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

The Pueblo of Sandia

UTILITY OPERATOR 2

Bernalillo, NM

$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 ...

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 ...

City of Rio Rancho

Project Inspector AF

Rio Rancho, NM

$21.94 - $27.42/hr

... water/wastewater treatment systems, reservoirs (tanks), lift stations, other facilities, roadway ... Read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, and documents such as safety rules, operating ...

City of Rio Rancho

Project Inspector AF

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

$21.94 - $27.42/hr

... water/wastewater treatment systems, reservoirs (tanks), lift stations, other facilities, roadway ... Read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, and documents such as safety rules, operating ...

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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

$12

$24

$44

How much do water treatment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment operator in Rio Rancho, NM is $24.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $29.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do wastewater operators make?

Wastewater operators in Alabama typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific facility. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with advanced certifications can earn higher wages. The job often requires knowledge of treatment processes, equipment, and safety protocols.

What jobs make 5000 a week without a degree?

Water Treatment Operators typically do not earn $5,000 a week without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades such as commercial pilots, certain sales roles, or entrepreneurship, but these usually require specific skills, licenses, or significant experience. Most jobs paying this much weekly without a degree are rare and often involve high risk or self-employment.

Is it hard to become a water treatment operator?

Becoming a water treatment operator typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, gaining on-the-job training, and obtaining relevant certifications or licenses, which vary by state or region. The job involves understanding water treatment processes, operating equipment, and adhering to safety and environmental regulations, but with proper training, it is accessible to many candidates.

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 are some common daily responsibilities for a Water Treatment Operator, and how do these tasks contribute to plant operations?

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.

What are Water Treatment Operators?

Water Treatment Operators are professionals responsible for managing and maintaining systems that treat water to make it safe for drinking, industrial use, or environmental release. They monitor and operate equipment, conduct tests to ensure water quality, and adjust processes to comply with safety standards and regulations. Their work is essential for public health, as they help ensure communities have access to clean and safe water.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,415 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Operator II, Chemical Stripping

Operator II, Chemical Stripping

Materion Corporation

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$18.75 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Materion rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 90 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

At Materion, everyone is included, respected and offered opportunity to grow. Join us!
JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE: Under the direction of the Chemical Stripping Supervisor, the Chemical Stripping Operator is responsible for the mechanical and chemical removal of metals process and the reconditioning and packaging of parts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Mechanically and chemically remove metals from PVD shield components using appropriate chemical solutions.
  • After removal of metals from PVD shield components, clean, inspect, and package components per operating procedures.
  • Operate and Maintain high pressure sandblasters
  • Perform calculations to determine the amount of metals recovered from customer materials. Maintain monthly logs tracking production totals.
  • Maintain and operate metals recovery system.
  • Maintain and operate cyanide destruct unit, including bringing in chemicals and calibration of meters.
  • Process Silver Nitrate through the Sodium Formate precipitation process
  • Perform Waste Water Treatment Processes per approved SOP
  • Ability to process PVD shield components in various acids and bases for hours at a time.
  • Adhere to Clean Room regulations and follow all procedures throughout the day.
  • Notify appropriate people of low quality parts.
  • Verify the accuracy of the label.
  • Accurately count, weigh, record information while carefully placing product into bags.
  • Perform Daily particle measurements in the clean room.
  • Must be able to read and interpret specifications and part drawings
  • Must follow strict operating and safety procedures. Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment.
  • Maintain superior housekeeping in stripping and chemical areas. Ensure proper location of chemicals.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds and move full 55 gallon drums of chemicals.
  • Serves on the Emergency Response Team.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING REQUIRED: Requires the use of safety glasses, respirator, safety shoes, and protective clothing such uniforms or lab coats. Other, more specialized protective gear may be required occasionally.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Forty hour Hazwoper Certification preferred.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
  • Background in chemical processing.
  • High school chemistry or equivalent on the job experience.
  • Knowledge of safe chemical handling and storage. Because of the possibility of dangerous reactions with hazardous substances, six months of experience in chemical process is desired.
  • Must complete company safety training program.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents such as shop orders, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write standard documentation. Ability to communicate with other employees to share information and solve problems.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, percent and conversion of measurement units.
REASONING ABILITY: Must be very alert. Able to accurately calculate the precious metal content of solutions and account for customers precious metals.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to walk, climb or balance, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and reach above shoulders. The employee must be able to move 55 gallon 600-700 pound drums using a hand cart.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
In constant contact with hazardous chemicals including acids, especially cyanide. Must regularly wear personal protective equipment including respiratory protection. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.
Materion Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Company") is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the Company's policy to not unlawfully discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also the Company's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company's personnel representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.
Materion's Veteran Employee Resource group supports veterans and promotes the benefits of hiring veterans in the workplace. We honor all those who have served and are a military friendly company. Veterans are encouraged to apply and military experience and skills are transferrable to Materion careers.
Please provide complete information. An incomplete application may affect your consideration for employment.

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