Water Treatment Plant Operator Jobs
Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs are open across municipal utilities, private water companies, and industrial facilities, covering specializations in distribution systems, wastewater treatment, and water quality monitoring, from entry-level operator trainees to senior plant operators and supervisors. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Top stateFlorida
Top employerUS Water Services Corporation
Top cityTallahassee, FL
Work type100% On-site
Top credentialHigh school diploma or GED
Showing 5 of 8+ Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs
Water Plant Treatment Operator and Distribution ORC Manager
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Added 1d ago
City Of Manitou Springs
Water Plant Treatment Operator and Distribution ORC Manager
Manitou Springs, Colorado
Added 1d ago
Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee
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Added 1w ago
City of Milwaukee
Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Added 1w ago
Water Treatment Plant Trainee Operator
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Added 1w ago
City of Lebanon, TN
Water Treatment Plant Trainee Operator
Lebanon, Tennessee
Added 1w ago
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Water Treatment Plant Operator-Trainee
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Added 1w ago
Village of Albion
Water Treatment Plant Operator-Trainee
Waterport, New York
Added 1w ago
Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
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Added 1mo ago
US Water Services Corporation
Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Tallahassee, Florida
Added 1mo ago
Added 1d ago
Water Plant Treatment Operator and Distribution ORC Manager
City Of Manitou Springs·Manitou Springs, Colorado
Job functions:
$92k - $115k/yr
High school diploma or GED
Job Description
Full-Time Benefited position, Benefits include, but are not limited to: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PERA Retirement, Paid Vacation, Sick, and Holidays.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Under limited supervision, operates and maintains the City’s water treatment facilities and potable water distribution system; serves as the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) for distribution; and supports related utility maintenance activities. Ensures safe, reliable service and compliance with applicable City, County, State, and Federal requirements. Provides technical guidance, coordinates operational work, and responds to system issues and emergencies.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
(The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or auxiliary duties required. The City of Manitou Springs retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.):
The following duties are representative of the work performed. Other related duties may be assigned, and the City may modify duties or essential functions as operational needs require.
Water Treatment Operations: Operate and monitor the water treatment plant, including pumps, motors, chemical feed and chlorination equipment, filters, backwash systems, tank levels, SCADA, telemetry, and treatment flows to maintain required drinking-water quality.
Watershed and Reservoir Maintenance: Monitor and maintain the City watershed, reservoir, intake, and related facilities; track water levels and conditions, manage intake flows, and clean sedimentation basins as needed.
Water Quality Monitoring: Collect and coordinate required treatment, bacteriological, residual, turbidity, and other water-quality samples from plant, distribution, and spring-fed locations; submit samples for analysis and respond appropriately to results.
ORC Responsibilities: Serve as the Distribution Operator in Responsible Charge in accordance with applicable Colorado requirements; maintain required operational oversight and support continuity of qualified system coverage.
Distribution System Operations: Coordinate day-to-day operation, inspection, and maintenance of the potable water distribution system; monitor system performance and water quality and address operational issues promptly.
Procedures and Training Plans: Develop, review, and maintain standard operating procedures, operating and delegation plans, and related system plans; ensure staff receive appropriate instruction before performing assigned system activities.
Records and Reporting: Maintain accurate, accessible operational logs, maintenance records, sample results, asset records, and regulatory reports; prepare and submit required documentation within established deadlines.
Regulatory Compliance: Monitor compliance with applicable drinking-water, distribution, safety, and environmental requirements; report noncompliance as required and coordinate or participate in regulatory inspections, sanitary surveys, and audits.
Planning and Capital Improvements: Identify and plan preventive maintenance, repairs, asset-management needs, contingencies, and capital improvements; coordinate project activities and confirm required permits are obtained before work begins.
Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance: Install, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair treatment and distribution equipment, including valves, weirs, flumes, gauges, electrical and telemetry components, and related system infrastructure.
Meters, Hydrants, and Connections: Install, test, repair, and maintain water meters, service connections, main taps, fire hydrants, valves, and utility access structures; maintain meter inventory and investigate unusual consumption or potential leakage.
Utility Construction and Repairs: Assist with municipal water, sewer, and stormwater utility construction and maintenance, including water and sewer lines, utility boxes and covers, paving repair, and wastewater collection system rehabilitation as assigned.
Utility Locates: Complete or coordinate utility locates and help ensure water and sewer infrastructure is identified and protected before excavation or construction activities.
Vehicles and Equipment: Operate and care for City vehicles, commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, hand tools, and power equipment; support appropriate equipment maintenance and safe use by assigned personnel.
Materials and Supplies: Monitor and maintain supplies of treatment chemicals, parts, and maintenance materials; requisition and restock items and ensure they are stored, handled, and managed safely.
Confined-Space Operations: Conduct or support confined-space work, including atmospheric monitoring, entry permits, use of tripods and harnesses, and required documentation in accordance with City safety procedures.
Workplace Safety: Apply required safety practices, including chemical handling, traffic control, personal protective equipment, and precautions for biological, electrical, mechanical, atmospheric, and other utility-work hazards.
Staff Guidance and Development: Provide technical guidance and cross-training to operators and other staff; coordinate assigned operational activities and encourage required certifications and professional development.
Emergency Response: Respond to emergencies, after-hours calls, water-quality concerns, equipment failures, and service disruptions; implement established emergency procedures and take appropriate corrective action.
Communication and Coordination: Coordinate with supervisors, other City departments, contractors, and the public; respond professionally to customer concerns and assist other Public Works/Public Services operations as needed.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS
High school diploma or GED; must be at least 18 years of age.
Five years of water treatment plant experience, plus three years of municipal potable water distribution experience and three years of municipal sewer system experience.
Colorado CDPHE Class A Water Treatment certification and Class 4 Water Distribution ORC certification.
Class 1 Wastewater Collection certification within one year of hire, as required for the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND WORK REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge of drinking-water treatment and distribution operations, applicable regulations, safety practices, chemical handling, and confined-space procedures.
Ability to troubleshoot system and equipment problems; perform calculations related to flows, volumes, and chemical dosages; and use common computer applications, including Microsoft Office.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, maintain accurate records, exercise sound judgment, work independently, and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to perform physical utility work, including lifting, digging, and working around pavement, equipment, traffic, chemicals, biological materials, and varying weather conditions.
Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, rotating schedules, standby/on-call assignments, and occasional overtime as operational needs require.
Successful completion of required background, drug-screening, motor vehicle record, and driving checks, as applicable to City policy and job duties.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
(The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or auxiliary duties required. The City of Manitou Springs retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.):
The following duties are representative of the work performed. Other related duties may be assigned, and the City may modify duties or essential functions as operational needs require.
Water Treatment Operations: Operate and monitor the water treatment plant, including pumps, motors, chemical feed and chlorination equipment, filters, backwash systems, tank levels, SCADA, telemetry, and treatment flows to maintain required drinking-water quality.
Watershed and Reservoir Maintenance: Monitor and maintain the City watershed, reservoir, intake, and related facilities; track water levels and conditions, manage intake flows, and clean sedimentation basins as needed.
Water Quality Monitoring: Collect and coordinate required treatment, bacteriological, residual, turbidity, and other water-quality samples from plant, distribution, and spring-fed locations; submit samples for analysis and respond appropriately to results.
ORC Responsibilities: Serve as the Distribution Operator in Responsible Charge in accordance with applicable Colorado requirements; maintain required operational oversight and support continuity of qualified system coverage.
Distribution System Operations: Coordinate day-to-day operation, inspection, and maintenance of the potable water distribution system; monitor system performance and water quality and address operational issues promptly.
Procedures and Training Plans: Develop, review, and maintain standard operating procedures, operating and delegation plans, and related system plans; ensure staff receive appropriate instruction before performing assigned system activities.
Records and Reporting: Maintain accurate, accessible operational logs, maintenance records, sample results, asset records, and regulatory reports; prepare and submit required documentation within established deadlines.
Regulatory Compliance: Monitor compliance with applicable drinking-water, distribution, safety, and environmental requirements; report noncompliance as required and coordinate or participate in regulatory inspections, sanitary surveys, and audits.
Planning and Capital Improvements: Identify and plan preventive maintenance, repairs, asset-management needs, contingencies, and capital improvements; coordinate project activities and confirm required permits are obtained before work begins.
Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance: Install, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair treatment and distribution equipment, including valves, weirs, flumes, gauges, electrical and telemetry components, and related system infrastructure.
Meters, Hydrants, and Connections: Install, test, repair, and maintain water meters, service connections, main taps, fire hydrants, valves, and utility access structures; maintain meter inventory and investigate unusual consumption or potential leakage.
Utility Construction and Repairs: Assist with municipal water, sewer, and stormwater utility construction and maintenance, including water and sewer lines, utility boxes and covers, paving repair, and wastewater collection system rehabilitation as assigned.
Utility Locates: Complete or coordinate utility locates and help ensure water and sewer infrastructure is identified and protected before excavation or construction activities.
Vehicles and Equipment: Operate and care for City vehicles, commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, hand tools, and power equipment; support appropriate equipment maintenance and safe use by assigned personnel.
Materials and Supplies: Monitor and maintain supplies of treatment chemicals, parts, and maintenance materials; requisition and restock items and ensure they are stored, handled, and managed safely.
Confined-Space Operations: Conduct or support confined-space work, including atmospheric monitoring, entry permits, use of tripods and harnesses, and required documentation in accordance with City safety procedures.
Workplace Safety: Apply required safety practices, including chemical handling, traffic control, personal protective equipment, and precautions for biological, electrical, mechanical, atmospheric, and other utility-work hazards.
Staff Guidance and Development: Provide technical guidance and cross-training to operators and other staff; coordinate assigned operational activities and encourage required certifications and professional development.
Emergency Response: Respond to emergencies, after-hours calls, water-quality concerns, equipment failures, and service disruptions; implement established emergency procedures and take appropriate corrective action.
Communication and Coordination: Coordinate with supervisors, other City departments, contractors, and the public; respond professionally to customer concerns and assist other Public Works/Public Services operations as needed.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS
High school diploma or GED; must be at least 18 years of age.
Five years of water treatment plant experience, plus three years of municipal potable water distribution experience and three years of municipal sewer system experience.
Colorado CDPHE Class A Water Treatment certification and Class 4 Water Distribution ORC certification.
Class 1 Wastewater Collection certification within one year of hire, as required for the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND WORK REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge of drinking-water treatment and distribution operations, applicable regulations, safety practices, chemical handling, and confined-space procedures.
Ability to troubleshoot system and equipment problems; perform calculations related to flows, volumes, and chemical dosages; and use common computer applications, including Microsoft Office.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, maintain accurate records, exercise sound judgment, work independently, and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to perform physical utility work, including lifting, digging, and working around pavement, equipment, traffic, chemicals, biological materials, and varying weather conditions.
Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, rotating schedules, standby/on-call assignments, and occasional overtime as operational needs require.
Successful completion of required background, drug-screening, motor vehicle record, and driving checks, as applicable to City policy and job duties.
Exempt : Yes
Type : FT Employee
Department : Public Services
Location : 1
City Of Manitou Springs
Water Plant Treatment Operator and Distribution ORC Manager
Manitou Springs, Colorado
Added 1d ago
Job functions:
$92k - $115k/yr
High school diploma or GED
Job Description
Full-Time Benefited position, Benefits include, but are not limited to: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PERA Retirement, Paid Vacation, Sick, and Holidays.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Under limited supervision, operates and maintains the City’s water treatment facilities and potable water distribution system; serves as the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) for distribution; and supports related utility maintenance activities. Ensures safe, reliable service and compliance with applicable City, County, State, and Federal requirements. Provides technical guidance, coordinates operational work, and responds to system issues and emergencies.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
(The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or auxiliary duties required. The City of Manitou Springs retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.):
The following duties are representative of the work performed. Other related duties may be assigned, and the City may modify duties or essential functions as operational needs require.
Water Treatment Operations: Operate and monitor the water treatment plant, including pumps, motors, chemical feed and chlorination equipment, filters, backwash systems, tank levels, SCADA, telemetry, and treatment flows to maintain required drinking-water quality.
Watershed and Reservoir Maintenance: Monitor and maintain the City watershed, reservoir, intake, and related facilities; track water levels and conditions, manage intake flows, and clean sedimentation basins as needed.
Water Quality Monitoring: Collect and coordinate required treatment, bacteriological, residual, turbidity, and other water-quality samples from plant, distribution, and spring-fed locations; submit samples for analysis and respond appropriately to results.
ORC Responsibilities: Serve as the Distribution Operator in Responsible Charge in accordance with applicable Colorado requirements; maintain required operational oversight and support continuity of qualified system coverage.
Distribution System Operations: Coordinate day-to-day operation, inspection, and maintenance of the potable water distribution system; monitor system performance and water quality and address operational issues promptly.
Procedures and Training Plans: Develop, review, and maintain standard operating procedures, operating and delegation plans, and related system plans; ensure staff receive appropriate instruction before performing assigned system activities.
Records and Reporting: Maintain accurate, accessible operational logs, maintenance records, sample results, asset records, and regulatory reports; prepare and submit required documentation within established deadlines.
Regulatory Compliance: Monitor compliance with applicable drinking-water, distribution, safety, and environmental requirements; report noncompliance as required and coordinate or participate in regulatory inspections, sanitary surveys, and audits.
Planning and Capital Improvements: Identify and plan preventive maintenance, repairs, asset-management needs, contingencies, and capital improvements; coordinate project activities and confirm required permits are obtained before work begins.
Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance: Install, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair treatment and distribution equipment, including valves, weirs, flumes, gauges, electrical and telemetry components, and related system infrastructure.
Meters, Hydrants, and Connections: Install, test, repair, and maintain water meters, service connections, main taps, fire hydrants, valves, and utility access structures; maintain meter inventory and investigate unusual consumption or potential leakage.
Utility Construction and Repairs: Assist with municipal water, sewer, and stormwater utility construction and maintenance, including water and sewer lines, utility boxes and covers, paving repair, and wastewater collection system rehabilitation as assigned.
Utility Locates: Complete or coordinate utility locates and help ensure water and sewer infrastructure is identified and protected before excavation or construction activities.
Vehicles and Equipment: Operate and care for City vehicles, commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, hand tools, and power equipment; support appropriate equipment maintenance and safe use by assigned personnel.
Materials and Supplies: Monitor and maintain supplies of treatment chemicals, parts, and maintenance materials; requisition and restock items and ensure they are stored, handled, and managed safely.
Confined-Space Operations: Conduct or support confined-space work, including atmospheric monitoring, entry permits, use of tripods and harnesses, and required documentation in accordance with City safety procedures.
Workplace Safety: Apply required safety practices, including chemical handling, traffic control, personal protective equipment, and precautions for biological, electrical, mechanical, atmospheric, and other utility-work hazards.
Staff Guidance and Development: Provide technical guidance and cross-training to operators and other staff; coordinate assigned operational activities and encourage required certifications and professional development.
Emergency Response: Respond to emergencies, after-hours calls, water-quality concerns, equipment failures, and service disruptions; implement established emergency procedures and take appropriate corrective action.
Communication and Coordination: Coordinate with supervisors, other City departments, contractors, and the public; respond professionally to customer concerns and assist other Public Works/Public Services operations as needed.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS
High school diploma or GED; must be at least 18 years of age.
Five years of water treatment plant experience, plus three years of municipal potable water distribution experience and three years of municipal sewer system experience.
Colorado CDPHE Class A Water Treatment certification and Class 4 Water Distribution ORC certification.
Class 1 Wastewater Collection certification within one year of hire, as required for the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND WORK REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge of drinking-water treatment and distribution operations, applicable regulations, safety practices, chemical handling, and confined-space procedures.
Ability to troubleshoot system and equipment problems; perform calculations related to flows, volumes, and chemical dosages; and use common computer applications, including Microsoft Office.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, maintain accurate records, exercise sound judgment, work independently, and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to perform physical utility work, including lifting, digging, and working around pavement, equipment, traffic, chemicals, biological materials, and varying weather conditions.
Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, rotating schedules, standby/on-call assignments, and occasional overtime as operational needs require.
Successful completion of required background, drug-screening, motor vehicle record, and driving checks, as applicable to City policy and job duties.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
(The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or auxiliary duties required. The City of Manitou Springs retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.):
The following duties are representative of the work performed. Other related duties may be assigned, and the City may modify duties or essential functions as operational needs require.
Water Treatment Operations: Operate and monitor the water treatment plant, including pumps, motors, chemical feed and chlorination equipment, filters, backwash systems, tank levels, SCADA, telemetry, and treatment flows to maintain required drinking-water quality.
Watershed and Reservoir Maintenance: Monitor and maintain the City watershed, reservoir, intake, and related facilities; track water levels and conditions, manage intake flows, and clean sedimentation basins as needed.
Water Quality Monitoring: Collect and coordinate required treatment, bacteriological, residual, turbidity, and other water-quality samples from plant, distribution, and spring-fed locations; submit samples for analysis and respond appropriately to results.
ORC Responsibilities: Serve as the Distribution Operator in Responsible Charge in accordance with applicable Colorado requirements; maintain required operational oversight and support continuity of qualified system coverage.
Distribution System Operations: Coordinate day-to-day operation, inspection, and maintenance of the potable water distribution system; monitor system performance and water quality and address operational issues promptly.
Procedures and Training Plans: Develop, review, and maintain standard operating procedures, operating and delegation plans, and related system plans; ensure staff receive appropriate instruction before performing assigned system activities.
Records and Reporting: Maintain accurate, accessible operational logs, maintenance records, sample results, asset records, and regulatory reports; prepare and submit required documentation within established deadlines.
Regulatory Compliance: Monitor compliance with applicable drinking-water, distribution, safety, and environmental requirements; report noncompliance as required and coordinate or participate in regulatory inspections, sanitary surveys, and audits.
Planning and Capital Improvements: Identify and plan preventive maintenance, repairs, asset-management needs, contingencies, and capital improvements; coordinate project activities and confirm required permits are obtained before work begins.
Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance: Install, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair treatment and distribution equipment, including valves, weirs, flumes, gauges, electrical and telemetry components, and related system infrastructure.
Meters, Hydrants, and Connections: Install, test, repair, and maintain water meters, service connections, main taps, fire hydrants, valves, and utility access structures; maintain meter inventory and investigate unusual consumption or potential leakage.
Utility Construction and Repairs: Assist with municipal water, sewer, and stormwater utility construction and maintenance, including water and sewer lines, utility boxes and covers, paving repair, and wastewater collection system rehabilitation as assigned.
Utility Locates: Complete or coordinate utility locates and help ensure water and sewer infrastructure is identified and protected before excavation or construction activities.
Vehicles and Equipment: Operate and care for City vehicles, commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, hand tools, and power equipment; support appropriate equipment maintenance and safe use by assigned personnel.
Materials and Supplies: Monitor and maintain supplies of treatment chemicals, parts, and maintenance materials; requisition and restock items and ensure they are stored, handled, and managed safely.
Confined-Space Operations: Conduct or support confined-space work, including atmospheric monitoring, entry permits, use of tripods and harnesses, and required documentation in accordance with City safety procedures.
Workplace Safety: Apply required safety practices, including chemical handling, traffic control, personal protective equipment, and precautions for biological, electrical, mechanical, atmospheric, and other utility-work hazards.
Staff Guidance and Development: Provide technical guidance and cross-training to operators and other staff; coordinate assigned operational activities and encourage required certifications and professional development.
Emergency Response: Respond to emergencies, after-hours calls, water-quality concerns, equipment failures, and service disruptions; implement established emergency procedures and take appropriate corrective action.
Communication and Coordination: Coordinate with supervisors, other City departments, contractors, and the public; respond professionally to customer concerns and assist other Public Works/Public Services operations as needed.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS
High school diploma or GED; must be at least 18 years of age.
Five years of water treatment plant experience, plus three years of municipal potable water distribution experience and three years of municipal sewer system experience.
Colorado CDPHE Class A Water Treatment certification and Class 4 Water Distribution ORC certification.
Class 1 Wastewater Collection certification within one year of hire, as required for the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND WORK REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge of drinking-water treatment and distribution operations, applicable regulations, safety practices, chemical handling, and confined-space procedures.
Ability to troubleshoot system and equipment problems; perform calculations related to flows, volumes, and chemical dosages; and use common computer applications, including Microsoft Office.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, maintain accurate records, exercise sound judgment, work independently, and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to perform physical utility work, including lifting, digging, and working around pavement, equipment, traffic, chemicals, biological materials, and varying weather conditions.
Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, rotating schedules, standby/on-call assignments, and occasional overtime as operational needs require.
Successful completion of required background, drug-screening, motor vehicle record, and driving checks, as applicable to City policy and job duties.
Exempt : Yes
Type : FT Employee
Department : Public Services
Location : 1
Water Treatment Plant Operator Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsWater Treatment Plant Operator Job Market
Who's Hiring
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What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in water treatment plant operator jobs.
- State drinking water or wastewater operator certification at the required grade level
- Experience operating SCADA systems and automated plant control equipment
- Ability to collect, test, and document water quality samples for regulatory compliance
- Knowledge of chemical dosing, disinfection processes, and treatment plant SOPs
- Valid driver's license and ability to respond to on-call or emergency callouts
- High school diploma or GED, with vocational training or an associate degree preferred
Tips for Your Water Treatment Plant Operator Job Search
List your operator certification grade clearly
Hiring managers scan for your state certification grade before anything else. Put your license level, issuing state, and expiration date in a dedicated credentials section near the top of your resume so it's impossible to miss.
Tailor your resume to plant type
Surface water, groundwater, and wastewater plants use different treatment processes and equipment. Match your resume language to the specific plant type in each job posting so reviewers see you understand their operation before the interview.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists water treatment plant 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 equipment
Filter for jobs that mention the SCADA systems, chemical feed equipment, or lab instruments you've worked with. Operators who demonstrate hands-on familiarity with the exact equipment a facility runs tend to move faster through the screening process.
Prepare for practical and scenario questions
Interviews for operator roles typically include process troubleshooting scenarios, such as how you'd respond to a chlorine residual reading out of compliance. Walk through your actual decision-making steps, referencing the SOPs and regulatory thresholds you use daily.
Negotiate shift differentials, not just base pay
Water treatment plants run around the clock, so your offer often includes evening, overnight, and weekend differentials. Ask about the full shift schedule and confirm how differentials are calculated before accepting any offer.
Water Treatment Plant Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most water treatment plant operators?
The companies hiring the most water treatment plant operators right now include US Water Services Corporation, City of Milwaukee, and Village of Albion, with the largest share of openings in Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Municipal utilities and regional water authorities consistently make up the majority of active postings.
How many water treatment plant operator jobs are remote?
About 0% of water treatment plant operator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how hands-on the role is. The sub-areas most likely to offer any remote flexibility are administrative coordination, compliance reporting, and water quality data analysis rather than direct plant operations.
How do you become a water treatment plant operator?
Start by earning your state's entry-level operator certification, which typically requires passing a written exam on treatment processes, water chemistry, and safety regulations. Most states let you sit for the exam before or shortly after starting your first operator job. From there, accumulating verified operating hours unlocks higher-grade certifications, which open more senior roles.
Can you get hired as a water treatment plant operator with little experience?
Many utilities hire operator trainees and entry-level operators who hold a valid entry-grade state certification but lack direct plant experience. Backgrounds in plumbing, industrial maintenance, the military, or laboratory work transfer well and often satisfy employers' technical baseline. Applying to trainee or operator-in-training postings specifically gives you a realistic path in without prior plant time.
What does the water treatment plant operator interview process look like?
Most hiring processes include an initial screening call with HR, followed by a technical interview with the plant superintendent or operations manager that covers treatment processes, regulatory compliance, and equipment troubleshooting scenarios. Some utilities add a practical assessment or a facility tour where you're asked to explain what you observe. Reference checks and a background check typically close the process before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to water treatment plant operator jobs?
You can find and apply to water treatment plant operator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your certification grade, plant type, and location, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
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