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Water Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs in Virginia

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 ...

Leidos

Water Treatment Operator

Springfield, VA · On-site

Certified Water Treatment Operator * Chiller water treatment knowledge Physical Requirements * Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. * Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods * Work in ...

Leidos

Water Treatment Operator

Springfield, VA · On-site

Certified Water Treatment Operator * Chiller water treatment knowledge Physical Requirements * Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. * Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods * Work in ...

Leidos

Senior Water Treatment Operator

Springfield, VA · On-site

Certified Water Treatment Operator * Chiller water treatment knowledge Physical Requirements * Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. * Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods * Work in ...

Bedford Regional Water Authority

Be Seen First

Water Operator Trainee - Entry Level

Bedford, VA · On-site

$38K - $45K/yr

The Bedford Regional Water Authority is seeking a Water Operator trainee to join our team. The ... Conventional surface water treatment * Membrane filtration systems * Groundwater facilities with ...

Bedford Regional Water Authority

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Water Operator Trainee - Entry Level

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$38K - $45K/yr

The Bedford Regional Water Authority is seeking a Water Operator trainee to join our team. The ... Conventional surface water treatment * Membrane filtration systems * Groundwater facilities with ...

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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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cities in Virginia 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 Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Water Treatment Operator

Cascades

Ashland, VA

$34.20 - $39.25/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Welcome to Cascades!

Every day, our team takes pride in rolling up their sleeves to create products that are mindful of the environment.
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 nature - so you’ll enjoy:

  • Hourly wage of $34.20/hr to $39.25/hr (depending on experience, skills and education)
  • Full-time position with guaranteed hours for job stability
  • Schedule : 12 hour day/night rotating shifts, overtime as necessary 
  • A full range of benefits: group insurance, telemedicine, and an employer-contributed retirement plan
  • Profit sharing and employee share purchase plan - so you can share in our success
  • Employee assistance program, because your physical and mental well-being matters
  • Referral bonus - help grow the team and get rewarded
What you’ll do

As a Water Treatment Operator, you’ll be at the heart of operations - right on the floor where materials take shape. 
Your day-to-day:

  • Help operate the equipment and processes at the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), including the anaerobic reactor, aerobic reactors, DAFs, chemical feed systems, pumps, blowers, and biogas system
  • Collect and analyze samples from various locations within the wastewater plant to monitor system health and make adjustments
  • Evaluate sample data in order to make process changes to improve treatment efficiency and maintain compliance
  • Total Preventative Maintenance (TPM) / (CID) responsible for completing daily rounds for his or her area of responsibility.
Your strengths as a Water Treatment Operator

You are a natural fit for this role if:

  • At least 5 years of experience working in industrial setting; prefer 5+ years of wastewater operations experience
  • Must show a commitment to an interdependent safety-first attitude
  • Consistently display positive behavior that supports the organization's goals and objectives
  • Strong mechanical ability and aptitude; any previous experience working in chemical industry is an asset
  • Ability to work independently and in a team empowerment culture
  • Ability to communicate well with others and able to participate in team meetings


If you bring the same care to who you are as to what you do, we’d love to meet you!

Apply now and join our team as Water Treatment Operator in Ashland.

Cascades values diversity and inclusion and considers all applications equitably. This posting is for an active vacancy within our organization.#LP01

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