1

Water Utility Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Description Under close supervision of a Water Utility Crew Chief or Water Utility Worker IV, ... Operating a dump truck, tag along trailer and transporting construction equipment and necessary ...

Water Utility Worker I/II

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$44K - $80K/yr

Description Under close supervision of a Water Utility Crew Chief or Water Utility Worker IV, ... Operating a dump truck, tag along trailer and transporting construction equipment and necessary ...

Water Utility Engineer

Auburn, WA · On-site

$131K - $161K/yr

Have a Washington State Department of Health Waterworks Operator Certification Additional ... potable water utility engineering? * Yes * No 06 If you answered yes to the above question, how ...

... water, compressed air, HVAC, or power. Role Overview The Utility Operator I supports day-to-day utilities operations by performing routine checks, assisting with basic operation of utility equipment ...

Summary The Utilities Operator position is a position that must perform a variety of functions ... Monitors the operation of utility or waste water plant equipment for existing or potential problems ...

UTILITY OPERATOR

Saint Peters, MO · On-site

$27.37 - $31.71/hr

As a Utility Operator , you will play an essential role in ensuring safe and efficient water and wastewater treatment by performing laboratory analyses, maintaining equipment, and troubleshooting ...

Utility Operator I & II Summary Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of maintenance ... May conduct monthly water sampling, wastewater meter readings, & assist in the repair & maintenance ...

Have an EIT Have potable water utility engineering experience Have a PE certification within one year of placement Have a Washington State Department of Health Waterworks Operator Certification ...

As a Utility Operator , you will play an essential role in ensuring safe and efficient water and wastewater treatment by performing laboratory analyses, maintaining equipment, and troubleshooting ...

Water Resources Division: Utility Operations & Maintenance Opening Date: 06/18/2026 Closing Date: Continuous General Description The Utility Operator I operates and maintains water/wastewater ...

Water Utility Technician

Katy, TX · On-site

$21.77 - $27.22/hr

Water Operator - Public Works Department The 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Water Utility Operator information

See salary details

$13

$26

$37

How much do water utility operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 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 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 are Water Utility Operators?

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.
More about Water Utility Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Utility Operator jobs? Cities with the most Water Utility Operator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Water Utility Operator jobs? The top employers for Water Utility Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Water Utility Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Utility Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Utility Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% 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.
Utility Operator

Utility Operator

Celanese

Chester, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Celanese rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 92 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Position Overview:

Celanese is seeking a Utility Operator to join its team in Hopewell, Virginia. The individual in this position is responsible for operating the utility services for the site; Steam, Compressed Air, Chilled Water, Cooling Water, Potable Water, Dowtherm, Rainwater control, and Waste hauling. Evenings, nights, weekends and holidays responsibility for monitoring the performance and performing necessary testing of the Biological and Sanitary Plants.

This position is called upon to support the ERT on environmental issues and incident controls. The individual is not directly supervised and requires self-motivation and personal discipline to perform the required tasks. This position is classified as a “Lone Worker” and falls under the guidelines of this category. The position requires working an 8 hour rotating shift schedule. The Utility Operator must be prepared to cover overtime when needed for vacancies, vacation coverage, sickness/disability coverage, and shutdown coverage. The Utility Operator must handle chemicals involved in water and waste treatment.

Responsibilities:

The individual selected for this position will be accountable for the Energy Operations of the Manufacturing Site and the Environmental Performance and Safety of the Utility, Biological and Sanitary Operations to the “first valve” of the energy users. Support function to the Emergency Response Team as needed.

The individual selected for this position is required to work rotating 8 hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lights gas or oil fed burners on boilers and dowtherm boiler.
  • Starts oil pumps to feed oil into furnace or boiler.
  • Observes pressure, temperature, and draft meters on panel to verify specified operation of automatic combustion control systems, feed water regulators, and burners.
  • Turns valves and adjusts controls to set specified fuel feed, draft openings, water level, dowtherm pressure of dowtherm boiler, and steam pressure of boiler
  • Observes boiler and auxiliary units to detect malfunctions and makes repairs, such as changing burners and tightening pipes and fittings.
  • Treats boiler feed water.
  • Maintains log of meter and gauge readings and records data such as water test results and quantity of fuel consumed.
  • Operates and controls electric motors, pumps, and valves to regulate flow of raw water into plant.
  • Monitors dowtherm level in system and adds dowtherm as necessary.
  • Draws off dowtherm in each dowtherm boiler to minimize buildup of solids.
  • Starts power unit to build up specified pressure in compressor.
  • Adjusts controls or sets automatic controls to maintain continuous air supply to pneumatic tools or equipment.
  • Observes temperatures and pressure gauges and adjusts controls accordingly,
  • Starts air dryers to maintain dry air.
  • Adjusts controls or sets automatic controls to maintain continuous dry air supply critical to plant operation.
  • Operates and monitors plant breathing air system.
  • Opens valves on equipment such as compressors, pumps, and condensers to prepare system for operation and starts equipment and auxiliary machinery.
  • Observes temperature, pressure and ampere readings for system and equipment and adjusts controls or overrides automatic controls to obtain specified operation of equipment.
  • Records temperature, pressure, and other readings on log sheet at specified intervals.
  • Makes periodic inspection of equipment and system to observe operating condition and need for repair or adjustment.
  • Adjusts controls to isolate and clear broken lines for repair or shuts down equipment.
  • Adjusts cooling tower pumps, valves, fans and automatic controls.
  • Pumps water into water mains.
  • Monitors panelboard and adjusts controls to regulate flow rates, loss of head pressure and water elevation, and distribution of river water. 
  • Repairs and lubricates machines and equipment.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:Minimum Qualifications:
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent
Preferred Qualifications: (candidates should possess many or most of the following qualification to be considered a candidate).
  • Knowledgeable in the Operation of:
    • High Pressure Boilers and related mechanical equipment
    • Chillers and chilled water systems
    • Air Compressors and air-drying systems
    • Cooling tower systems
  • Basic knowledge in water treatment chemistry and testing
  • Ability to interact with instrumentation and control systems and perform troubleshooting of system.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with electronic media including email, Lotus notes, etc.
  • Intermediate level skills in Word, Excel, and basic skills in SAP.
  • Ability to perform hazard recognition in mechanical systems and execute the LTCT program in the operational area.
  • Ability to coordinate with contractors and perform Work Permits, Line Break Permits, Loading/Unloading of Tanker Trucks.
  • Ability to operate/perform independently of supervision and make initial assessments/decisions on your own during upset conditions.
Celanese is a global leader in chemistry, producing specialty material solutions used across most major industries and consumer applications. Our businesses use our chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees and shareholders. We support sustainability by responsibly managing the materials we create and growing our portfolio of sustainable products to meet customer and societal demand. We strive to make a positive impact in our communities and to foster inclusivity across our teams. Celanese Corporation employs more than 11,000 employees worldwide with 2024 net sales of $10.3 billion. For more information about Celanese Corporation and its product offerings, visit www.celanese.com.
Celanese is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Celanese does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
 

Powered by JazzHR

qaxshN7DBp


What Celanese employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Celanese logo

About Celanese

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We produce products that make our lives a little easier, by helping customers to bring their inspired ideas and innovations to life. From the global production network of our Acetyl Chain, we provide materials that are critical to the global chemicals and paints and coatings industries. From our broad portfolio of Materials Solutions, we advance automotive and consumer electronic designs and enable life-improving medical, food and beverage products – we offer solutions to our customers to help them succeed.

Industry

Chemical manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1912

Social media