OPT Wastewater Operator Jobs
Wastewater Operator jobs on OPT are available at municipal utilities, water districts, and environmental services firms across the U.S. Most roles require state licensure, so confirming exam eligibility during your OPT period is an early priority. STEM OPT extension may apply if your degree is in environmental engineering or a related field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.
SUMMARY
Play a vital role in protecting our environment and keeping operations running responsibly. As a Wastewater Operator, you will maintain and monitor wastewater treatment systems to ensure safe, efficient performance and compliance with industrial wastewater permit requirements. You will perform inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance on wastewater equipment while helping support environmental standards and regulatory compliance. This role is ideal for individuals who take pride in hands-on technical work, problem solving, and making a meaningful impact on operational and environmental safety.
PRINCIPAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain effluent compliance.
- Maintain operations of system equipment during shift.
- Perform Preventative Maintenance on assigned equipment.
- Perform repairs on equipment as necessary.
- Maintain paperwork daily.
- Adhere to all safety including PPE, preventing and reporting unsafe acts and conditions, Lockout-Tagout procedures and Process Safety Management related matters.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Strong reading, writing, math, and analytical skills.
- 1 year of prior related experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High School or equivalent is beneficial but not required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- The longest time in a single interval is <1 hour with 1-3 repetitions per minute.
- The temperature exposure varies from <32 degrees to >75 degrees.
- The dampness exposure is ambient, walking/standing surface is wet and greasy.
- Chemical exposure is chlorinated water, caustic detergent cleaners, and lubricating oils.
- Noise exposure is 90 - 94.9 DB, and lighting is 50-75 ft. candles.
- Tools used are knives, scissors, clippers, sharpening steel, shovel, mechanical hand tools, and hand scoops.
- Equipment that will be operated are a welder, cutting torch, grinder, industrial shop equipment, power jack, forklift, and truck/tractor.
- Personal protection equipment/devices needed are hearing protection, vision protection, rubber gloves, cotton gloves, hardhat, apron, lab coat, and face shield.
- The longest interval of time walking is >8 hours, 1-3 repetitions per minute, maximum distance is >100ft., and the walking surface is moist greasy, and rough.
- 2-4 hours is the longest interval of time standing, and mobility is walking.
- There is occasional sitting, position is variable.
- Bending is occasional, 4-6 repetitions per minute.
- The Maximum angle-forward is <45 degrees, maximum angle-backward is <2 degrees, and the maximum angle-side is >10 degrees.
- There is occasional twisting, 1-3 repetitions per minute, and the maximum angle from forward is <30 degrees.
- 2-4 hours is the longest interval of time lifting, 1-3 repetitions per minute, maximum weight lifted is 40-60 lbs, and 1-3 repetitions per minute.
- The starting position height of lift is floor level, and the final position height of lift is 2’-3’.
- Extension reach during lift is 6”-12”, and the body position during lift is walking 10’-20’.
- There is occasional lifting, 1-3 repetitions per minute, and a forward distance of 0-6”.
- There is occasional grasping, 1-3 repetitions per minute using both hands.
- Objects grasped are hand tools, equipment handles, and the percentage of time interval grasping is <25%.
Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
INTRODUCTION
Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.
SUMMARY
Play a vital role in protecting our environment and keeping operations running responsibly. As a Wastewater Operator, you will maintain and monitor wastewater treatment systems to ensure safe, efficient performance and compliance with industrial wastewater permit requirements. You will perform inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance on wastewater equipment while helping support environmental standards and regulatory compliance. This role is ideal for individuals who take pride in hands-on technical work, problem solving, and making a meaningful impact on operational and environmental safety.
PRINCIPAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain effluent compliance.
- Maintain operations of system equipment during shift.
- Perform Preventative Maintenance on assigned equipment.
- Perform repairs on equipment as necessary.
- Maintain paperwork daily.
- Adhere to all safety including PPE, preventing and reporting unsafe acts and conditions, Lockout-Tagout procedures and Process Safety Management related matters.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Strong reading, writing, math, and analytical skills.
- 1 year of prior related experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High School or equivalent is beneficial but not required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- The longest time in a single interval is <1 hour with 1-3 repetitions per minute.
- The temperature exposure varies from <32 degrees to >75 degrees.
- The dampness exposure is ambient, walking/standing surface is wet and greasy.
- Chemical exposure is chlorinated water, caustic detergent cleaners, and lubricating oils.
- Noise exposure is 90 - 94.9 DB, and lighting is 50-75 ft. candles.
- Tools used are knives, scissors, clippers, sharpening steel, shovel, mechanical hand tools, and hand scoops.
- Equipment that will be operated are a welder, cutting torch, grinder, industrial shop equipment, power jack, forklift, and truck/tractor.
- Personal protection equipment/devices needed are hearing protection, vision protection, rubber gloves, cotton gloves, hardhat, apron, lab coat, and face shield.
- The longest interval of time walking is >8 hours, 1-3 repetitions per minute, maximum distance is >100ft., and the walking surface is moist greasy, and rough.
- 2-4 hours is the longest interval of time standing, and mobility is walking.
- There is occasional sitting, position is variable.
- Bending is occasional, 4-6 repetitions per minute.
- The Maximum angle-forward is <45 degrees, maximum angle-backward is <2 degrees, and the maximum angle-side is >10 degrees.
- There is occasional twisting, 1-3 repetitions per minute, and the maximum angle from forward is <30 degrees.
- 2-4 hours is the longest interval of time lifting, 1-3 repetitions per minute, maximum weight lifted is 40-60 lbs, and 1-3 repetitions per minute.
- The starting position height of lift is floor level, and the final position height of lift is 2’-3’.
- Extension reach during lift is 6”-12”, and the body position during lift is walking 10’-20’.
- There is occasional lifting, 1-3 repetitions per minute, and a forward distance of 0-6”.
- There is occasional grasping, 1-3 repetitions per minute using both hands.
- Objects grasped are hand tools, equipment handles, and the percentage of time interval grasping is <25%.
Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Wastewater Operator
Verify your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Wastewater Operator roles can qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or environmental science. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles expecting longer authorization.
Address state licensure timelines upfront
Most states require a wastewater operator license to work independently. Research your target state's exam schedule and eligibility rules early. Some states allow you to work under a licensed operator while you complete requirements, which matters on a timed OPT period.
Target municipal utilities and water districts
Public utilities and regional water authorities hire operators regularly and are often more familiar with work authorization than private employers. Government-adjacent roles tend to have structured onboarding that accommodates OPT paperwork and documentation requirements more smoothly.
Emphasize hands-on lab and field experience
Employers hiring on OPT want confidence you can contribute quickly. Highlight any wastewater treatment, water quality testing, or environmental monitoring experience from internships, co-ops, or coursework. Practical skills reduce perceived onboarding risk for time-sensitive OPT hires.
Start your job search before OPT begins
Wastewater Operator hiring cycles at utilities can move slowly due to civil service processes. Apply three to four months before your OPT start date if possible. Early outreach gives employers time to process your authorization before your availability window opens.
Clarify H-1B sponsorship potential during interviews
Ask whether the employer has sponsored H-1B visa or green card cases for engineering or technical roles before. Utilities with existing immigration counsel are far more likely to sponsor. Frame the question around long-term retention, not just your immediate need for authorization.
Wastewater Operator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Wastewater Operator on OPT?
Yes, F-1 students on OPT can work as Wastewater Operator if the role is directly related to their degree field, such as environmental engineering, civil engineering, or environmental science. Your DSO must authorize OPT for your specific degree program, and your employment must align with that field to remain in status.
Do Wastewater Operator jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They can, depending on your degree. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field like environmental engineering or environmental science, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The role itself is not the deciding factor; your degree's CIP code and your employer's E-Verify enrollment are what matter.
How does state licensure affect OPT students in wastewater roles?
State wastewater operator licenses are required in most states to operate treatment systems independently. Exam eligibility, scheduling, and processing can take several months, which competes directly with your OPT clock. Some states permit working under a licensed supervisor while completing requirements. Research your target state's rules before accepting an offer, and confirm your employer's support for the process.
Do utilities and water districts commonly hire OPT students?
Municipal utilities and regional water districts do hire OPT students, particularly those with environmental or civil engineering degrees. Public employers tend to have more structured HR processes and are often more familiar with work authorization documentation than smaller private firms. Migrate Mate lists Wastewater Operator roles from employers open to OPT candidates, making it easier to focus your search.
What happens to my wastewater job if my OPT expires before H-1B approval?
If your OPT expires and your H-1B petition hasn't been approved, you cannot continue working. The key safeguard is cap-gap protection: if your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, you're authorized to keep working through September 30 of that year. Coordinating your employer's H-1B filing timeline well before your OPT end date is critical.