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Water Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Mentor Technical Group

Utilities Operator

Durham, NC · On-site

Maintains log of water treatment systems. * Keep work area clean, neat and orderly * Responsible ... The utility operator will operate the critical and non-critical utilities equipment to assure their ...

Mentor Technical Group

Utilities Operator

Durham, NC · On-site

Maintains log of water treatment systems. * Keep work area clean, neat and orderly * Responsible ... The utility operator will operate the critical and non-critical utilities equipment to assure their ...

ENVIROLINK

Service Technician I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Key duties include monitoring water quality, operating pumps, performing repairs, cleaning sewer ... Possess NC C-Distribution Water Treatment Certification or must be willing to obtain C-Distribution ...

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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 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:
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.

Plant Operations Specialist (WithOUT Certification)

City of Durham, NC

Durham, NC • On-site

$52K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 hours ago

Job description

Salary : $52,606.00 - $74,022.00 Annually
Location : 1900 E Club Blvd., Durham, NC
Job Type: Full time with benefits
Job Number: 26-06014
Department: Water Management
Opening Date: 07/14/2026
Position Description
Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham
Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.
Hiring Range: $52,606.00-$60,892.00 (+$1.50 shift differential when working an overnight position/shift)
Work Day/Hours: 8am-4:30pm
The City of Durham's wants YOU to join our team of more than 380 talented and dedicated employees that provide critical water and sewer services for Durham's 309,000 plus residents. Not only do we deliver the Best Tasting Water in the State to our customers each and every day, but we also make sure that the wastewater leaving our facilities is carefully treated to protect the environment. We have a wide-ranging variety of positions open to match your skill set - mechanics, engineers, maintenance specialists, technicians, customer billing techs, and much more. If you have a passion for managing vital water resources, protecting the environment, providing excellent customer service, and keeping the water and wastewater in the pipes, bring your skills and talent to Durham!
We have a vacancy for a Plant Operations Specialist (Wastewater Plant Operator (POI) This position is responsible for monitoring plant operations by physical observation of plant processes; sampling units to ensure proper operation; maintaining accurate records; cleaning and calibrating process meters; monitoring chemical feeds and making process adjustments as needed. Checks equipment and makes adjustments as necessary.
Once you've obtained your Wastewater Certification, you must be willing and able to work every other weekend. You must be ready by phone with ability to work stand-by/recall when needed.
Duties/Responsibilities
  • Assists with operating, adjusting, and maintaining equipment at an assigned water or wastewater facility; monitors physical plant operations by observing plant processes; monitors chemical feeds; collects and analyzes lab samples under close supervision; and complies with work safety rules and procedures.
  • Cleans and performs minor repairs on plant equipment; cleans assigned work areas; and receives and unloads chemicals.
  • Maintains records, logs, databases, documentation and online systems; enters and updates data to document maintenance; reviews and proofs records to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC)
  • Six months of related experience (such as working in a manufacturing/warehousing/ utility facility, or general industry experience).
  • Must have a valid, unrestricted, North Carolina driver's license "or" if you currently have another state driver's license, must be willing and able to obtain a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire
  • Basic math & chemistry calculations to accurately read meters & charts, maintain required records, & interpret readings to make necessary adjustments to treatment processes
  • Make mixed arithmetic calculations involving multiplication, addition, subtraction, & division of whole numbers, decimals, & fractions
  • Must obtain a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Operator's License within one year of hire; and Grade II Wastewater Treatment Operator's License within two years of hire

Additional Preferred Skills
  • One or more related years of experience
  • CDL is preferred, but not required

Benefits - General Full-Time Employees
  • 12-13 paid holidays per year
  • 13 standard work days of vacation per year
  • 13 standard work days of sick leave per year, which accumulates indefinitely; sick leave may be used toward early retirement
  • 2 weeks paid military leave per year
  • Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental life insurance plans
  • State and City retirement plans
  • Short and long term disability plans
  • Paid temporary disability leave for specified conditions
  • City contribution of 13.6% into the N.C. State Retirement System
  • Paid funeral leave
  • Employee Assistance Program - personal and family counseling
  • Paid life insurance equal to annual salary
  • 48 hours for volunteer work each year*
  • 4 hours parental leave each year
  • Workman's Compensation Insurance
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plans
Benefits - Part-Time (1,000 hours or more per year)
  • 401(k) retirement plan (5.0% of salary)
  • State retirement plan
Benefits Part-Time (Average 30 hours per week over 12 month period)
  • 401(k) retirement plan (5.0% of salary)
  • State retirement plan effective first day of the month following date of hire
  • Health insurance effective first day of the month following date of hire
  • Dental and life insurance, after one year of service
  • Pro-rated vacation, pro-rated sick, pro-rated floating holiday, parttime holiday pay (based on scheduled hours for that day) after one year of service

01
Where did you first hear about this opportunity?
  • City of Durham Website
  • Walk in
  • Job fair
  • Employee referral
  • Professional organization ***Please list the organization in "other" box below***
  • Internet posting ***Please list the specific web site in the "other" box below***
  • Craig's List
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • GlassDoor
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Monster.com
  • Indeed.com
  • Employment Security Commission
  • Magazine/Newspaper
  • Other

02
If you listed "other" above please give specific web site, organization, or publication.
03
Please select your highest level of COMPLETED education.
  • Less than a High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC)
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC)
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • PhD or Juris Doctorate

04
How many years of related experience do you have? (Including internships and/or vocational education in water/wastewater treatment)
  • No related experience
  • Less than 6 months of related experience
  • 6 months but less than 2 years related experience
  • 2 years but less than 5 years related experience
  • 5 or more years related experience

05
Do you have a NC Grade I Wastewater Treatment Operator's License?
  • Yes
  • No, but I AM willing and able to obtain a NC Grade I Wastewater Treatment Operator's License within 1 year of start date
  • No, but I am NOT willing or able to obtain a NC Grade I Wastewater Treatment Operator's License within 1 year of start date

06
Do you have a valid, unrestricted, North Carolina driver's license? (If you have a valid license from a State other than North Carolina, you must be willing and able to obtain a valid, unrestricted NC driver's license within 60 days of hire).
  • I have a valid, unrestricted NC driver's license.
  • I have a valid license from another State and I am willing to obtain a valid, unrestricted NC driver's license within 60 days.
  • I do not have a valid, unrestricted driver's license.

07
Are you able to make mixed arithmetic calculations involving multiplication, addition, subtraction, & division of whole numbers, decimals, & fractions?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Are you able to perform basic math & chemistry calculations to accurately read meters & charts, maintain required records, & interpret readings to make necessary adjustments to treatment processes?
  • Yes
  • No

09
Are you willing and able to work a monthly weekend shift on a rotating schedule and be readily available by phone with ability to work stand-by/recall when needed?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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