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Water Treatment Operator Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

HKA Enterprises

Water Operator III

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$35.08/hr

Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot water treatment and distribution systems * Monitor and adjust ... Support training of junior operators and assist with safety/process meetings * Follow all safety ...

The Pueblo of Sandia

Utility Lead Operator

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$31.03 - $34.91/hr

Prepares and maintains water/wastewater treatment files, records, reports, and related documents. * Enforces Water and Wastewater Operations standard operating procedures. * Assists Supervisor in ...

Pueblo of San Felipe

Water Operator I

Algodones, NM · On-site

The Water Operator I (laborer) position shall have a certification level 1 for water system operation from EPA or be willing to obtain within one (1) year, as an entry level position with minimal ...

Pueblo of San Felipe

Water Operator I

Algodones, NM · On-site

The Water Operator I (laborer) position shall have a certification level 1 for water system operation from EPA or be willing to obtain within one (1) year, as an entry level position with minimal ...

Apidel Technologies

UC.334.WAT.JC3.Operator.NP

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

$96K - $131K/yr

... in water treatment processes, principles of supervision and training, and safe work practices ... operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings Operates valves and gates either ...

Materion

Operator II, Chemical Stripping

Albuquerque, NM

$18.75 - $21.25/hr

Perform Waste Water Treatment Processes per approved SOP * Ability to process PVD shield components ... Must follow strict operating and safety procedures. Must be able to wear necessary personal ...

Sandia Resort and Casino

UTILITY OPERATOR 2

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$28.21 - $31.73/hr

Operator 2 will perform duties in accordance with Pueblo and Department policies and procedures ... Operations, services and activities of a water and wastewater treatment plant. * Methods and ...

The Pueblo of Sandia

UTILITY OPERATOR 2

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$28.21 - $31.73/hr

Operator 2 will perform duties in accordance with Pueblo and Department policies and procedures ... Operations, services and activities of a water and wastewater treatment plant. * Methods and ...

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All JobsWater Treatment Operator JobsWater Treatment Operator Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Water Treatment Operator information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$13

$25

$46

How much do water treatment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment operator in Rio Rancho, NM is $25.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $30.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, certifications, and location, with some operators earning over $70,000 annually in certain regions or with advanced skills.

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. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in specialized or industrial facilities.

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 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 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.

Is being a water treatment operator hard?

Water treatment operators are responsible for monitoring and maintaining water purification systems, which requires attention to detail, technical skills, and adherence to safety protocols. The job can involve shift work, troubleshooting equipment, and obtaining certifications, but it is generally considered manageable with proper training and experience.

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.
More about Water Treatment Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Water Treatment Operator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Water Treatment Operator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Treatment Operator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Water Treatment Operator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
Water Treatment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Treatment Operator job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 56% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $51,415 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Water Treatment Facility Operator

SWA Staffing

Santa Fe, NM • On-site

$28.09/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

SWA is hiring for an open Water Treatment Facility Operator in Santa Fe, NM!

* Pay: $28.09 hr
* Shift: M-F / 8 am - 4:30 pm

Requirments:
* Criminal background check, drug test, and driving record check required
* High school diploma or GED
* NM Level 2 Water Certification
* Two years of experience in water operations
* Possess a valid driver's license
* Knowledge of the principles and practices of water treatment operations; operating principles of valves, pumps, and motors; principles and methods of water analyses and treatment
* Knowledge of computer software, including the development of spreadsheets, word processing documents, and entering information into data management systems
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:
* The work area can involve a working environment indoors as well as outdoors, which could cause exposure to outdoor elements; proper environmental attire will be required. Some areas can have loud noise, active machinery, high-pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, airborne particles, noxious gases, pathogens, and various chemicals. The use of appropriate safety equipment will be mandatory in these areas to prevent hazardous contact.
* Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, twist, and bend at the waist, turn, kneel, squat, raise arms above shoulder height, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements, and have fine coordination to work on equipment, have vision sufficient to read blueprints; have hearing in the normal range with or without correction. In an 8-hour shift must be able to transport self across the facility, ascend and descend stair steps, lift objects up to 50 pounds from floor level to waist height, climb and work off of a ladder or scaffold; use arms and back to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts; carry a 50-pound toolbox up a flight of stairs; work in confined spaces and wear and use appropriate safety equipment.