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Water Treatment Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cascades

Water Treatment Operator

Ashland, VA · On-site

$34.20 - $39.25/hr

Join us as a Water Treatment Operator in Ashland and help bring materials to life in a workplace where health and safety always come first. What's in it for you Taking care of our people is in our ...

Leidos

Water Treatment Operator

Springfield, VA · On-site

Certified Water Treatment Operator * Chiller water treatment knowledge Physical Requirements * Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. * Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods * Work in ...

Leidos

Water Treatment Operator

Springfield, VA · On-site

Certified Water Treatment Operator * Chiller water treatment knowledge Physical Requirements * Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. * Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods * Work in ...

Leidos

Senior Water Treatment Operator

Springfield, VA · On-site

Certified Water Treatment Operator * Chiller water treatment knowledge Physical Requirements * Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. * Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods * Work in ...

Leidos

Senior Water Treatment Operator

Springfield, VA · On-site

Certified Water Treatment Operator * Chiller water treatment knowledge Physical Requirements * Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. * Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods * Work in ...

Bedford Regional Water Authority

Be Seen First

Water Operator Trainee - Entry Level

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$38K - $45K/yr

The Bedford Regional Water Authority is seeking a Water Operator trainee to join our team. The ... Conventional surface water treatment * Membrane filtration systems * Groundwater facilities with ...

Bedford Regional Water Authority

Be Seen First

Water Operator Trainee - Entry Level

Bedford, VA · On-site

$38K - $45K/yr

The Bedford Regional Water Authority is seeking a Water Operator trainee to join our team. The ... Conventional surface water treatment * Membrane filtration systems * Groundwater facilities with ...

CBRE

Water Treatment Specialist

Chester, VA · On-site

$80K/yr

As a Water Treatment Specialist, you will perform the daily monitoring of water system functions. * This job is part of the Engineering and Technical Services job function, which is responsible for ...

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Water Treatment Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$27

$49

How much do water treatment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment operator in Virginia is $27.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $32.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water treatment operator?

Water treatment operators treat and transfer water and wastewater. They operate treatment plant machine systems with control boards, collect water and sewage samples, test and study water for quality, and transport water to designated locations. They also add chemicals to wastewater to disinfect it and turn it into drinking water. Water and wastewater treatment operators must hold a special certification or license and adhere to state regulations and safety procedures.

What does a water treatment operator do?

Water Treatment Operators are typically responsible for monitoring and adjusting equipment, conducting water quality tests, recording data, and responding to alarms or malfunctions. Daily tasks may include inspecting pumps and filters, adding chemicals, and ensuring regulatory compliance. These responsibilities are vital for maintaining safe, reliable water supply and for preventing environmental contamination, making operators integral to both public health and operational efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water treatment operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Treatment Operator, you need knowledge of water treatment processes, chemistry, and safety regulations, generally supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant certifications like a state water operator license. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient operation of water treatment facilities and compliance with environmental standards, directly impacting public health.

What is the difference between Water Treatment Operator vs Water Plant Operator?

AspectWater Treatment OperatorWater Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires state-specific water treatment certificationsOften requires similar water treatment or plant operation licenses
Work EnvironmentWorks at water treatment facilities, handling water purification processesOperates and maintains water treatment or distribution systems
Industry UsageCommonly used in municipal water treatment plantsUsed in municipal, industrial, and commercial water facilities

Water Treatment Operators and Water Plant Operators often perform similar roles in water facilities, focusing on water purification and system maintenance. While their titles may differ, both require comparable certifications and work environments. The main distinction lies in terminology used by employers, but their responsibilities and industry usage overlap significantly.

How much do water treatment operators make in the US?

Water treatment operators in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and certifications such as the Wastewater Treatment Certification or Water Treatment Certification, and they often work in shifts to ensure continuous operation of treatment facilities.

Is being a water treatment operator hard?

Water treatment operators are responsible for maintaining and operating water treatment systems, which requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols. The job can be physically demanding and often involves shift work, but proper training and certifications can help manage the complexity of the tasks involved.

Where do water treatment operators make the most money?

Water treatment operators tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for water management, such as urban areas or states with strict environmental regulations. Factors like experience, certifications, and the complexity of the treatment systems also influence earning potential.
More about Water Treatment Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Treatment Operator jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Water Treatment Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Water Treatment Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Water Treatment Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Treatment Operator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Treatment Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Water Treatment Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Water Treatment Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Water Treatment Operator jobs in VA?

For Water Treatment Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Water Treatment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Treatment Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,519 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Water Treatment Operator

Cascades

Ashland, VA • On-site

$34.20 - $39.25/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Welcome to Cascades!

Every day, our team takes pride in rolling up their sleeves to create products that are mindful of the environment.
Join us as a Water Treatment Operator in Ashland and help bring materials to life in a workplace where health and safety always come first.

What’s in it for you

Taking care of our people is in our nature - so you’ll enjoy:

  • Hourly wage of $34.20/hr to $39.25/hr (depending on experience, skills and education)
  • Full-time position with guaranteed hours for job stability
  • Schedule : 12 hour day/night rotating shifts, overtime as necessary 
  • A full range of benefits: group insurance, telemedicine, and an employer-contributed retirement plan
  • Profit sharing and employee share purchase plan - so you can share in our success
  • Employee assistance program, because your physical and mental well-being matters
  • Referral bonus - help grow the team and get rewarded
What you’ll do

As a Water Treatment Operator, you’ll be at the heart of operations - right on the floor where materials take shape. 
Your day-to-day:

  • Help operate the equipment and processes at the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), including the anaerobic reactor, aerobic reactors, DAFs, chemical feed systems, pumps, blowers, and biogas system
  • Collect and analyze samples from various locations within the wastewater plant to monitor system health and make adjustments
  • Evaluate sample data in order to make process changes to improve treatment efficiency and maintain compliance
  • Total Preventative Maintenance (TPM) / (CID) responsible for completing daily rounds for his or her area of responsibility.
Your strengths as a Water Treatment Operator

You are a natural fit for this role if:

  • At least 5 years of experience working in industrial setting; prefer 5+ years of wastewater operations experience
  • Must show a commitment to an interdependent safety-first attitude
  • Consistently display positive behavior that supports the organization's goals and objectives
  • Strong mechanical ability and aptitude; any previous experience working in chemical industry is an asset
  • Ability to work independently and in a team empowerment culture
  • Ability to communicate well with others and able to participate in team meetings


If you bring the same care to who you are as to what you do, we’d love to meet you!

Apply now and join our team as Water Treatment Operator in Ashland.

Cascades values diversity and inclusion and considers all applications equitably. This posting is for an active vacancy within our organization.#LP01

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