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Water Treatment Trainee Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

... treatment facilities, lift stations, booster stations, distribution system, and the wastewater ... FO Trainee - $25.52/HR * Will be required to get either a C Well or Grade I waste water license ...

Water Treatment Trainee information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$20

$35

How much do water treatment trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for water treatment trainee in Raleigh, NC is $20.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $23.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water treatment trainee do?

A Water Treatment Trainee assists in the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities under the supervision of experienced staff. Their duties often include monitoring water quality, learning how to operate equipment, collecting samples, and performing routine maintenance. The trainee role is designed to provide hands-on experience and training to prepare individuals for more advanced positions in water treatment. Trainees also learn about regulations, safety procedures, and best practices to ensure safe and clean water for the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water treatment trainee?

To thrive as a Water Treatment Trainee, you need a basic understanding of water treatment processes, safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring additional coursework in science or math. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, SCADA systems, and the ability to pursue relevant certifications like a water treatment operator license are important. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help trainees excel in daily operations and adapt to regulatory requirements. These skills are essential to ensure safe, efficient water treatment operations and compliance with health and environmental standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by water treatment trainees during their initial months on the job?

Water Treatment Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to the technical complexity of water treatment processes and learning to operate specialized equipment safely. They must quickly become familiar with regulatory compliance standards and rigorous safety protocols, which can feel overwhelming at first. Additionally, trainees typically work rotating shifts and must adjust to early mornings, nights, or weekends, depending on the facility's schedule. However, with support from experienced team members and a structured training program, most trainees become comfortable with these aspects over time.

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

AspectWater Treatment TraineeWater Treatment Operator
CertificationsBasic certifications or on-the-job trainingAdvanced certifications, such as Water Treatment Operator licenses
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, labs, or entry-level plant areasOperational plant floors, control rooms, and maintenance areas
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with testing, monitoring, and learning proceduresOperating equipment, monitoring systems, and maintaining water quality

The Water Treatment Trainee role is an entry-level position focused on learning and assisting with water treatment processes. In contrast, a Water Treatment Operator is a more experienced role responsible for operating and maintaining water treatment systems. Trainees typically work under supervision and aim to gain the skills needed for full operator roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Treatment jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Water Treatment jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What job categories do people searching Water Treatment Trainee jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Treatment Trainee jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Infographic showing various Water Treatment Trainee job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,762 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Facility Operator II, Wastewater

Aquaamerica

Cary, NC • On-site

$34.93/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we're delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you're looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.


Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.


We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.


Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

Are you looking for a fantastic career at Aqua? We have a great opportunity for a Facility Operator. This role is under the direction of the Field Supervisor and will perform a variety of activities to support the operation of water production facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, lift stations, booster stations, distribution system, and the wastewater collection system.

CAREER PROGRESSION SCHEDULE AND PAY:

FO Trainee - $25.52/HR

  • Will be required to get either a C Well or Grade I waste water license within 18 months of employment.

FO I - $28.71/HR

  • Minimum license requirement of C Well or Grade I.

FO II - $31/HR

  • Must meet dual licensing requirements and have either a B Well or a Grade II.

FO III - $34.93/HR

  • Must meet dual licensing requirements of at least a B Well and Grade II plus have an A Well or Grade III.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (Primary Duties and Responsibilities)

  • Maintains equipment at the assigned water production facilities and booster stations.
  • Operates and maintains distribution systems including mains, valves, hydrants and service lines.
  • Maintains equipment at the wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations.
  • Operates and maintains sewer collection systems including collections mains and pump stations.
  • Troubleshoots and repairs service piping and other related equipment.
  • Performs routine water quality analysis in accordance with established processes and procedures.
  • Makes operational adjustments as needed to comply with state and federal water quality standards.
  • Adjusts chemical treatment to ensure water quality meets standards. Calculates various ratios and dosages.
  • Completes customer service work orders, updates and maintains appropriate system documentation of activities and closes work orders in accordance with department policies and procedures.
  • Performs all tasks safely, professionally and in accordance with company policies and procedures as well as local, state and federal laws, rules and guidelines.
  • Assists with other tasks or projects as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s).

QUALIFICATIONS: (Required Experience, Education, Licenses, and Certifications)

  • A high school diploma or GED.
  • A valid U.S. Driver's License.
  • Strong preference for experienced and licensed water and/or wastewater operators.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Familiarity with computers / tablets and the basic operation of database, spreadsheet and word processing programs preferred
  • Ability to read, understand and accurately follow operating instructions both written and verbal
  • Mathematical ability to perform calculations to determine various ratios, dosages, volumetric calculations that are required for the operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plants and Water Treatment Plants
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate in writing
  • Familiarity with and understanding of the need to prevent wastewater pollution of area waters
  • Understand and maintain plan processes through computer-controlled equipment
  • A team player able to work effectively in a team-fashioned multi-tasking environment

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases and /or poor ventilation atmospheric conditions.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
  • Working conditions include travel to work sites of Essential Utilities and/or other constituents.
  • Must obtain a CDL Class C with Hazmat endorsement within 90 days of hire
  • Must be available to be on-call nights and on weekends to adequately staff a 24 hour/7day operation

The physical demands 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.

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:

  • Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
  • Family members cannot work in the same department.