Utility Operator Jobs
Utility Operator jobs are open across water treatment, wastewater management, power generation, oil and gas, and manufacturing facilities, at every level from entry-level plant operator to senior control room operator, with specializations in SCADA systems, chemical dosing, and mechanical maintenance. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 79+ Utility Operator jobs
Mandatory standby duty, and overtime as needed.
Must be available during inclement weather.
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Actual starting salary depends on education and relevant experience.
The Wastewater Collection department has immediate openings. We are hiring for both experienced and entry-level positions. These positions are ideal for those looking to learn a trade.
*Offering a Sign-on Bonus and Class A CDL Stipend [if applicable] *
Career Progression
This position is approved for a Career Progression program that allows employees to be advanced to the appropriate next level position within their current division. An additional Operational Basket Exercise will be required as part of the interview process.
Chesapeake VA Wastewater Collection Department performs the following tasks:
- Operates motor equipment to transport materials, tools equipment, and personnel to job sites and to remove debris or other materials from job sites.
- Work with crews repairing sewer gravity mains, force mains, and concrete and asphalt work.
- Operates specialized motor equipment to support Chesapeake City operations such as tanker truck, vacuum trucks, dump trucks, backhoes, and other specialized operations.
- Operates hand and power tools and equipment to support maintenance operations such as debris removal, digging or filling, and other maintenance tasks.
- Performs operational test and inspections of facility systems and components.
- Inspects motor equipment and performs minor maintenance reports malfunctions to supervisor.
- Performs administrative task such as completing job-related logs and forms, interpreting schedules, answering phones, or providing information.
Must be available during inclement weather, mandatory standby duty, and overtime as needed.
Position requires a valid Class A CDL within 6 months of hire.
Position requires a tanker endorsement within 6 months of hire.
Position is subject to Random Drug/Alcohol Testing.
Some night work may also be required. Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term departmental needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standard, this class requires a minimum of three months of related, full-time equivalent experience.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES: Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards. Depending upon department requirements, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire, is also required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to confined spaces. Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.
This position is located at 906 Executive Blvd, Chesapeake, VA.
Selected candidates will be eligible for $3,000 sign-on bonus and CDL Stipend [if applicable] *
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.
ADA Checklist
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
Professional References
Please provide contact information for professional references.
Mandatory standby duty, and overtime as needed.
Must be available during inclement weather.
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Actual starting salary depends on education and relevant experience.
The Wastewater Collection department has immediate openings. We are hiring for both experienced and entry-level positions. These positions are ideal for those looking to learn a trade.
*Offering a Sign-on Bonus and Class A CDL Stipend [if applicable] *
Career Progression
This position is approved for a Career Progression program that allows employees to be advanced to the appropriate next level position within their current division. An additional Operational Basket Exercise will be required as part of the interview process.
Chesapeake VA Wastewater Collection Department performs the following tasks:
- Operates motor equipment to transport materials, tools equipment, and personnel to job sites and to remove debris or other materials from job sites.
- Work with crews repairing sewer gravity mains, force mains, and concrete and asphalt work.
- Operates specialized motor equipment to support Chesapeake City operations such as tanker truck, vacuum trucks, dump trucks, backhoes, and other specialized operations.
- Operates hand and power tools and equipment to support maintenance operations such as debris removal, digging or filling, and other maintenance tasks.
- Performs operational test and inspections of facility systems and components.
- Inspects motor equipment and performs minor maintenance reports malfunctions to supervisor.
- Performs administrative task such as completing job-related logs and forms, interpreting schedules, answering phones, or providing information.
Must be available during inclement weather, mandatory standby duty, and overtime as needed.
Position requires a valid Class A CDL within 6 months of hire.
Position requires a tanker endorsement within 6 months of hire.
Position is subject to Random Drug/Alcohol Testing.
Some night work may also be required. Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term departmental needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standard, this class requires a minimum of three months of related, full-time equivalent experience.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES: Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards. Depending upon department requirements, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire, is also required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to confined spaces. Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.
This position is located at 906 Executive Blvd, Chesapeake, VA.
Selected candidates will be eligible for $3,000 sign-on bonus and CDL Stipend [if applicable] *
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.
ADA Checklist
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
Professional References
Please provide contact information for professional references.
Utility Operator Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Utility Operator JobsUtility Operator Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in utility operator jobs.
- High school diploma or GED with vocational or technical training preferred
- State-issued water treatment or wastewater operator license at the required grade
- One to three years of experience operating industrial plant or utility equipment
- Proficiency with SCADA systems and distributed control system software
- Knowledge of OSHA safety standards, lockout/tagout, and confined space entry
- Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and physical fitness evaluation
Tips for Your Utility Operator Job Search
List every certification on your resume
Water treatment and wastewater operator licenses vary by state grade level, so name the exact grade you hold, the issuing state, and the expiration date. Hiring managers screen for grade matches before reading anything else on your application.
Tailor your resume to the utility type
A water treatment resume and a power plant resume pull from different skills. Highlight the specific systems you've operated, whether that's membrane filtration, activated sludge, turbine controls, or distribution pumping, so your experience aligns with the job posting's equipment list.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists utility operator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that name your SCADA platform
Employers often specify the control system they run, such as Wonderware, OSIsoft PI, or GE iFIX. If you have hands-on hours with that platform, call it out by name in your cover letter and resume to separate yourself from candidates with only generic SCADA experience.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
Interviewers frequently describe a process upset or equipment failure and ask how you'd respond. Walk through your decision process step by step, referencing lockout/tagout procedures, alarm response protocols, and when you'd escalate, rather than giving a vague general answer.
Negotiate your shift differential upfront
Most utility operator roles run rotating shifts including nights and weekends, and shift differentials vary significantly by employer. Confirm the differential rate and rotation schedule before accepting an offer so there are no surprises on your first schedule.
Utility Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most utility operators?
The most active employers for utility operators right now are CBRE, City of Lewisville, TX, and Camaco, and the most openings are in Texas, Indiana, and Ohio, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Municipal utilities, investor-owned water companies, and power generation firms consistently post the highest volumes of openings.
How many utility operator jobs are remote?
About 6% of utility operator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most plant and field roles. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are SCADA monitoring, data analysis, and operational scheduling rather than front-line equipment operation.
How do you become a utility operator?
Start by earning a high school diploma or GED, then complete a vocational program or community college coursework in water technology, industrial systems, or a related field. Apply for an entry-level operator-in-training position, accumulate the hands-on operating hours your state requires, and pass the state licensing exam for the appropriate grade level. Many operators advance by adding higher-grade licenses and cross-training on additional systems over time.
Can you get hired as a utility operator with little experience?
Yes, many utilities hire operator trainees or operators-in-training with no prior plant experience as long as you have a relevant technical education or military background in water, power, or mechanical systems. Emphasize any coursework in chemistry, hydraulics, or industrial safety, and highlight transferable skills from construction, manufacturing, or the military. Some employers sponsor your licensing exam fees once hired.
What does the utility operator interview process look like?
Most utility operator interviews involve a phone screen with HR, followed by an in-person or video panel with the plant supervisor and operations manager. Expect technical questions about process control, safety procedures, and equipment troubleshooting alongside scenario questions describing abnormal plant conditions. Some employers also require a site tour or a brief written or practical skills assessment before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to utility operator jobs?
You can find and apply to utility operator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your license grade, preferred utility type, and location, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background and goals.
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