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Water Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI

The starting hourly base pay rate $44.51 The Wastewater Treatment Operator must have a general ... treatment process, storm water, and sludge/solids management; ability to work from blueprints ...

The starting hourly base pay rate $44.51 The Wastewater Treatment Operator must have a general ... treatment process, storm water, and sludge/solids management; ability to work from blueprints ...

... treatment process, storm water, and sludge/solids management; ability to work from blueprints ... operating instructions, and/or other documents related to the job functions; maintaining daily logs ...

... treatment process, storm water, and sludge/solids management; ability to work from blueprints ... operating instructions, and/or other documents related to the job functions; maintaining daily logs ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Madison Heights, MI

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

... treating, plating, coating, packaging, and distributing. Employees at MNP work together in teams ... About the role of a Machine Operator Trainee: The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level ...

... treating, plating, coating, packaging, and distributing. Employees at MNP work together in teams ... About the role of a Machine Operator Trainee: The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Utica, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

... treating, plating, coating, packaging, and distributing. Employees at MNP work together in teams ... About the role of a Machine Operator Trainee: The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level ...

... treating, plating, coating, packaging, and distributing. Employees at MNP work together in teams ... About the role of a Machine Operator Trainee: The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level ...

... treating, plating, coating, packaging, and distributing. Employees at MNP work together in teams ... About the role of a Machine Operator Trainee: The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Utica, MI

$14.75 - $18/hr

... treating, plating, coating, packaging, and distributing. Employees at MNP work together in teams ... About the role of a Machine Operator Trainee: The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level ...

... treating, plating, coating, packaging, and distributing. Employees at MNP work together in teams ... About the role of a Machine Operator Trainee: The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level ...

... treating, plating, coating, packaging, and distributing. Employees at MNP work together in teams ... About the role of a Machine Operator Trainee: The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level ...

... treating, plating, coating, packaging, and distributing. Employees at MNP work together in teams ... About the role of a Machine Operator Trainee: The Header and/or Roller Trainee is an entry-level ...

Water Treatment System operating supervision, supervising and advising union personnel during construction, supervision of layout during construction and oversight during commissioning. * Read water ...

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Water Treatment Operator Trainee information

See Rochester Hills, MI salary details

$12

$25

$45

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment operator trainee in Rochester Hills, MI is $25.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities near Rochester Hills, MI are hiring for Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Rochester Hills, MI with the most Water Treatment Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Treatment Operator Trainee job openings in Rochester Hills, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,473 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Wastewater Treatment Operator

Stellantis

Warren, MI • On-site

$44.51/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Stellantis rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 45 rated automakers


Job description

The starting hourly base pay rate $44.51
 
The Wastewater Treatment Operator must have a general knowledge of the operation, methods and procedures of a wastewater treatment plant including: Performing chemical treatment of oil, metal working lubricants, grease, coolants, acids and alkalis and other waste products to meet pretreatment discharge requirements; performing all aspects of wastewater collecting, sampling, monitoring and testing required to maintain compliance with federal, state and local regulations governing the wastewater treatment process, storm water, and sludge/solids management; ability to work from blueprints, drawings, layouts or other specifications to plan sequences of operations; reading technical instructions related to the trade in order to comprehend written work instructions, equipment operating instructions, and/or other documents related to the job functions; maintaining daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, calibrations, details of equipment malfunctions, and maintenance work; observing and interpreting readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of wastewater treatment operation to ensure they are operating properly; inspecting equipment on a regular basis which may require the installation, maintenance and repair of the plant equipment including pumps, piping, valves, meters and gauges; assisting in the performance of regular and unscheduled maintenance and repairs on all plant equipment including laboratory instruments, equipment and process machinery.

Basic Requirements

  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
  • Eight (8) years of documented experience as an Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator in a manufacturing environment
  • Must hold licenses and/or certifications required by local, state and/or federal law applicable to the performance of the job in the plant to which the successful candidate is assigned
  • Ability to work any shift and work overtime, including daily, weekends and holidays as required, with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Ability to descend and climb a maximum of 30 rungs to access system process tanks and equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Ability to detect and differentiate colors, with or without reasonable accommodation

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