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Water Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Aquaamerica

Facility Operator Trainee

Cary, NC · On-site

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... Adjusts chemical treatment to ensure water quality meets standards. Calculates various ratios and ...

ENVIROLINK

Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The incumbent will perform routine to complex technical and administrative assignments including analyzing and evaluating issues related to the treatment of water and wastewater. Operations as ...

GFT.

Water Treatment Process Engineer

Raleigh, NC

$80K - $180K/yr

Conduct site visits and investigations; analyze water quality, facility design, and operating data to assess treatment performance; and provide recommendations for treatment and process improvements.

Xylem

Field Service Engineer, Water Treatment

Durham, NC · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem ... Xylem/Evoqua - Field Service Engineer - Water Treatment We're seeking a hands-on Field Process ...

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All JobsWater Treatment Operator JobsWater Treatment Operator Trainee JobsWater Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Water Treatment Operator Trainee information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$26

$48

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment operator trainee in Raleigh, NC is $26.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $32.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Water Treatment Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Water Treatment Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,416 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Harnett County

Lillington, NC • On-site

$49K - $57K/yr

Other

Re-posted 22 hours ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY POSITION SUMMARY: An employee in this position performs technical work in the operation and minor maintenance of equipment at a water treatment plant on an assigned shift for Harnett Regional Water. Work involves controlling mechanical, electrical, and chemical equipment involved in pumping and/or treating water. This is a night shift position working from 7:00pm to 7:00am.

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee $49,177 Water Treatment Plant Operator C $51,636 Water Treatment Plant Operator B $54,217 Water Treatment Plant Operator A $56,927 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: Monitors pumps, gauge charts, and equipment and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system; and maintains chemical feed systems and levels. Monitors coagulation process of raw water; plans and monitors clear well water level and usage. Keeps plant records and periodic summary reports of operations; completes daily monitoring reports required by state and federal government.

Inspects plant equipment and machinery; makes minor repairs and adjustments on equipment according to preventive maintenance schedules or as necessary. Must be able to drive and operate a vehicle to travel as needed. Prepares lab chemicals and performs physical tests such as turbidity, color, odor, taste and temperature; performs chemical tests as needed such as pH, alkalinity, carbon dioxide, hardness, metal content, and residual chlorine and fluoride; and performs other bacteriological tests as needed.

Answers telephone and provides answers or refers caller to appropriate personnel. Performs other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: High school diploma or equivalent.

No experience required. Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license. Possession of a NC Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator: Level C Certification within one (1) year of hire date.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: Knowledge of the operating principles and practices of water treatment. Knowledge of the maintenance requirements of water treatment plant equipment and machinery. Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with water plant and related activities.

Knowledge of County policies and procedures. Knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment. Knowledge of standard laboratory principles, techniques, terminology, and equipment.

Skill in using a computer and popular word-processing and spreadsheet software. Skill in identifying and assisting in identifying solutions to work problems. Ability to follow specified operating and recording procedures.

Ability to detect defects and to take appropriate action in the operation of water treatment equipment, chemical feed machines, and other related equipment. Ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Ability to meet deadlines. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to perform light work frequently exerting up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, using mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, performing repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, and walking.

An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to analyze data, work with color or depth perception, determine accuracy or make observations, operated equipment, and inspect defects. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The employee works in a plant environment which included indoor and outdoor activities.

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