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Water Treatment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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

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

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

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 · On-site

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:

City of Aurora

$47.01/hr

OVERVIEW OFJOB The Water Treatment Plan Operator A performs senior level"A"certification duties in the maintenance and operationofhigh performing, nationally recognizedwater treatment facilities.

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Water Treatment Operator information

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$13

$27

$49

How much do water treatment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment operator 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.

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.
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Water Treatment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Treatment Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. 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

Water Treatment Operator

Woodard & Curran

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Woodard & Curran is a national engineering, science and operations firm with a simple vision for clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities and happy people. As an employee-owned company, we strive to cultivate teams that encourage collaboration in an inclusive culture. We seek talented individuals from all backgrounds to help us address a broad range of water and environmental issues. We prioritize our people, offering opportunities for professional growth, ownership and flexibility. This commitment enables us to make a meaningful impact on our clients, communities and the planet. 


Woodard & Curran draws on the experience of hundreds of certified operators across the country, backed by the knowledge and skills of hundreds more engineers, scientists, and regulatory experts, to quickly tackle the most challenging operational issues and keep treatment plants running efficiently and in full compliance.  Woodard & Curran also reimburse employees in earning, upgrading, and keeping their licenses and certifications within the industry.

The Water Treatment Operator regularly participates in the daily operations and maintenance of the water treatment plant as directed by the Project Manager. In this role, you will perform progressively responsible work in the operation and maintenance of a treatment plant and related equipment. You will monitor automated plant equipment through visual inspection for proper operating parameters and mechanical integrity as well as maintain a plant log detailing specific information to be saved for record and following shifts. You will also take samples at multiple sample points for laboratory analysis and compare to automated instrumentation outputs; record and present findings as appropriate.

If you enjoy working outdoors protecting nature's precious resource, water, then you will find this position challenging and rewarding. This position comes with the opportunity for upward mobility to advance your career in the utility field. Woodard & Curran is dedicated to our employees' growth and development and wants to help you on your career path!

Schedule:  We are looking for operators for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts.  Availability for standby duty and the ability to be "on-call," working evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.  Response to emergency events and alarm call-outs required as scheduled and required.

    • On Call: On-call, incentives offer $200 for the week you are on call (this is on a rotation).  Compensation for being on call is 2hrs minimum paid for each call out received.
    • Eligible for plant and safety-related bonuses.

What will you be doing at Woodard & Curran?

  • Monitor water production plant processes and equipment both manually and via SCADA automation, adjusting as necessary to control their operation.
  • Perform water quality sampling, testing, and analysis to determine compliance with federal, state, and EPA standards.
  • Operate, maintain, control, and perform routine repair of plant equipment, including preventive maintenance duties.
  • Utilize software programs for maintenance work orders and maintain all necessary records.
  • Perform general maintenance duties of plant and other assigned duties.
  • Monitor and evaluate the operations of a large, complex water production facility and its auxiliary systems; maintain plant log.
  • Review trends, records, and reports to maintain proper procedure and standards; collect and tabulate operational log data for regulatory agencies.
  • Recognize deviations or irregularities in the plant operation and maintenance; adjust the plant process and equipment in order to maintain the required quality standards of the federal, state, and county regulatory agencies.
  • Sample, measure, and test plant values such as pH, chlorine residuals, temperature, levels, and others; make corrections and adjustments; collect required samples for on and offsite analysis.
  • Collaborate with maintenance staff on specific projects; adjust or bypass job specific areas, processes, or equipment to ensure consistent water production, plant integrity, and safety.
  • Test, monitor, record, evaluate, troubleshoot, and adjust the operation of plant emergency generator and auxiliary equipment.
  • Assist contractors and consultants with specific tasks.
  • Assist in preparing standard operating procedures.
  • Oversee Plant operations to remain in compliance with all Federal, State, County and City regulations and standards.
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standard operating procedures.
  • Work around high voltage, rotating equipment and various hazardous chemicals.
  • May assist Federal, State and local regulators during plant compliance inspections.
  • Performs related work as required.

What will you need to succeed?

    • High School Degree or Equivalent.
    • Valid Florida Driver's License required.
    • Must possess at least a valid State of Florida Class 'B' or Class 'C' Drinking Water license. Please see information lower in posting regarding pay rates based on your level of certification.
    • Four (4) to six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in Water Production operations.
    • Able to make sound decisions in process control and follow instructions, as well as following safety procedures.
    • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds on a regular basis.
    • Successful candidates will need to complete and clear a pre-employment background check, drug screen (including marijuana), and physical before starting work.
$32 - $48.25 an hour

Florida Class "C" Water Treatment License: $32 - $44.25/hr.

Florida Class "B" Water Treatment License: $34 - $48.25/hr.

Mutual Dispute Resolution (MDR)

As part of our commitment to a fair and respectful workplace, Woodard & Curran uses a Mutual Dispute Resolution (MDR) to help resolve most employment-related concerns efficiently and consistently.

What this means:

  • MDR applies to both you and the Company
  • Most workplace-related disputes are resolved through binding arbitration, rather than court proceedings
  • Certain exceptions are outlined in the full agreement

If you are offered a position with Woodard & Curran, you will be asked to review and sign the MDR as part of your offer packet.

 Review the full agreement here: Mutual Dispute Resolution Agreement

Employee Support & Benefits

Retirement Savings:

  • 401(k) Pre-tax or Roth Contributions: The company matches 100% of the first 3% of salary contributed

Time away from work:

  • Observed holidays: Choose up to 8 holidays to observe annually
  • Vacation: Accrued based on years of experience and calculated on hours worked
  • Sick time: Paid sick time for non-work-related illness or injury.
  • Parental leave: Up to 80 hours of Paid Parental Leave for child bonding

Coverage and support for your needs and well-being:

  • Disability: Paid short- and long-term disability
  • Health: Medical plan options; plus dental and vision plans.
  • Life: Basic employee group life insurance and AD&D benefits; additional voluntary life insurance for employees and families is available through Sun Life.
  • Wellbeing: DarioMind assistance program combined with personalized mental health and wellbeing resources.

Workplace Information

E-Verify Participation

Woodard & Curran participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. As part of this process, we display the required Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters. 

View required Right to Work and E-Verify posters here.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility

Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non-discrimination and make employment decisions based on job-related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer.

View our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
View the "Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster 

Inclusion & Belonging

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and believe diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to serve clients and communities.

As an employee-owned company, we are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment where employees can grow, contribute fully, and deliver meaningful impact.

Recruitment Agency Policy

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Submissions without a signed agreement in place will be considered unsolicited and not eligible for referral fees.

 

Text Message Communication Notice:

To support an efficient hiring process, we may send brief SMS updates or reminders. You may opt out at any time by replying "STOP."

Terms, Privacy & Use of AI in Hiring 

Woodard & Curran Terms of Use

Woodard & Curran Privacy Statement

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support aspects of the hiring process (e.g., application review or resume screening). These tools assist our team but do not replace human decision-making. All final hiring decisions are made by people.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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