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Water Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Water Utility Lead

Aurora, CO · On-site

$30.64 - $38.30/hr

  • Retirement

Aurora Water is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage systems, treatment of drinking water and non-potable reclaimed wastewater for ...

Water Distribution Superintendent

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$97K - $121K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Water Distribution Superintendent Location: Lakewood, CO Compensation: $97,000 - $121,500 Base Salary (Exempt) Status: Exempt, Salaried Company Overview Our client is a well-established water utility ...

Water Distribution Superintendent

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$97K - $121K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Water Distribution Superintendent Location: Lakewood, CO Compensation: $97,000 - $121,500 Base Salary (Exempt) Status: Exempt, Salaried Company Overview Our client is a well-established water utility ...

Water Resources Specialist

Westminster, CO · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Description INTERA is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented Water Resources Specialist to join our Water Resources and Supply line of business in the Denver, Colorado area. Our ideal candidate ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water information

See Colorado salary details

$36.8K

$91.3K

$149.8K

How much do water jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for water in Colorado is $91,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,800.00 and $116,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are water jobs?

Water jobs refer to a wide range of careers focused on the management, treatment, distribution, conservation, and protection of water resources. These jobs include roles such as water treatment plant operators, hydrologists, water quality scientists, engineers, and technicians who work to ensure safe and sustainable water supplies. Professionals in this field may work for government agencies, utilities, environmental organizations, or private companies, addressing challenges like water scarcity, pollution, and infrastructure maintenance. Water jobs are essential for public health, environmental protection, and economic development.

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

To thrive as a Water Treatment Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of water chemistry, mechanical systems, and environmental regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma and relevant state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and safety protocols is crucial for daily operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for monitoring system performance and responding to emergencies. These skills ensure the safe and efficient delivery of clean water, protect public health, and maintain regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by water treatment plant operators on a daily basis?

Water treatment plant operators often encounter challenges such as responding quickly to equipment malfunctions, maintaining strict regulatory compliance, and adapting to fluctuations in water quality due to weather or seasonal changes. They must work closely with maintenance staff and laboratory technicians to troubleshoot issues and ensure the safety and reliability of the water supply. Operators also need to stay updated on evolving technologies and best practices to optimize plant operations and meet environmental standards.

What is the difference between Water vs Plumber?

AspectWaterPlumber
Required CredentialsNone specific, basic knowledge of water systemsTrade license or certification, plumbing apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentWater treatment plants, distribution systems, industrial sitesResidential, commercial, industrial plumbing installations and repairs
Industry UsageInvolves managing water supply and qualityFocuses on installing and repairing plumbing systems

While 'Water' refers broadly to water systems and management, a 'Plumber' is a skilled tradesperson specializing in installing and repairing plumbing systems. Both roles are interconnected, but plumbers require specific certifications and work directly with water infrastructure in various settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Water jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Water jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Water job openings:

Infographic showing various Water job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,268 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Water Treatment Tech / Water Treatment Sr. Tech

Denver Water

Littleton, CO

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Denver Water rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Summary

*Applications from this recruitment may be considered for future Water Treatment Technician full-time and Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions. LTE positions are project/program based and typically have a predetermined expected end date.

*This position will be based at both the Marston Treatment Plant and the Foothills Treatment Plant. Employees in this role may be assigned to work at either location based on operational needs.

Water Treatment Tech

This is an entry level position. Under direct supervision, train on and perform a variety of jobs necessary for the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants and appurtenant structures. As a treatment technician, learn to use physical and chemical conventional water treatment techniques to become proficient at providing an adequate supply of safe, high-quality water to the public. As an asset management technician, learn to maintain plant equipment and structures such as chemical feed/storage, piping, valves, basins, and reservoirs.

Water Treatment Sr. Tech

Under general supervision, perform a variety of duties essential to the operation and maintenance of two or more water treatment plants (including potable and recycled). As a Senior Technician maintain plant equipment and structures such as chemical feed/storage, instrumentation, piping, valves, basins, and reservoirs to ensure safe, adequate, and reliable delivery of high-quality water.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

All Technicians must be able to perform safety sensitive functions; provide appropriate first response to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials, wear respirators including self-contained breathing apparatus as required. They may be required to perform on-call duty, work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as directed, and work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Technicians report to two or more Denver Water treatment plants. All team members perform other duties as assigned and cross train as needed.

  • Learn and become proficient at determining and changing plant flows to meet system demands. Operate necessary computer equipment to coordinate plant operations.
  • Learn and become proficient at controlling quality and quantity of finished water by regulating filter operations as required. Maintain proper chemical dosages and feed equipment settings for influent and effluent plant flows.
  • Learn and become proficient at performing laboratory tests on influent and effluent water such as turbidity, alkalinity and hardness, chlorine residual, ammonia residual, fluoride concentration, pH, odor, and coagulant dosage tests. Develop written operating procedures.

Additionally, Water Treatment Sr. Techs are responsible for the following:

  • Utilize plumbing, mechanical, and construction skills and monitoring technology to performpreventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment, basins, piping, and chemical feed systems. Clean basins, piping, and chemical tanks in preparation for inspection and repairs.
  • Lead and support internal maintenance projects including planning, ordering parts, creating job plansand completion of project.
  • Maintain and update records in Maximo asset management tracking system.
  • Assist specialized trades personnel in making major and/or specialized repairs to equipment. Assistcontractors in coordination of plant upgrades.
  • Must be able to read and interpret engineering drawings and equipment O&Ms to assist with processtroubleshooting, repairs, and plant upgrades.
  • Monitor systems for alarms, adjust, and provide appropriate response.
  • Operate and maintain chlorination equipment for pre-treatment, filtration, and disinfection systems.Maintain Risk Management Program (RMP) compliance through training, proper use of PPE and annual mandatory inspection, repair and replacement of chlorination equipment and instrumentation. Must complete initial 40-hour RMP training and meet the annual 8-hour RMP training requirements.
  • Perform calibration of chemical feed equipment. Order chemicals and take delivery of bulkchemicals.
  • Perform facility inspections of treatment processes, equipment, instrumentation, storage tanks andgrounds. Make visual inspections of facility processes, equipment, instrumentation, and facility grounds.
  • Perform complex plant start-ups and shutdowns, including emergency shutdowns.
  • Assess project risks and develop job hazard analysis (JHA) and adhere to Denver Water's safetypractices and policies.
  • Will assist in training new technicians. Will create and/or update SOPs and other training documents.
  • Must be able to perform safety sensitive functions.
  • Perform related duties as required.
  • May be required to perform on-call duty, work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as directed,and work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
  • Operate and maintain solids handling systems.
  • Provide appropriate first response to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardousmaterials. Wear respirators including self-contained breathing apparatus as required.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Minimum 1 year of general work experience.
  • Minimum of two years of related work experience. - Water Treatment Sr. Tech Only
  • Any equivalent combination of certifications, education, or experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities for the position

Licenses, Registration, and Certifications

Water Treatment Tech

  • Within 12 months of hire, the technician must possess a valid Colorado Treatment Operator Class D certification in water or wastewater.
  • Will be required to obtain 40 Hour HAZWOPER certification within 6 months of hire.
  • Must be able to possess and maintain a valid Class 'R' Colorado driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record at time of hire.

Water Treatment Sr. Tech

  • At time of hire must possess a valid:Colorado Water Operator Class B Water or Wastewater certification or o Colorado Water Distribution Class 3 certification or o An Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) for Plant Maintenance Technologist Class 2.
  • Will be required to obtain 40 Hour HAZWOPER certification within 6 months of hire.
  • Must be able to possess and maintain a valid Class 'R' Colorado driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record at time of hire.

Safety Sensitive Requirements

  • This is a safety sensitive job where an employee's direct action/inaction may lead to immediate harm to self, team, or the public and/or will have significant risk to the mission of Denver Water. To promote the safety, employees in this job must possess English proficiency adequate to effectively communicate with customers and coworkers, including proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Respiratory Protection Testing

  • This position is subject to respiratory protection testing as directed per Denver Water Physician.

An offer of employment may be contingent upon satisfactory results of a post-offer drug test and alcohol. Denver Water tests for the following: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). A strength test may also be conducted due to the physical requirements of the position. This strength test may include lifting, pushing, and pulling various amounts of weight as well as crouching, squatting, and lifting one's own body weight from various positions. If the position is deemed safety-sensitive or requires a CDL, you will be placed on the random drug and alcohol testing list, which means you may be tested if your name is selected while employed at Denver Water.

Applicants for employment at Denver Water must be authorized to work in the U.S. Denver Water will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.


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