, knowledge of and ability to use water treatment chemicals, machinery, instrumentation, tools and equipment, and basic interpersonal skills to exchange general information with co-workers, supervisors, and the public. Applicants with a lower Class water treatment operator certification or equivalent from another state may be considered for an in-training position.
Work is performed primarily in an indoor environment and occasionally in an outdoor environment. Position may be exposed to adverse weather conditions, confined spaces, noise, and traffic hazards, and/or chemical solvents or fumes. Lifting, pulling, and/or pushing of items (sometimes in excess of 40 pounds) is moderate. Must possess the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
We are an equal opportunity employer (EEO)
Pueblo Water offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes but is not limited to health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, supplemental life insurance, long-term disability insurance, vision insurance, AFLAC , tuition assistance program (TAP), deferred compensation (457 plan), pension plan, holiday pay, sick pay, vacation pay, social security, medicare, workers' compensation coverage, and direct deposit of payroll checks.
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Please indicate the type of water treatment operator certification that you currently possess.
  • No water treatment certification
  • Other - Wastewater certification
  • Class D certification
  • Class C certfication
  • Class B certification
  • Class A certification

Required Question