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Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Annandale, NJ ยท On-site

$38 - $42.25/hr

Water Treatment Plant Operator Location: New Jersey Pay: $38.00 $42.25 per hour Schedule: Monday Friday | 7:00 AM 3:30 PM Parking: Free onsite Interviews: 1st Round Virtual | 2nd Round In-Person ...

Under Supervision of the Water Treatment Plant Supervisor, the Water Treatment Plant Operator produces bulk potable and non-potable water using mobile ROWPU and other water production equipment.

DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 25210 WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR description from the Service Contract Act (SCA) Dictionary of Occupations (DOT): Controls treatment plant machines and equipment to ...

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Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee information

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$30.5K

$53K

$85.5K

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for water treatment plant operator trainee in the United States is $52,962.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I expect during my first year as a water treatment plant operator trainee?

During your first year as a Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, you will primarily focus on learning plant operations, understanding water purification processes, and mastering safety protocols. You'll spend time shadowing experienced operators, monitoring equipment, collecting water samples, and performing basic laboratory tests under supervision. The role often involves shift work, including nights and weekends, and requires close collaboration with maintenance staff and management to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. As you gain proficiency, you'll be given more responsibility and may begin preparing for certification exams, which are essential for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water treatment plant operator trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of water chemistry, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and the ability to obtain state operator certification are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well both independently and in teams are valuable soft skills. These competencies are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of water treatment processes that protect public health.

What is a water treatment plant operator trainee?

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainees are entry-level employees who learn how to operate and maintain the systems that treat and purify drinking water or wastewater. They work under the supervision of experienced operators to monitor equipment, collect water samples, record data, and assist with routine maintenance tasks. Through on-the-job training and sometimes formal coursework, they gain the skills and knowledge needed to ensure water quality and comply with safety and environmental regulations. After gaining experience and passing required exams, trainees may become certified operators and take on greater responsibilities.

What is the difference between Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater Treatment Plant Operator TraineeWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma; some certifications may be preferredRequires state-specific licensing or certifications after training
Work EnvironmentSupervised training environment at water treatment facilitiesFull responsibility for operating and maintaining water treatment systems
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with equipment operation, learning procedures, and gaining experienceMonitoring water quality, adjusting treatment processes, and troubleshooting

The main difference is that the Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, gaining experience under supervision, while the Water Treatment Plant Operator has full responsibilities and required certifications to independently operate water treatment systems.

More about Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs? The most popular types of Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,962 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

City of Rocky Mount

Rocky Mount, NC โ€ข On-site

$20.45 - $35.52/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

DESCRIPTION OF WORK To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

JOB SUMMARY :Responsible for assisting in the operation of the water treatment plants. An incumbent in this position may be designated as Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, A, B or C; based on level of experience and certifications Applicants without an active Surface Water certification will be designated WTP Operator Trainee. SALARY RANGE: $20.45-$30.68 per hour (Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee) $21.48-$32.21 per hour (Water Treatment Plant Operator - C) $22.55-$33.82 per hour (Water Treatment Plant Operator - B) $23.68-$35.52 per hour (Water Treatment Plant Operator - A) HOURS: 40 hour workweek - possibly overtime

Shifts: Rotating Shifts to include holidays and weekends JOB REQUIREMENTS WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR/TRAINEE Checks water samples for pH, chlorine, and turbidity to ensure best possible water for customers and to be in compliance with local, state, and federal standards. Makes chemical adjustments as appropriate. Washes filter to allow for best possible turbidity, iron, and manganese removal.

Records operational changes in log book. Runs process control tests at treatment plants and dewatering facility. Uprates and downrates plant to meet customer water demand.

Unloads chemicals into holding tanks. Makes plant rounds to monitor operations. Monitors tank levels throughout the system.

Maintains plant, including sweeping, dusting, and mopping. Performs other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR TRANIEE/(C,B,A) Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge and level of competency are commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education. Possession of a valid driver's license with an active and consecutive 3-year verifiable driving history. Driving history will be checked.

(Must be able to be licensed in the State of North Carolina). Possession of or ability to readily obtain an appropriate state-certified license for surface water treatment. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE /(C,B,A) Knowledge of water and wastewater treatment procedures and technology, chemistry, equipment, and process control.

Knowledge of computerized and automated system monitoring and control equipment, procedures, and operation. Knowledge of federal, state, county, and city potable water, wastewater, and effluent quality standards and compliance procedures. Knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding safety training and safe work practices.

Skill in the interpretation and application of federal, state, and local policies, codes, and laws. Skill in analyzing problems and identifying solutions. Skill in preparing clear and accurate reports.

Skill in establishing cooperative and productive working relationships. Skill in setting priorities for competing projects. Skill in performing mathematical calculations.

Skill in operating computers and other standard office equipment. Skill in interpersonal relations. Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results. GUIDELINES: Guidelines include local, federal, and state water quality standards; federal, state, and division safety guidelines; and division policies and procedures.

These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application. COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related plant operation duties. Strict regulations contribute to the complexity of the position.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to participate in the operation of the Water Treatment Plants. Success in this position results in the provision of a safe water supply in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers, members of the public, public health agents, and fire personnel.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.

Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand Hearing 1: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination sound. Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.

Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time. Visual Acuity 2: Including color, depth perception, and field vision. Visual Acuity 5: Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, operation of machines; using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes.

Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office, a water treatment plant, and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals.

The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves. PROPER ENVIRONMENT ATTIRE WILL BE REQUIRED. Some areas can have loud noise, active machinery, high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confine spaces, heights and depths, fumes, air borne particles high pressure fluid systems, noxious electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, air borne particles, noxious gases, pathogens and various chemicals.

Safety is of the utmost importance. 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 fine coordination when preparing reports and using a computer keyboard, have vision sufficient to read computer screens; printed documents and operate office equipment, have hearing in the normal range with or without correction.

In an 8-hour period 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, wear and use appropriate safety equipment. SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.