Wastewater Treatment Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Wastewater treatment engineers qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as a specialty occupation requiring environmental or chemical engineering expertise. Your degree must align with water treatment systems, environmental processes, or related engineering disciplines to meet USCIS requirements. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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The City of Salem is looking for full-time Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. This recruitment is open to multiple classifications including: Operator II, Operator I, and Operator-In-Training (OIT). Make an impact: The City of Salem is looking to fill three full-time Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II/Operator I/Operator-In-Training positions. For OIT candidates, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I certification must be obtained within 15 months of employment. What you will do: Willow Lake is the primary treatment facility for the City with a dry weather secondary treatment capacity of 65 mgd, a wet weather secondary treatment capacity of 105 mgd, and a peak wet weather capacity of 155 mgd. It can be operated in trickling filter/activated sludge, conventional air activated sludge and in a combination of both processes plus selective treatment based on flow and load fluctuations.
The River Road Peak Wet Weather Treatment Facility is a high rate, physical chemical ballasted flocculation facility with ultra-violet disinfection. This facility is operated only when flows at the Willow Lake Facility are above 95 mgd. Operation of this remote facility is permitted for use to prevent sanitary sewer overflows associated with wet weather.
The City's treatment facilities serve a population of 256,000 within a three-city area. The facility staff of 53 employees provide Operations, Maintenance, Laboratory, Biosolids, and Administrative Services for both facilities.
What can we offer you for all your hard work?
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
- Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
- Competitive pay.
- Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
- Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
- Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- Voluntary long-term care.
- Employee wellness program.
- Employee assistance program.
- Employee health clinic.
- Work hours and days are determined through a seniority-based bidding process. The Willow Lake facility is staffed 24/7/365.
- The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Equal Pay.
Operator-in-Training wage: $32.46 Hourly
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I wage: $32.46 - $39.49 Hourly
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II wage: $36.60 - $44.52 Hourly
What are the minimum qualifications?
- High school graduate or GED; and demonstrated work experience at a wastewater or water treatment plant and/or education as defined by operator certification level.
- Must pass the pre-employment background check.
- Must have an Oregon Driver license, or the ability to obtain an Oregon license within 30 days of residency and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.
- Candidates with out-of-state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.
Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I:
- Experience working in wastewater treatment plant operations in a plant using activated sludge treatment.
- Grade I Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certification. Candidates with out-of-state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.
If you do NOT have a grade I Operator Certification, successful candidate will fall under the apprenticeship program.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II:
- Three years of experience at a wastewater treatment plant, or two years of experience and one year of post high school experience sufficient to have met the requirements for the Oregon DEQ Grade II certification.
- Grade II Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certification. Candidates with out of state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.
- OR -
Operator-in-Training status candidates must meet the state requirements and timelines to obtain Grade I certification by the end of 15 months.
Candidates who have experience working at a water/wastewater system or a background in industrial equipment, mechanics (engine repair), irrigation, millwright, or a degree in environmental science or a related field. Those who do not currently possess Oregon Grade 1 certification but are otherwise qualified by education may qualify to obtain Operator-In-Training (OIT) status issued by Oregon DEQ. OIT is an apprenticeship position which provides the required experience to obtain Grade 1 certification within 15 months of employment. An OIT must complete a DEQ-approved training program, apply for, and successfully pass, the certification examination to receive certification. Each requirement below must be met within the timeframes listed:
- By 150 days after the hire date, the OIT must successfully have completed DEQ-approved training, either:
- California State University, Sacramento’s A—Safety, Beginning Treatment, and Lagoon Systems; B—Secondary Treatment; and C—Disinfection Laboratory Procedures, and Math; or
- Water Environment Federation’s Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals I—Liquid Treatment; and Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals II—Solids Handling and Support Systems.
- By 210 days after the hire date, the OIT must have applied for and received DEQ approval to take the Grade I Wastewater Treatment Operator examination.
- By 270 days after the hire date, the OIT must have taken the Grade I examination.
- By 365 days after the hire date, the OIT must have successfully passed the Grade I examination.
- By 450 days after the hire date, the OIT must have received Grade I Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certification.
Up to 90 hours paid time to complete DEQ-approved training will be provided by the City during the first 150 days after hire date. Following completion of the 150 days, it will be the employee’s responsibility to study, during their own time, to prepare for and pass the exam per the timeline specified above. Failure to meet any of the required criteria will result in separation of employment. To learn more about Oregon's DEQ certification process, please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/wq/wqpermits/Pages/Wastewater-Operator-Certification.aspx
What you will bring along:
- Experience working in wastewater treatment plant operations in a plant using activated sludge treatment.
- Experience working with pumps and industrial equipment.
- A background in industrial equipment, mechanics (engine repair), irrigation, millwright, or a degree in environmental science or a related field.
About us:
The City of Salem is the second largest City in the State of Oregon. Located in the lush Willamette Valley, Salem is the capital city of Oregon with a population over 180,000. Centrally located, Salem is 47 miles south of Portland and an hour from the Cascade Mountains to the east and an hour from the ocean beaches to the west. Salem is an exceptional community for living and working with exciting new and comfortable well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings.
A full-service City, Salem has eight primary departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community and Urban Development. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City has five labor unions and employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members.
Where can I find out more about the position?
Go to menu option for Class Specifications and search for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) Operator I where the class specification is posted in its entirety, or view by clicking here: WTP Operator I or WTP Operator II.
How can I apply?
The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to, and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.
Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to include how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification in your application.
Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.
You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City through the Job Interest Cards – sign up today!
Job Summary
The City of Salem is looking for full-time Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. This recruitment is open to multiple classifications including: Operator II, Operator I, and Operator-In-Training (OIT). Make an impact: The City of Salem is looking to fill three full-time Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II/Operator I/Operator-In-Training positions. For OIT candidates, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I certification must be obtained within 15 months of employment. What you will do: Willow Lake is the primary treatment facility for the City with a dry weather secondary treatment capacity of 65 mgd, a wet weather secondary treatment capacity of 105 mgd, and a peak wet weather capacity of 155 mgd. It can be operated in trickling filter/activated sludge, conventional air activated sludge and in a combination of both processes plus selective treatment based on flow and load fluctuations.
The River Road Peak Wet Weather Treatment Facility is a high rate, physical chemical ballasted flocculation facility with ultra-violet disinfection. This facility is operated only when flows at the Willow Lake Facility are above 95 mgd. Operation of this remote facility is permitted for use to prevent sanitary sewer overflows associated with wet weather.
The City's treatment facilities serve a population of 256,000 within a three-city area. The facility staff of 53 employees provide Operations, Maintenance, Laboratory, Biosolids, and Administrative Services for both facilities.
What can we offer you for all your hard work?
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
- Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
- Competitive pay.
- Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
- Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
- Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- Voluntary long-term care.
- Employee wellness program.
- Employee assistance program.
- Employee health clinic.
- Work hours and days are determined through a seniority-based bidding process. The Willow Lake facility is staffed 24/7/365.
- The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Equal Pay.
Operator-in-Training wage: $32.46 Hourly
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I wage: $32.46 - $39.49 Hourly
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II wage: $36.60 - $44.52 Hourly
What are the minimum qualifications?
- High school graduate or GED; and demonstrated work experience at a wastewater or water treatment plant and/or education as defined by operator certification level.
- Must pass the pre-employment background check.
- Must have an Oregon Driver license, or the ability to obtain an Oregon license within 30 days of residency and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.
- Candidates with out-of-state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.
Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I:
- Experience working in wastewater treatment plant operations in a plant using activated sludge treatment.
- Grade I Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certification. Candidates with out-of-state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.
If you do NOT have a grade I Operator Certification, successful candidate will fall under the apprenticeship program.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II:
- Three years of experience at a wastewater treatment plant, or two years of experience and one year of post high school experience sufficient to have met the requirements for the Oregon DEQ Grade II certification.
- Grade II Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certification. Candidates with out of state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.
- OR -
Operator-in-Training status candidates must meet the state requirements and timelines to obtain Grade I certification by the end of 15 months.
Candidates who have experience working at a water/wastewater system or a background in industrial equipment, mechanics (engine repair), irrigation, millwright, or a degree in environmental science or a related field. Those who do not currently possess Oregon Grade 1 certification but are otherwise qualified by education may qualify to obtain Operator-In-Training (OIT) status issued by Oregon DEQ. OIT is an apprenticeship position which provides the required experience to obtain Grade 1 certification within 15 months of employment. An OIT must complete a DEQ-approved training program, apply for, and successfully pass, the certification examination to receive certification. Each requirement below must be met within the timeframes listed:
- By 150 days after the hire date, the OIT must successfully have completed DEQ-approved training, either:
- California State University, Sacramento’s A—Safety, Beginning Treatment, and Lagoon Systems; B—Secondary Treatment; and C—Disinfection Laboratory Procedures, and Math; or
- Water Environment Federation’s Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals I—Liquid Treatment; and Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals II—Solids Handling and Support Systems.
- By 210 days after the hire date, the OIT must have applied for and received DEQ approval to take the Grade I Wastewater Treatment Operator examination.
- By 270 days after the hire date, the OIT must have taken the Grade I examination.
- By 365 days after the hire date, the OIT must have successfully passed the Grade I examination.
- By 450 days after the hire date, the OIT must have received Grade I Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certification.
Up to 90 hours paid time to complete DEQ-approved training will be provided by the City during the first 150 days after hire date. Following completion of the 150 days, it will be the employee’s responsibility to study, during their own time, to prepare for and pass the exam per the timeline specified above. Failure to meet any of the required criteria will result in separation of employment. To learn more about Oregon's DEQ certification process, please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/wq/wqpermits/Pages/Wastewater-Operator-Certification.aspx
What you will bring along:
- Experience working in wastewater treatment plant operations in a plant using activated sludge treatment.
- Experience working with pumps and industrial equipment.
- A background in industrial equipment, mechanics (engine repair), irrigation, millwright, or a degree in environmental science or a related field.
About us:
The City of Salem is the second largest City in the State of Oregon. Located in the lush Willamette Valley, Salem is the capital city of Oregon with a population over 180,000. Centrally located, Salem is 47 miles south of Portland and an hour from the Cascade Mountains to the east and an hour from the ocean beaches to the west. Salem is an exceptional community for living and working with exciting new and comfortable well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings.
A full-service City, Salem has eight primary departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community and Urban Development. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City has five labor unions and employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members.
Where can I find out more about the position?
Go to menu option for Class Specifications and search for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) Operator I where the class specification is posted in its entirety, or view by clicking here: WTP Operator I or WTP Operator II.
How can I apply?
The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to, and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.
Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to include how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification in your application.
Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.
You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City through the Job Interest Cards – sign up today!
See all 461+ Wastewater Treatment Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Wastewater Treatment Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Wastewater Treatment Engineer
Target municipal utilities and environmental consulting firms
Public utilities and engineering consultancies like AECOM, CH2M Hill, and Jacobs regularly sponsor engineers for water infrastructure projects and regulatory compliance work.
Emphasize regulatory compliance experience in your application
Highlight knowledge of EPA standards, NPDES permits, and Clean Water Act compliance, specialized skills that demonstrate the need for your engineering expertise.
Consider the TN visa if you're Canadian or Mexican
Wastewater treatment engineers qualify for TN status under the "Engineer" category, offering faster processing than H-1B with no annual cap limitations.
Document your environmental engineering coursework clearly
USCIS scrutinizes whether your degree matches the role. Include transcripts showing water treatment, environmental chemistry, and hydraulic engineering courses when possible.
Apply to roles requiring PE licensing or advanced certifications
Positions requiring Professional Engineer licenses or water treatment operator certifications strengthen your specialty occupation case by demonstrating technical complexity.
Research state-specific water quality regulations
Each state has unique discharge standards and treatment requirements. Demonstrating knowledge of local regulations shows specialized expertise employers can't easily replace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a specific engineering degree for H-1B sponsorship as a wastewater treatment engineer?
You need a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering with environmental focus, or closely related field. USCIS requires the degree to directly relate to water treatment processes, environmental systems, or pollution control. A general engineering degree may work if supported by relevant coursework in water chemistry, hydraulics, or environmental compliance.
What visa options work best for wastewater treatment engineers?
H-1B visa is the most common path, requiring employer sponsorship and meeting the specialty occupation test. Canadian and Mexican engineers can use TN visas under the "Engineer" category with faster processing and no cap. Australians may qualify for E-3 visas if the role requires bachelor's-level engineering knowledge for water treatment systems.
How do H-1B approval rates look for environmental engineers?
Environmental engineers historically see approval rates around 85-90% when applications are properly prepared with matching degrees and detailed job descriptions. USCIS focuses heavily on whether the role requires specialized engineering knowledge rather than general technical skills. Strong documentation of water treatment complexity helps approval odds.
Can I get sponsorship with a civil engineering degree for wastewater roles?
Yes, if your civil engineering program included substantial environmental coursework like water treatment design, hydraulic engineering, or environmental chemistry. You'll need to demonstrate the connection between your education and wastewater treatment through transcripts, coursework descriptions, or relevant project experience to satisfy USCIS specialty occupation requirements.
Do wastewater treatment plants sponsor international engineers?
Municipal treatment facilities and water utilities do sponsor, but less frequently than private engineering firms. Public entities often face budget constraints and lengthy approval processes for sponsorship. Private environmental consulting firms, engineering contractors, and industrial treatment companies typically offer more sponsorship opportunities with faster decision-making processes.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Wastewater Treatment Engineer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
How to find Wastewater Treatment Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Wastewater Treatment Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international engineers with sponsoring employers. Focus on water utilities, environmental consulting firms, and municipal government agencies that commonly sponsor H-1B, TN, and EB-3 visas for engineering professionals. These employers often have ongoing infrastructure projects requiring specialized wastewater expertise.