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Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pae

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$37.80/hr

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 ...

City of Ennis

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Ennis, TX · On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

Brief Description Under general supervision of the Water Treatment Plant Superintendent, work ... Operating and working around machinery, heavy equipment, chemicals, and moving equipment. Recognize ...

City of Yuma

Water Treatment Plant Operator III

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$32.98 - $42.86/hr

We are looking for someone to join Team Yuma as a Water Treatment Plant Operator III, working with the department of Utilities. The ideal candidate will oversee and perform tasks involving the ...

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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 23, 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 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 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 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:

What job categories do people searching Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee jobs look for?

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Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% 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

Pae

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

$37.80/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Amentum, a global leader in critical mission support, engineering, technology, and national security solutions, is seeking a Water Treatment Plant Operator to support a government contract based in Jacksonville, Florida at Mayport.

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs duties described in the Service Contract Act Service Order Water Treatment Plant Operator. May perform duties of other classifications that have a pay rate equal to or lower than the employee's current rate.

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 purify and clarify water for human consumption and for industrial use. Operates and controls electric motors, pumps, and valves to regulate flow of raw water into treating plant. Dumps specified amounts of chemicals, such as chlorine, ammonia, and lime into water or adjusts automatic devices that admit specified amounts of chemicals into tanks to disinfect, deodorize, and clarify water. Starts agitators to mix chemicals and allows impurities to settle to bottom of tank. Turns valves to regulate water through filter beds to remove impurities. Pumps purified water into water mains. Monitors panel board and adjusts controls to regulator flow rates, loss of head pressure and water elevation and distribution of water. Cleans tanks and filter beds, using backwashing (reverse flow of water). Repairs and lubricates machines and equipment, using hand and power tools. Tests water samples to determine acidity, color, and impuritif's, using calorimeter, turbidimeter, and conductivity meter. Dumps chemicals such as alum into tanks to coagulate impurities and reduce acidity. Records data, such as residual content of chemicals, water turbidity, and water pressure.

Duties specific to this job at this location, if different from SCA description:

Marginal Functions: 1) May operate portable water-purification plant to supply drinking water. 2) May purify waste water from plant preparatory to pumping water into rivers and streams or city mains.

3) Performs other duties as requested

QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.

  • Two (2) years advanced education or equivalent specialized training preferred.

  • Two (2) years of journeyman level experience in this trade.

  • Ability to use hand and power tools required to perform job duties.

  • Ability to successfully pass any background checks and/or drug testing required on the contract.

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization. Note: US Citizenship is required for facility credentials/authorization at this work location.

CERTIFICATE, LICENSE, REGISTRATION:

  • Class "C" State of Florida D.E.P. Water Operator License or Better

Compensation Details:

$37.80

Original Posting:

06/17/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.

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