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Find a Job You Really Want In
Yes, pursuing a career in water supply is an excellent choice. This industry not only offers a diverse array of lucrative job opportunities but also allows you to contribute significantly to your community by ensuring access to clean water. Working in water supply can be one of the most fulfilling careers, as it plays a crucial role in protecting our planet’s most vital resource.
Careers in water and resource recovery can be financially rewarding at every experience level, including entry-level positions. With numerous roles available in the water supply sector, each requiring specific skill sets and training, there’s a career path for everyone interested in making a difference.
The 8 Best-Paying Jobs in Water Supply
Water supply careers encompass a wide range of highly specialized fields. If you’re aiming for a high-paying job, consider exploring these top-paying roles, which typically require advanced qualifications and hands-on experience.
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Water Resource Recovery (Wastewater Treatment) Operator
Average Annual Salary: $45,000
Water resource recovery operators manage various equipment at water recovery facilities, ensuring they operate efficiently. These professionals often lead a team of operators and perform essential tasks related to the facility’s operation.
Knowledge of resource recovery systems, treatment methodologies, safety protocols, and wastewater sampling is crucial for this role.
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Drinking Water Treatment Operator
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Drinking water treatment operators oversee the machinery necessary for water purification. They are responsible for the supervision, maintenance, and repair of equipment in treatment plants or pumping stations.
Familiarity with safety regulations, water treatment processes, and mechanical systems is essential for success in this position.
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Average Annual Salary: $37,000
Laboratory technicians conduct quality tests to ensure water safety and compliance with health standards. They gather data to assess treatment effectiveness and support toxicity testing.
Focusing on compliance, these technicians monitor contaminants and provide insights to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
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Green Infrastructure Worker
Average Annual Salary: N/A
As the industry shifts toward sustainability, green infrastructure workers manage stormwater practices that mimic natural hydrology. Responsibilities include maintenance and ensuring the effectiveness of these systems.
Familiarity with sustainable practices is beneficial for those interested in this growing field.
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Average Annual Salary: $86,000
Engineers in the water supply sector design systems for water treatment and resource recovery. They play a vital role in ensuring the community has access to safe water.
Responsibilities may include cost estimation, project specifications, and conducting research on environmental impacts.
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Water Conservation Specialist
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Water conservation specialists work to protect water resources for current and future generations, addressing ecological issues and promoting sustainable practices.
These specialists often work in diverse environments, including national parks and agricultural areas.
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Average Annual Salary: $94,000
Watershed coordinators focus on managing local water systems, ensuring clean water supply and effective wastewater treatment. They may plan and implement new projects to enhance water quality.
Collaboration with environmental engineers is common in this role.
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Average Annual Salary: $59,000
Water testers conduct quality assessments of water at treatment plants and natural water bodies, ensuring compliance with EPA standards to safeguard public health.
They collect samples and analyze them for harmful substances, playing a key role in maintaining water safety.
7 Entry-Level Jobs in Water Supply
The water supply sector is vital for our society’s functioning, involving various roles that ensure the safety and cleanliness of drinking water. It offers high-paying skilled jobs, as well as essential entry-level positions. Here are seven entry-level roles in water supply.
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Wastewater Collection Operator
Average Annual Salary: N/A
These operators ensure wastewater flows safely to treatment facilities while managing construction, repair, and maintenance tasks. They play a crucial role in preventing sewage overflows.
A high school diploma is typically required, along with practical experience.
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Water Distribution Operator
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Operators monitor and regulate water distribution systems, utilizing both traditional methods and advanced technology. Certification is often required, depending on state regulations.
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Average Annual Salary: $53,000
Electricians maintain and install electrical systems crucial for water treatment processes. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually necessary, with apprenticeships providing valuable experience.
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Average Annual Salary: $45,000
Mechanics maintain and repair machinery essential for water supply operations. They may also train staff on equipment usage and perform cost estimations.
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Pretreatment/Industrial Coordinator
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Coordinators oversee municipal pretreatment programs, ensuring compliance with regulations. A background in science or engineering is beneficial, but relevant experience can substitute for formal education.
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Average Annual Salary: $74,000
Utilities managers lead teams to achieve organizational goals, fostering innovation and providing guidance to staff.
Strong communication skills and strategic planning abilities are critical for success in this role.
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Average Annual Salary: $41,000
Water quality technicians ensure that water meets safety standards by testing for contaminants. They work in various settings, including treatment plants and laboratories.
Why Choose a Career in Water Supply?
With only a small fraction of the Earth’s water being accessible for human use, effective management and distribution of water resources are crucial for our society. Working in water supply offers numerous advantages:
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Addressing Environmental Challenges. A career in water supply equips you with cutting-edge technology to help communities tackle water-related issues, promote conservation, and reduce waste.
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Competitive Salaries. Careers in the water and wastewater sectors are often well-compensated and in high demand, attracting skilled professionals who can develop innovative solutions for clean, affordable water.
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Consistent Job Demand. As water is essential for survival, there will always be a need for professionals in this field. Advancements in technology and data analytics are expected to create more opportunities in the water supply sector.
Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Water Supply
Education and certification requirements vary based on specific roles within the water supply sector. Here are key points to consider:
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Entry-Level Positions. A high school diploma or GED is often required for entry-level jobs, with many offering on-the-job training to help you advance in your career.
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Advanced Degrees for Specialized Roles. For positions like engineer or laboratory technician, a bachelor’s or associate degree is typically necessary.
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Local Certifications. Many states require specific certifications to work in local water supply, ensuring that employees are knowledgeable about their operating environment.
What Do People Working In Water Supply Do?
Professionals in the water supply sector are united by a common goal: to provide safe, clean, and accessible water for everyone.
This essential service requires employees to address challenges such as climate change, aging infrastructure, and workforce shortages. Working in water supply involves collaborating with a global team to implement innovative solutions and technologies that contribute to environmental sustainability and public health.
By choosing a career in this field, you will play a critical role in fostering positive changes in both our environment and the quality of our drinking water.
- Good Career Path
- Is Life Insurance A Good Career Path
- Is Medical Specialties A Good Career Path
- Is Other Specialty Stores A Good Career Path
- Is Water Supply A Good Career Path
- Is Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries A Good Career Path
- Is Paper A Good Career Path
- Is Environmental Services A Good Career Path
- Is Specialty Chemicals A Good Career Path
- Is Retail Building Materials A Good Career Path
- Is Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service A Good Career Path
- Is Apparel A Good Career Path
- Is Fluid Controls A Good Career Path
- Is Television Services A Good Career Path
- Is Steel/Iron Ore A Good Career Path
- Is Advertising A Good Career Path
- Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path
- Is Food Chains A Good Career Path
- Is Savings Institutions A Good Career Path
- Is Medical/Dental Instruments A Good Career Path
- Is Military/Government/Technical A Good Career Path
- Is Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores A Good Career Path
- Is Ordnance And Accessories A Good Career Path
- Is Other Pharmaceuticals A Good Career Path
- Is Wholesale Distributors A Good Career Path
- Is Building Products A Good Career Path
- Is Electronic Components A Good Career Path
Author
Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
