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Water Utility Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fairfax Water

Water Utility Crew Chief

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$65K - $107K/yr

... of Water Utility Workers engaged in a variety of unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled duties ... Overseeing, operating, lubricating and performing routine maintenance on a variety of tools and ...

Fairfax Water

Water Utility Crew Chief

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$65K - $107K/yr

... of Water Utility Workers engaged in a variety of unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled duties ... Overseeing, operating, lubricating and performing routine maintenance on a variety of tools and ...

Celanese Corporation

Utility Operator

Chester, VA · On-site

Steam, Compressed Air, Chilled Water, Cooling Water, Potable Water, Dowtherm, Rainwater control ... The Utility Operator must be prepared to cover overtime when needed for vacancies, vacation ...

SouthWest Water Company

Utility Operator

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

Nexus Water Group is a leading regulated water and wastewater utility serving more than 1.3 million ... Overview Fairbanks Sewer and Water has an opportunity at College Utilities for a Utility Operator

Celanese

Utility Operator

Chester, VA · On-site

Steam, Compressed Air, Chilled Water, Cooling Water, Potable Water, Dowtherm, Rainwater control ... The Utility Operator must be prepared to cover overtime when needed for vacancies, vacation ...

JW Water Holdings, LLC

Water Technician

Peridot, AZ · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Water Utility Operator - Payson, Tonto Basin & Show Low Areas Position Summary JW Water is seeking a dependable and motivated individual (preferably with some water operations experience), to assist ...

Altria Group, Inc.

AC Utility Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$40.49/hr

AC Utility Operator Req Id: 2453 Work Model: On-Site Company: Philip Morris USA State/Province ... Utilities systems: Steam, compressed-air, chilled water, medium-temperature hot water, and city ...

Hammer OK

Operator-Utility

Norman, OK

Utility Operator - Storm, Water & Sanitary Utilities Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Utility Operator to join our construction team. The ideal candidate will have experience installing ...

Hammer OK

Operator-Utility

Norman, OK · On-site

Utility Operator - Storm, Water & Sanitary Utilities Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Utility Operator to join our construction team. The ideal candidate will have experience installing ...

City of Katy

Water Utility Technician

Katy, TX · On-site

$21.77 - $27.22/hr

Water Operator - Public Works DepartmentThe City of Katy is seeking a dedicated and skilled Water ... The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in water utility operations, a strong commitment ...

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Water Utility Operator information

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How much do water utility operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for water utility operator in the United States is $26.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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What states have the most Water Utility Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Water Utility Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Water Utility Operator jobs?

For Water Utility Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Water Utility Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Utility Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,276 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Water Utility Crew Chief

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Fairfax Water
See more jobs at Fairfax Waterexternal

$65K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Salary : $65,795.18 - $107,787.47 Annually
Location : Willard Maintenance Facility
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20160904
Division: Transmission & Distribution
Department: Northern Distribution Maintenance
Opening Date: 09/08/2026
Closing Date: 9/15/2026 4:30 PM Eastern
Description
Under limited supervision of the Assistant Supervisor, Water Distribution or Supervisor, Water Distribution, performs and leads the activities of a crew or smaller multi-crews of Water Utility Workers engaged in a variety of unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled duties required in the operation, installation, and maintenance of a water distribution and transmission system and related facilities.
Examples of Duties
Performs and leads the activities of a crew or smaller multi-crews of Water Utility Workers engaged in a variety of unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled duties required in the operation, installation, and maintenance of a water distribution and transmission system and related facilities by:
  • Overseeing and performing work involved in locating, installing, adjusting and repairing new and existing water service connections, meter boxes, valves, curb boxes, water mains and fire hydrants.
  • Overseeing and participating in installing, repairing and maintaining pumps, valves and motors in pumping and treatment plant related facilities.
  • Overseeing, operating, lubricating and performing routine maintenance on a variety of tools and equipment to include backhoes, earth-tampers, dump trucks, air compressors with related tools, steam and high pressure washers, underground pipe locating equipment, leak investigation and survey equipment, front-end loaders, trenchers, equipment trailers, earth boring equipment, hydraulic push machines, drills, pipe saws, travel and hydraulic cutters, snow plows, sand blasters, lawn mowers, paving rollers and paint equipment.
  • Operating a dump truck, snow plow, tag along trailer and transporting construction equipment and necessary materials.
  • Responding to emergency service calls during and after working hours and providing temporary water provisions and other necessary aid.
  • Overseeing and assisting with the flushing of the water distribution and transmission system as required.
  • Attending safety seminars, comprehending safety regulations, contributing to a safe working environment, and demonstrating safety procedures and methods.
  • Answering the telephone and two (2) way radios.
  • Preparing as-built drawings and reports.
  • Reading and interpreting maps, plans, cut sheets, specifications, easements, and Miss Utility clearances.
  • Overseeing and assisting with setting up traffic control.
  • Providing limited direction to Water Utility Worker I, II, III and IV as necessary.
  • Overseeing and performing work involved in restoring pavement, curb, curb and gutters, sidewalks, fences, grass, trees and other planted areas.
  • Investigating water service inquiries, taking water samples and explaining service rules and procedures to customers and builders.
  • Demonstrating new tools, materials, and equipment to Water Utility Workers I, II, III and IV.
  • Preparing and maintaining records and reports to include main break reports and inventory records.
  • Being responsible for providing workers with a safe working environment.
  • Conducting hydraulic flow tests.
  • Assists with performing building, grounds and other maintenance tasks to include cleaning and maintaining vehicles, various work areas, tools and equipment; removing snow as required and conducting vehicle inventory.
  • Performs routine maintenance on equipment at pumping, treatment and storage facilities.
  • Assists in conducting performance reviews for Water Utility Workers.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Typical Qualifications
  • Graduation from high school or GED and a minimum of six years progressively responsible related experience in the operation, installation and maintenance of a water distribution and transmission system, and related facilities, or any equivalent combination of education, experience and knowledge.
  • Must pass a controlled substance (drug) test for employment. This position is also subject to random testing after hire.
  • Ability to perform a variety of skilled maintenance tasks, including work on water distribution and transmission equipment.
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to perform tasks in a safe manner.
  • Ability to read and interpret paper plans and maps, digital maps, cut sheets and specifications.
  • Ability to tactfully and courteously communicate effectively to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors and the general public.
  • Possession of a valid driver's license and good driving record.
  • Possession of a valid Class "A" Commercial Driver's License.
  • Possession of a valid Intermediate Work Zone Safety Training card.
  • Knowledge of computer basics and SAP work order management system.
  • Ability to work overtime and standby as required.
  • Available to perform maintenance work at other than the principle location and hours of work.
  • Ability to operate motorized construction equipment.
  • Proficient in the use, operation, and safety of a backhoe and front-end loader. Thorough knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the operation, installation and maintenance of a water distribution and transmission system and related facilities.
  • Good knowledge of Fairfax Water policies, procedures, and values.
  • Good knowledge of safety equipment and safety regulations.
  • Ability to oversee the work of a Water Utility Crew or smaller multi-crews.
  • Ability to keep daily records and make reports on work assignments and staff.
  • Ability to perform 4-inch through 12-inch wet taps.
  • Some knowledge of the fundamentals of electrical, plumbing and building maintenance.

Fairfax Water is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to our employees and their eligible dependents, as well as opportunity for continued education and professional development. A summary of these benefits is listed below.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Fairfax Water is dedicated to providing equal employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation or transgendered status, or ethnic, national origin, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws.
Holidays
January - New Year's Day; Inauguration Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February - George Washington Day
May - Memorial Day
June- Juneteenth
July - Independence Day
September - Labor Day
October - Columbus Day
November - Veterans' Day; Thanksgiving Day; Day After Thanksgiving
December - Christmas Eve ½ Day; Christmas Day
Health Insurance - Employee Cost/Month
Employee Only - $100.88
Employee + 1 - $335.74
Family - $ 466.74
The Fairfax Water Health Plan is offered to all permanent full time employees and their eligible dependents. We offer self-insurred bundled medical, dental and vision plans administered by a third party administration.
Coverage is effective 1st day of month after hire if hired between the 1st and 15th of the month. If hired between the 16th and 31st of the month, coverage is effective the 1st day of the 2nd month after hire.
Group Life Insurance - Employee Cost Month
Basic = 2 times annual salary
Paid by Fairfax Water
Supplemental 1 to 6 times annual salary
Age-banded rates
Additional supplemental life insurance request requires you to submit an evidence of insurability form (EOI).
Dependent spouse and/or child - $2.55 per month cost for either spouse only, children only or both.
The Group Life Insurance Plan is offered to all permanent full time employees. Effective date follows same rule as health insurance.
Long-Term Disability
Effective after 36 months of employment with Fairfax Water. Benefit is equivalent to 66.7% of base pay at no cost to the employee.
Fairfax Water Retirement Plan - Is a defined benefit plan in which all regular full time employees are enrolled in at time of hire at no cost to employees. Employees are vested after five years of service.
457 Plan - Is a deferred compensation plan which employees can voluntarily participate in with either Pre-tax or Post-tax contributions to maximum contribution as established by the IRS on a yearly basis.
Additional Benefits
Flexible Spending Accounts: Fairfax Water offers a Medical Flexible Spending Account where employees may contribute up to $3,400 per year on a pre-tax basis for eligible expenses. Fairfax Water offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account where employees may contribute up to $7,500.00 per year on a pre-tax basis for eligible child-care expenses.
Child/Adult Care Reimbursement: Employees with household incomes up to $118,400 my be eligible for an annual subsidy for licensed child/adult care ranging from $1,600.00 to $4,000.00 depending on eligibility.
Paid Family & Medical Leave
Up to 240 continuous hours of paid leave in a rolling 12-month period for qualifying continuous absences that are covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Professional Development: Reimbursement of approved attendance at professional conferences and seminars.
Direct Deposit of pay. Pay days are bi-weekly on Thursday.
This review is intended to be a brief summary of the major benefits provided by Fairfax Water. In all instances, plan documents and policies govern the eligibility and administration of each benefit plan.

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