How to hire a water mechanic

How to hire a water mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step water mechanic hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a water mechanic job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new water mechanic
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the water mechanic you need to hire. Certain water mechanic roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A water mechanic's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, water mechanics from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of water mechanic salaries for various roles:

   Type of Water Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Water Mechanic	Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases to, from, and within businesses, homes, and factories.	$12-25
   Instrument Fitter	Instrument fitters are professionals who are responsible for assembling and installing accurate instruments that perform tasks such as measuring, recording, and controlling. These fitters are required to use AutoCAD software to plan, draft, and design instrument layout and various assembly... Show more	$15-22
   Sprinkler Fitter	A sprinkler fitter is responsible for installing, inspecting, and repairing sprinkler systems. Your duties will typically include installing plumbing fixtures, fixing and replacing defective and outdated sprinklers, and soldering and welding pipes, tubes, and fittings designed for sprinklers... Show more	$20-48

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Hand Tools
   • Waste Water
   • Mechanical Repairs
   • Plant Equipment
   • Water Mains
   • Diesel Engines
   • Water Meters
   • Water Lines
   • Water Systems
   • Water Services
   • PVC
   • Troubleshoot Chemical
   • HVAC

   Responsibilities:

   • Cross train in HVAC operations on Trane chillers, boilers, cooling towers and Libert ac units.
   • Operate and maintain multi-media filters, carbon filters, RO units, twin columns, mix beds and UV sterilizers.
   • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
   • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your water mechanic job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A water mechanic can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, water mechanics' average salary in south carolina is 53% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level water mechanics 48% less than senior-level water mechanics.
   • Certifications. A water mechanic with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a water mechanic's salary.

   Average water mechanic salary

   $37,898yearly

   $18.22 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level water mechanic salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 20, 2025

4. Writing a water mechanic job description

   A water mechanic job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a water mechanic job description:

   Water mechanic job description example

   We are currently recruiting for Waste Water Mechanic at our customer located in Cudahy, WI Direct Hire Positions! Benefits offered! $25.00 - $30.00/hr Ideal candidate is someone who can work on pumps, bearings, meters, skimmers; has the ability to operate forklift; and knowledge to assist in the operation of wastewater pretreatment plant. SUMMARY:
   
   The Wastewater Mechanic is responsible for the maintenance of the wastewater pretreatment plant, skimmer buildings and related equipment. They will be responsible for the upkeep of the grease tankers and assist with startup, operation and shutdown of wastewater pretreatment plant. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
   
   Perform preventative maintenance and complete work orders relating to wastewater equipment (pumps, bearings, meters, skimmers, etc.) and buildings.
   Maintain, troubleshoot and improve facilities and equipment
   Assist in operation of wastewater pretreatment plant.
   Follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. QUALIFICATIONS:
   To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
   High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and 1+ years of related experience and/or training in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing environment; or 4 years' direct experience in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing maintenance environment.
   Vocational Diploma, Technical Diploma or Associate's Degree from a technical maintenance or vocational school, a plus.
   Possess the ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of team personnel and outside contractors.
   Ability to operate a forklift, genie lift or scissor lift.
   Can understand and follow oral and written instructions.
   Ability to read, write the following; work orders, instructions, daily reports and machine manuals.
   Ability to receive and relate orders/information using various communication devices WORK ENVIRONMENT:
   Prolonged standing. Frequent walking.
   Occasional lifting 10-60 pounds.
   Frequent climbing

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find water mechanics for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   To find water mechanic candidates, you can consider the following options:

   • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
   • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as constructionjobs.
   • Post your job on free job posting websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with water mechanic candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new water mechanic

   Once you've selected the best water mechanic candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new water mechanic. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a water mechanic?