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Water Wastewater Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water/Wastewater Engineer Department: Water/Wastewater Employment Type: Full Time Location: Sioux Falls, SD Compensation: $65,000 - $190,000 / year Description Founded in 1973, ISG is a multi ...

THE most reputable Water/Wastewater Infrastructure and Treatment Civil Consulting firm in the US & Canada * 100% employee owned for close to 100 years * Full Benefits: Health, Vision, Dental, and ...

Water/Wastewater Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$65K - $190K/yr

Water/Wastewater Engineer Department: Water/Wastewater Employment Type: Full Time Location: Des Moines, IA Compensation: $65,000 - $190,000 / year Description Founded in 1973, ISG is a multi ...

Water/Wastewater Engineer Department: Water/Wastewater Employment Type: Full Time Location: St. Louis Park, MN Compensation: $65,000 - $190,000 / year Description Founded in 1973, ISG is a multi ...

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$15

$25

$38

How much do water wastewater jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for water wastewater in the United States is $25.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water wastewater operator?

Water wastewater jobs involve the management, treatment, and distribution of water and the treatment of wastewater to ensure it is safe for the environment and public health. Professionals in this field work in facilities such as water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, and municipal utilities. Their responsibilities typically include operating and maintaining treatment equipment, monitoring water quality, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in water and wastewater treatment roles?

Professionals in water and wastewater treatment often encounter challenges such as maintaining compliance with evolving environmental regulations, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and managing emergency situations like chemical spills or system failures. The work can also involve responding to after-hours calls or working in shifts, especially in facilities that operate 24/7. Additionally, collaboration with engineers, maintenance staff, and regulatory agencies is key to ensuring safe and efficient treatment processes. Staying updated with new technologies and safety practices is essential for career growth in this field.

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

To thrive as a Water Wastewater Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, chemistry, biology, and typically a state-issued operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and safety protocols is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding operators apart. These competencies ensure safe, efficient treatment of water and wastewater, protecting public health and meeting regulatory standards.

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

AspectWater WastewaterWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater and Wastewater Operator CertificationsWater Treatment Operator Certification
Work EnvironmentWater and wastewater treatment facilities, industrial sitesWater treatment plants, municipal facilities
Industry UsageUsed in municipal, industrial, and environmental sectorsPrimarily municipal water treatment

Water Wastewater professionals handle both water and wastewater treatment processes, requiring certifications in both areas. Water Treatment Plant Operators focus specifically on potable water treatment, often working in municipal facilities. While their roles overlap in certifications and work environments, Water Wastewater roles encompass a broader scope, including wastewater management.

More about Water Wastewater jobs

What cities are hiring for Water Wastewater jobs?

Cities with the most Water Wastewater job openings:

What states have the most Water Wastewater jobs?

States with the most job openings for Water Wastewater jobs include:

Infographic showing various Water Wastewater job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,624 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

UTILITY WATER/WASTEWATER ENGINEER

Arapahoe County Water & Wastewater Authority

Centennial, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Description

Are you looking for a fascinating and unique job opportunity? Do you want to help make a difference in helping to serve our community?

Check out this great full-time position in the Engineering Department at Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority.

Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority (ACWWA, pronounced Aqua) provides the drinking water and wastewater services to the people living and working within its service area. The service area is comprised of about 3,500 residences and businesses located primarily in Arapahoe and northern Douglas Counties. 

ACWWA offers excellent benefits that include a pension plan with 5% match, Health, Vision and Dental coverage, Life insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave. 

Why Work for ACWWA?

ACWWA is a dynamic and positive place to work with passionate employees. ACWWA provides excellent benefits including a 

100% employer paid health insurance, dental, vision, 

HRA contributions, 

11 paid holidays, 

3% employer contributions to employee retirement plus      up to 5% matching retirement contribution program, 

wellness reimbursement,

volunteer time      off,

vacation, 

sick time,

short term      disability and many more. 

More information about ACWWA can be found at www.ACWWA.com

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Utility Water/Wastewater Engineer plays a key role in delivering high-quality water and wastewater infrastructure projects that support our growing community. Working under the direction of the Engineering Manager, you will manage capital improvement projects through every phase from planning and design to construction and project closeout while collaborating with consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and operations staff.

This position offers the opportunity to lead meaningful projects, influence long-term infrastructure planning, and contribute to the reliable delivery of essential public services 

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who wants to take ownership of impactful infrastructure projects, work with an experienced and collaborative team, and help shape the future of a growing water and wastewater utility. You'll enjoy a variety of challenging projects, opportunities for professional development, and the satisfaction of knowing your work protects public health and the environment every day.  

SUMMARY: 

Manage water and wastewater capital improvement projects through planning, design, permitting, bidding, construction, and closeout.

Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including consultants, contractors, utility staff, and regulatory agencies, to ensure successful project delivery.

Develop and manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, cost forecasts, and change management processes.

Serve as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders, ensuring effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.

Oversee construction administration, including reviewing submittals, responding to RFIs, processing pay applications, negotiating change orders, conducting field observations, and coordinating construction activities.

Perform engineering analyses and review plans, specifications, technical reports, and design documents to ensure quality and compliance.

Identify project risks and develop proactive solutions to minimize schedule delays and budget impacts.

Coordinate with Operations and Maintenance staff to ensure projects are practical, maintainable, and minimize service disruptions.

Support the development and implementation of the Authority's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including project prioritization, budgeting, and long-range planning.

Prepare project reports, technical presentations, and recommendations for management, advisory committees, and the Board of Directors.

Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requirements.

Support utility initiatives such as asset management, regulatory compliance, industrial pretreatment, and other engineering programs that improve system reliability and operational efficiency

Requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Strong knowledge of project management principles for public infrastructure projects.

Experience managing or supporting design and construction of water/wastewater facilities, pumping systems, and pipelines.

Knowledge of engineering design standards, construction practices, and contract administration.

Familiarity with Colorado regulatory environment (e.g., CDPHE) and special district operations.

Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize competing deadlines.

Strong communication skills, including ability to present to management, public groups, and board or directors.

Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, and legal/contract documents.

Experience with construction administration and field coordination.

Familiarity with hydraulic modeling or system analysis tools (preferred).

Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and make sound engineering decisions.

EDUCATION and SKILLS

1. Required: A bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university with a major in civil engineering. Preference given to applicants with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from a 4-year ABET accredited college or university. 

2. Required: 0-5 years of experience in water / wastewater / civil engineering

3. Registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Colorado or have the ability to obtain registration within 6 months. 

4. Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities will be considered.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and fax machines.

The performance of this position may require exposure to construction areas which may require the use of personal protective equipment such as hard hat and safety glasses. 

Hiring Range (Based on Qualifications and Experience): 

 Utility Water/Wastewater Engineer I: - $73,654-$92,067

 Utility Water/Wastewater Engineer II: - $77,269- $96,586

 Utility Water/Wastewater Engineer III: - $94,169-$117,712

The pay range for this position is listed above. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for this position. In addition, ACWWA considers several other factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the role, function and associated responsibilities, the candidate's work experience, education/training and key skills.