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Water Treatment Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Aurora

Water Treatment Operator A

Aurora, CO · On-site

$47.01/hr

OVERVIEW OF JOB The Water Treatment Plan Operator A performs senior level "A" certification duties in the maintenance and operation of high performing, nationally recognized water treatment ...

City of Gordon

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Water Treatment Operator

Gordon, TX · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Under general supervision, the Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator II operates and maintains a surface water treatment facility, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations for drinking ...

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Operator - Water Treatment

Big Spring, TX

WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Treatment and Recycling Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement:

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Operator - Water Treatment

Odessa, TX

WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Treatment and Recycling Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement:

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Operator - Water Treatment

Midland, TX

WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Treatment and Recycling Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement:

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Operator - Water Treatment

Carlsbad, NM

WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Treatment and Recycling Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement:

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Operator - Water Treatment

Carlsbad, NM

WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Treatment and Recycling Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement:

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Operator - Water Treatment

Big Spring, TX

WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR Job Details Full Time / Part Time: Full Time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Business Unit: Water Treatment and Recycling Reports to: Operations Manager Travel Requirement:

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Water Treatment Operator Trainee information

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$13

$27

$49

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

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment operator trainee in the United States is $27.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Treatment Operator Trainee, and why are they important?

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 are Water Treatment Operator Trainees?

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 cities are hiring for Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Water Treatment Operator Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Treatment Operator jobs? The most popular types of Water Treatment Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs include:
Water Treatment Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Treatment Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 37% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,008 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Water Treatment Operator

City of Hutchinson, Kansas

Hutchinson, KS

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Indeed and other 3rd party application sites may strip many of the questions that are required to be answered, and this will hold up the hiring procedure. For a quicker application procedure please copy/paste the following to proceed directly to the City of Hutchinson Jobs page: https://hutchgov.applicantpro.com/jobs/

Imagine if you were given an opportunity to connect with others who work to keep our community the most livable and safe it can possibly be. If you like to work with your hands and have basic mechanical and computer skills, you may be a great addition to our Public Works team. Make a difference with the City of Hutchinson!


Under the supervision of the Water Treatment Systems Supervisor, the Water Treatment Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring departmental equipment to effectively treat water prior to its discharge, and for maintaining and repairing treatment plant equipment, buildings, water wells, water towers, and booster station equipment. This employee shall perform the skilled work of water treatment operations while performing a variety of technical tasks related to the assigned area of responsibility. This employee should possess a strong mechanical aptitude, technical, and effective written and oral communication skills.

This is an entry-level position; therefore, we are willing to train you on the following skills.


A DAY IN THE LIFE:

  • Monitors, maintains and repairs Water Treatment Plant water and chemical feed lines, injectors, pumps, motors, and chlorination equipment; tests and runs emergency auxiliary motors; responds to water supply and disposal system alarms; collects and analyzes operational data; operates computer equipment and prepares reports.

  • Inspects, maintains and repairs wells, water towers, pipelines and surrounding grounds including valves, SCADA telemetry control systems, lawn irrigation systems, electric heaters, sump pumps and facility lighting; ensures that towers are drained, filled and prepared for KDHE inspections; assists contractors during tower restorations.

  • Monitors, maintains and repairs booster stations which involves taking readings; pulling electrical motors for servicing; replacing cooling fluids and lubricating of pump components; replacing faulty impeller or other components as needed; troubleshooting electrical components; monitor chlorine residual at Tower #4 booster station and high-pressure zones.

  • Monitors, maintains and repairs components of the City's Class I UIC deep disposal wells and associated equipment; performs inspection and monitoring of wells, pumps and programmable logic controllers; inspects fluid tanks, pipelines, gauges, meters, pressure tanks, electronic data-loggers and electrical systems for proper functioning and performs repairs as needed.
  • Records downgradient remediation well water diversion amounts, waste fluid injection volumes, operational pressures, fluid quality as required by the KDHE and other agencies; takes water samples for various chemical and bacteriological analysis as required by KDHE or to respond to customer taste and odor complaints; assists Water Quality Coordinator with taking the samples and scheduling; performs water quality analysis at the water treatment process lab.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

  • EDUCATION: A high school diploma or GED is required, and technical school or some college credit is preferred.
  • EXPERIENCE: One or more years of similar or related experience is preferred. Expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well within one year of employment.
  • CERTIFICATIONS: A Class I Water Supply System Operator Certification from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is preferred at time of appointment and required within two years of appointment. Must maintain the appropriate level of certification and is responsible for completing necessary education requirements for certification and renewal of certification.
  • LICENSES: Must possess a valid Kansas Driver's License.
  • RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENT: Applicants must live within 25 miles of the City of Hutchinson Public Works facility and be able to report to the facility within 30 minutes for after-hours emergency calls.

BENEFITS:

  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Medical & Dependent Care
  • Retirement: KPERS & 457 Retirement Savings Plan
  • Insured Disability
  • Life Insurance & Optional Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Death Benefit
  • Service Connected Death
  • Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Wellness Day, Floating Holidays & City Designated Holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program

The City of Hutchinson employs over 400 employees that serve our community every day. City employees make Hutchinson a great place to live, work, and play. We take pride in our work and it shows. Come be a part of a workforce that makes a difference! We're always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team.

City of Hutchinson is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

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