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Water Treatment Operator Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Tech

Decatur, IL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Repair water leaks if possible or work with Community Manager to arrange outside plumbing company * * Equipment inventory tracking and upkeep * * Read Water Meters * * Other duties and projects as ...

Maintenance Tech

Monticello, IL · On-site

$18.20 - $22.75/hr

... reliable operating condition. Performs preventive, predictive, corrective, and emergency ... water systems, and other life safety infrastructure. Monitors and responds to BAS alarms, conducts ...

Maintenance Tech

Monticello, IL · On-site

$18.20 - $22.75/hr

... reliable operating condition. Performs preventive, predictive, corrective, and emergency ... water systems, and other life safety infrastructure. Monitors and responds to BAS alarms, conducts ...

Maintenance Tech

Monticello, IL · On-site

$18.20 - $22.75/hr

... reliable operating condition. Performs preventive, predictive, corrective, and emergency ... water systems, and other life safety infrastructure. Monitors and responds to BAS alarms, conducts ...

You'll determine causes of operating problems in areas including, but not limited to, plumbing, electrical systems/components, HVAC, carpentry, electrical fixtures/switches/power sources, and ...

Maintenance Technician

Clinton, IL · On-site

$27 - $33/hr

You'll determine causes of operating problems in areas including, but not limited to, plumbing, electrical systems/components, HVAC, carpentry, electrical fixtures/switches/power sources, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Water Treatment Operator information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$13

$26

$48

How much do water treatment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment operator in Decatur, IL is $26.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.89 and $31.92 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.

What are popular job titles related to Water Treatment Operator jobs in Decatur, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Water Treatment Operator jobs in Decatur, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Treatment Operator jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Water Treatment Operator jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Water Treatment Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Treatment Operator job openings in Decatur, IL 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 $55,296 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Shift Supervisor - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland

Decatur, IL • On-site

$58K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 365 rated logistics


Job description


Shift Supervisor - Decatur, IL
This is a full-time, exempt-level position
Position Summary:
The Shift Supervisor plays a key leadership role, oversees the daily activities of safety, quality, and production, and leads employees in all production procedures during the shift.
As a mentor to front-line operators, you will nurture and develop talent as you work with both contractors and ADM colleagues to ensure everyone has the training and resources necessary to perform their tasks safely and effectively. This is not just a job-it's your chance to lead, innovate, and fine-tune for success in our dynamic production ecosystem.
The Decatur Corn Plant is a corn processing facility produces such products as corn syrup and ethanol. The Decatur Corn Plant is a union facility with an hourly workforce of 225 and a salaried staff of 130 employees site-wide. The Decatur Complex, located in Decatur, Illinois, consists of 6 processing plants, onsite cogeneration, and water treatment facilities, and employs ~1500 Plant Operations Colleagues and an additional ~1000 Contractors.
Job Responsibilities
  • Coordinates daily operations performed by hourly production colleagues to ensure work is performed safely and efficiently while meeting expected environmental quality, housekeeping, and production quantity goals established by the company
  • Provide employees with resources, in good working order, to perform tasks safely and efficiently
  • Provide training to ensure employees understand operational procedures, SOP's, safe work practices, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and policies
  • Create and assign tasks to effectively utilize team members' experience and capabilities
  • Ensures the safety of all colleagues through training and compliance with occupational safety, health and environmental regulations, and leading by example
  • Recognizes environmental, safety, and GMP hazards and identifies, discusses, and contains them to keep from affecting colleague safety, product quality, and environmental purity, making recommendations for improvements. Conducts GMP, safety, health and environmental inspections
  • Listens to and responds to colleague suggestions and concerns about safety, health, environment, product quality and housekeeping, and communications on concerns and improvement initiatives to all colleagues
  • Addresses employee concerns and maintains good communications and morale on shift and within department, and keeps plant management informed of all matters affecting the morale and safety of colleagues
  • Evaluates colleague performance, providing regular feedback and discusses disciplinary action with superintendents and human resources
  • Attends and participates in operation area meetings, safety meeting and supervisor's meeting.
  • May perform production duties temporarily in the event of an emergency or employee absence
  • May perform reasonably similar or related duties as required
Job Requirements
  • Previous plant processing and leadership experience (in a union environment is a plus)
  • High School Diploma/GED required 4+ years of relevant work experience
  • Experience in a lead/supervisor role in continuous manufacturing operations is a plus
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement
  • Ability to lead and train colleagues and build teams
  • Demonstrated communication, organizational, trouble-shooting and record keeping skills
  • Passion for learning; willingness to learn and assume new responsibilities
  • Ability to work a rotating shift including nights, weekends, and holidays

Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:111967BR
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.
#IncludingYou
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM's efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments - environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.
We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law
Benefits and Perks
Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:
  • Physical wellness - medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
  • Financial wellness - flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers' compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
  • Mental and social wellness - Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).
Additional benefits include:
  • Paid time off including paid holidays.
  • Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
  • Tuition assistance.
  • Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.
*Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.
Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.
If hired, employees will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

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