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Water Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs in Raleigh, NC

... treatment facilities, lift stations, booster stations, distribution system, and the wastewater ... FO Trainee - $25.52/HR * Will be required to get either a C Well or Grade I waste water license ...

Technician Trainee - Water

Garner, NC · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Technician Trainee - Water Location: Raleigh, NC Compensation: $20-23 per hour depending on ... Perform repairs on fire hydrants and water main valve operating nuts. * Maintain open and effective ...

Operator

Raleigh, NC

$17 - $22.25/hr

Prefer NC C-Well Water Treatment Certification and Wastewater II Certification or must be willing to obtain within one year of hire. Willing to train the right person. Must possess and maintain a ...

Staff Water Operations Specialist

Cary, NC · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

... water treatment, and advanced disinfection/filtration systems * Prepares standard operating ... procedures, energy control procedures, job safety analysis, and operation and maintenance manuals ...

Staff Water Operations Specialist

Cary, NC · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

... water treatment, and advanced disinfection/filtration systems * Prepares standard operating ... procedures, energy control procedures, job safety analysis, and operation and maintenance manuals ...

Operator- Water & Wastewater

Raleigh, NC

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

The Team Member assigned to this position is responsible for executing municipal water and wastewater utility services, and the maintenance and operation of treatment, transmission and distribution ...

Route Driver

Durham, NC · On-site

$36K - $60K/yr

... the water treatment industry. This location is independently owned and operated. Your application will go directly to the owner, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this ...

Showing results 21-40

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 12, 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:
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.

Facility Operator II, Wastewater

Aquaamerica

Cary, NC

$34.93/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we're delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you're looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.


Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.


We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.


Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

Are you looking for a fantastic career at Aqua? We have a great opportunity for a Facility Operator. This role is under the direction of the Field Supervisor and will perform a variety of activities to support the operation of water production facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, lift stations, booster stations, distribution system, and the wastewater collection system.

CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEDULE AND PAY:

FO Trainee - $25.52/HR

  • Will be required to get either a C Well or Grade I waste water license within 18 months of employment.

FO I - $28.71/HR

  • Minimum license requirement of C Well or Grade I.

FO II - $31/HR

  • Must meet dual licensing requirements and have either a B Well or a Grade II.

FO III - $34.93/HR

  • Must meet dual licensing requirements of at least a B Well and Grade II plus have an A Well or Grade III.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (Primary Duties and Responsibilities)

  • Maintains equipment at the assigned water production facilities and booster stations.
  • Operates and maintains distribution systems including mains, valves, hydrants and service lines.
  • Maintains equipment at the wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations.
  • Operates and maintains sewer collection systems including collections mains and pump stations.
  • Troubleshoots and repairs service piping and other related equipment.
  • Performs routine water quality analysis in accordance with established processes and procedures.
  • Makes operational adjustments as needed to comply with state and federal water quality standards.
  • Adjusts chemical treatment to ensure water quality meets standards. Calculates various ratios and dosages.
  • Completes customer service work orders, updates and maintains appropriate system documentation of activities and closes work orders in accordance with department policies and procedures.
  • Performs all tasks safely, professionally and in accordance with company policies and procedures as well as local, state and federal laws, rules and guidelines.
  • Assists with other tasks or projects as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s).

QUALIFICATIONS: (Required Experience, Education, Licenses, and Certifications)

  • A high school diploma or GED.
  • A valid U.S. Driver's License.
  • Strong preference for experienced and licensed water and/or wastewater operators.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Familiarity with computers / tablets and the basic operation of database, spreadsheet and word processing programs preferred
  • Ability to read, understand and accurately follow operating instructions both written and verbal
  • Mathematical ability to perform calculations to determine various ratios, dosages, volumetric calculations that are required for the operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plants and Water Treatment Plants
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate in writing
  • Familiarity with and understanding of the need to prevent wastewater pollution of area waters
  • Understand and maintain plan processes through computer-controlled equipment
  • A team player able to work effectively in a team-fashioned multi-tasking environment

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases and /or poor ventilation atmospheric conditions.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
  • Working conditions include travel to work sites of Essential Utilities and/or other constituents.
  • Must obtain a CDL Class C with Hazmat endorsement within 90 days of hire
  • Must be available to be on-call nights and on weekends to adequately staff a 24 hour/7day operation

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:

  • Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
  • Family members cannot work in the same department.