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Water Utility Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

$25 - $36.37/hr

Charlotte Water's FY 27 operating budget is $685.6 million and a five-year capital program of $2.5 ... Work involves requesting utility and other underground line locates to avoid damaging services ...

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR POSITION SUMMARY ABOUT US Since its inception, Cobalt Civil, LLC has ... Among other services, we provide municipal sewer and water utility services, subsurface excavation ...

Operator - Dayton, OH ID: EOP-DY Department: Operations Location: Dayton, OH More about this job ... Among other services, we provide municipal sewer and water utility services, subsurface excavation ...

Definition This is semi-skilled work in the operation and maintenance of sewer or water utilities ... Water Bureau: Assists skilled operator in rebuilding filter beds, unloading materials, cleaning ...

Utilities Maintenance Worker

Akron, OH · On-site

$43K - $50K/yr

... water utilities equipment. Works under general supervision on routine assignments; close ... Water Bureau: Assists skilled operator in rebuilding filter beds, unloading materials, cleaning ...

Utility Worker

Westerville, OH · On-site

$28.91/hr

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state ... Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ...

Utility Technician

Dayton, OH · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

... HVAC, chilled-water, fire alarm, and assigned facility support systems. * Perform assigned daily inspections of utility equipment and operating conditions. Record equipment status, pressure ...

New

... Public Utilities Director or designee and is responsible for Water Reclamation Plant operations, sanitary sewer collection system, and storm water collection system including but not limited to ...

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state ... Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ...

Showing results 21-40

Water Utility Operator information

See Ohio salary details

$13

$24

$35

How much do water utility operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for water utility operator in Ohio is $24.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $29.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Water Utility Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often accompanied by state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water testing equipment, and maintenance tools is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe and efficient operation of water facilities, compliance with regulations, and the consistent delivery of clean water to communities.

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

AspectWater Utility OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater operator licenses, state-specific certificationsWater treatment operator licenses, state-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentWater distribution systems, reservoirs, pump stationsWater treatment facilities, filtration systems, chemical handling
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal water departments, utility companiesWater treatment plants, municipal water facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles require similar certifications and work within the water industry, but Water Utility Operators focus on maintaining water distribution systems, while Water Treatment Plant Operators specialize in treating water at treatment facilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position aligned with their skills and certifications.

What is a water utility operator?

Water Utility Operators are professionals responsible for managing and maintaining the systems that treat and distribute water to communities and businesses. They monitor equipment, test water quality, adjust chemical levels, and ensure that water meets safety and regulatory standards. Operators also troubleshoot issues, perform routine maintenance, and keep detailed records of plant operations to ensure safe and reliable water delivery.

What are some common challenges water utility operators face in maintaining water quality standards?

Water Utility Operators often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected equipment malfunctions, responding to sudden changes in water demand, and ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standards. They must monitor water treatment processes continuously, troubleshoot technical issues, and perform regular maintenance to prevent contamination. Effective communication with team members and quick decision-making are essential to address these challenges and maintain safe, high-quality water for the community.

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Water Utility Operator jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Water Utility Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Utility Operator job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,600 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

$25 - $36.37/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


City Of Charlotte (North Carolina) rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Department: Charlotte Water DepartmentSalary: $25.00 - $36.37 Commensurate with Experience

Welcome to the City of Charlotte

Charlotte is America's Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents.

Our guiding principles include:

  • Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce

  • Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development

  • Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services

  • Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems

  • Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions

SUMMARY

Charlotte's local government, with more than 9,000 employees and a total budget of $4.49 billion budget, works hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone - a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play
Charlotte Water is an enterprise department of the City of Charlotte and one of the largest public water and sewer service providers in the southeast with over 330,000 customer accounts and over 1300 employees. Our service area includes the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and the towns of Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mint Hill, Matthews, and Pineville. Charlotte Water's FY 27 operating budget is $685.6 million and a five-year capital program of $2.5 billion.

SALARY:

The salary for this position is: $26.19-$29.09 hourly, Commensurate with Experience.

Job Summary:

This position operates light, medium, and heavy equipment. Work involves requesting utility and other underground line locates to avoid damaging services; operates backhoe/loader, excavator, and other heavy equipment to dig trenches to grade at construction sites; using hand tools and small powered equipment such as shovels and saws; making sure tools and equipment are available and in working condition; and digging water & sewer mains and services, making repairs. This position also takes responsibility for crews when the Labor Crew Chief II is not present, provides related training, and serves as the competent person on the job site.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Preform pre-trip/post inspections on equipment.

  • Use of trenching and shoring equipment

  • Assesses job site and requests utility and other underground line locates to avoid damaging services.

  • Puts up and takes down safety zone equipment. Properly setup and breakdown traffic control safety zones.

  • Operates backhoe/loader, excavator, and other heavy equipment to dig trenches to grade at construction sites.

  • Digs and repairs water & sewer mains and services etc.

  • Uses hand tools and small powered equipment such as shovels and saws.

  • Operates trucks and trailers; safely loads and unloads heavy equipment, materials, and supplies.

  • Ensures tools/equipment are available and in good operating condition each day.

  • Performs work to meet safety regulations and quality/production standards

  • Assumes responsibility for the crew when the Labor Crew Chief II is absent.

  • Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements To Perform Work:

  • High school diploma or completion of GED from an accredited school.

  • Two (2) years of related work experience operating heavy equipment.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:

  • Requires valid driver's license.

  • Must obtain and maintain a City's Driver's Permit.

  • Requires (or obtain within six (6) months of hire date) a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with Tankers endorsement.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of basic computer skills

  • Ability to follow instructions

  • Apply safe work practices

  • Knowledge of how to dig trenches to grade at construction sites.

  • Knowledge of trenching and shoring.

  • Knowledge of operating equipment related to job functions.

  • Skill to communicate, both verbally or in writing.

  • Skill in operating light to heavy equipment, such as backhoe/loaders, excavators, trucks, trailers, etc.

  • Skill in properly using/caring for basic hand tools and small powered equipment such as shovels and saws.

  • Ability to request utility and other underground line locates.

  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and general public.

  • Ability to work in a team.

  • Ability to train others.

  • Ability to resolve conflicts.

Physical Demands:

The work is medium work and requires applying 30 pounds of force frequently and exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, distinguishing among sounds, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, standing, stooping, talking, and walking.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs. Requires working in confined spaces, working under difficult weather and environmental conditions, and working a flexible schedule including overtime.

Additional Information:

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties at any time. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

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 written out in this job description.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City's Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate's written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.


Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us

The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.

BENEEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

Clickhereto learn more about the City of Charlotte's benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.


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