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Water Treatment Plant Operator In Training Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Produces Class I and Class II water products in accordance with standards in TB MED 576, 577, and ... The Water Treatment Plant Operator will set/up, dismantle and perform preventive maintenance checks ...

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Water Treatment Plant Operator In Training information

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$30K

$57.4K

$93.5K

How much do water treatment plant operator in training jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for water treatment plant operator in training in the United States is $57,354.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $66,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by water treatment plant operators in training during their initial months on the job?

New Water Treatment Plant Operators In Training often encounter challenges such as learning to monitor complex equipment, understanding strict safety and environmental regulations, and adapting to shift work schedules. The learning curve can be steep as trainees must quickly become familiar with plant processes, emergency protocols, and routine water quality testing. However, most facilities provide structured mentorship and hands-on training to help new operators build confidence and competence in their daily responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water treatment plant operator in training?

To thrive as a Water Treatment Plant Operator In Training, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, basic chemistry, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with additional coursework in environmental science. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and safety protocols is typically required, along with pursuit of relevant operator certifications. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment help candidates excel in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of water treatment facilities, directly impacting public health and environmental quality.

What does a water treatment plant operator in training do?

A Water Treatment Plant Operator In Training assists in operating and maintaining equipment used to treat and purify water for public consumption. Under supervision, they learn to monitor water quality, perform routine tests, and follow safety and environmental regulations. Their role is essential in ensuring that the water supply meets all health and safety standards. Over time, they gain the experience and certifications required to become fully qualified Water Treatment Plant Operators.

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

AspectWater Treatment Plant Operator In TrainingWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma; some certifications may be needed as training progressesRequires state-specific certifications or licenses, often obtained during or after training
Work EnvironmentSupervised, learning environment within treatment facilitiesFull responsibility for operating and maintaining water treatment systems
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with daily operations, learning procedures, and gaining hands-on experienceMonitoring equipment, adjusting processes, and ensuring water quality standards

In summary, a Water Treatment Plant Operator In Training is a beginner role focused on learning and assisting under supervision, while a Water Treatment Plant Operator is a fully qualified professional responsible for the operation and maintenance of water treatment systems.

More about Water Treatment Plant Operator In Training jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Treatment Plant Operator In Training jobs? Cities with the most Water Treatment Plant Operator In Training job openings:
What states have the most Water Treatment Plant Operator In Training jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Treatment Plant Operator In Training jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Treatment Plant Operator In Training job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,354 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

BCRUA Water Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training / Treatment Plant Operator

City of Round Rock

Round Rock, TX

$44K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


City Of Round Rock rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

73rd of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description The City of Round Rock and the BCRUA are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Water Treatment Plant Operator at the BCRUA water treatment plant located in Cedar Park. This role is essential to ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the BCRUA's water treatment facilities. Depending on qualifications and experience, the position may be filled at either the Operator-In-Training level or as a certified Operator.

Ideal candidates will bring strong technical skills, a commitment to operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and safety. If you're looking for an opportunity to contribute to growth and success, we encourage you to apply. Examples of Duties Operator In-Training: The hiring range for this position is $44,720 to $54,080 depending on qualifications and experience.

Under close supervision, performs routine tasks to provide operational and general maintenance support at the BCRUA water treatment plant, and water distribution system. Performs in both operations and maintenance to develop competency in both disciplines. Assists with routine rounds of the facilities to monitor the treatment process and identify process anomalies or mechanical problems with plant equipment.

Assists in handling treatment chemicals as needed. Performs lab analysis and documents results in accordance with policies. Learns to perform and record the results of various laboratory tests to assess water quality and to determine optimal chemical treatment, such as pH, alkalinity, turbidity, chlorine residual, hardness, temperature, conductivity, and other related tests.

Monitors water quality by performing laboratory tests, observing continuous monitoring equipment and the computer system. Documents and reviews test and equipment results according to policy. Makes treatment adjustments as needed.

Learns to calculate dosages for various chemicals, and the purpose for which the chemicals are used. Assists with predictive and corrective maintenance on specialized equipment such as pumps, blowers, clarifiers, and valves. Assists with preventative maintenance tasks such as lubrication; changing equipment oil/fluids; and installing packing, bearings, and seals.

Assists with process control tasks such as basic flow control, sampling, basic laboratory testing, normal operations of pumps and blowers, and adjusting chemical feeds. Maintains plant operations and maintenance records using logbooks, databases, and spreadsheets. Treatment Plant Operator: The hiring range for this position is $49,920 to $60,840 depending on experience.

Monitors remote sites and BCRUA treatment facilities, located in Cedar Park, which operate seven days per week and twenty-four hours per day; monitors quality and operation of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Operate the BCRUA surface water treatment plant located in Cedar Park, producing a product that meets or exceeds state and federal regulations. Utilize the SCADA system and reporting tools to verify and optimize treatment.

Handles treatment chemicals as needed. Performs lab analysis and documents results in accordance with policies. Performs routine and non-routine maintenance on chemical feed equipment, pumps, motors and valves.

Troubleshoots equipment as necessary. Monitors water quality through laboratory testing and observation of monitoring equipment and the computer system. Documents and reviews test and equipment results according to policy.

Adjusts treatment as needed. Performs control room duties; monitors various city facilities using the SCADA system; responds to emergencies; uses trending and reporting tools to optimize system operations. Assist with on-the-job training of Treatment Plant Operator In-Training.

Troubleshoots and resolves mechanical and process failures; conducts routine rounds of the plant to monitor treatment process, identify and troubleshoot process, resolve anomalies or mechanical problems with plant equipment; and escalates more complex issues as necessary. Ensures plant processes are always operating within regulated parameters as mandated by State, Federal, requirements; reports out-of-compliance occurrences to supervisor and superintendent. Experience and Training Treatment Plant Operator In-Training High School Diploma or equivalent.

At least six (6) months of general work experience. Treatment Plant Operator High School Diploma or equivalent. At least one (1) year of experience in treatment plant operation or a similar position.

Certificates and Licenses Required Treatment Plant Operator In-Training Class C Texas Driver's License or ability to obtain before employment. Must obtain a Class D Water License issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within one (1) year of hire, if not currently holding the license. Possession of, or ability to obtain within three (3) years of employment, a Class C Surface Water license issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Treatment Plant Operator Class C Texas driver's license or ability to obtain prior to employment Current Class C Surface Water License issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).


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