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How to hire a water operator

Water operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring water operators in the United States:

  • The median cost to hire a water operator is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per water operator on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • There are a total of 16,272 water operators in the US, and there are currently 38,012 job openings in this field.
  • Prescott Valley, AZ, has the highest demand for water operators, with 4 job openings.

How to hire a water operator, step by step

To hire a water operator, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a water operator:

Here's a step-by-step water operator 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 operator job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new water operator
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a water operator do?

A water operator usually works at water treatment plants and establishments where they are primarily in charge of processing water according to guidelines and health protocols. Their responsibilities usually revolve around monitoring equipment and procedures, gathering and analyzing water samples, performing necessary adjustments, reading and recording meters, and maintaining the cleanliness of facilities while adhering to the standards and regulations. Moreover, a water operator must maintain an active communication line with co-workers, coordinating for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Learn more about the specifics of what a water operator does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The water operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a water operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a water operator that fits the bill.

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

    Type of Water OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Water OperatorWater and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.$15-27
    Water Treatment TechnicianWater treatment technicians work every day in observing agricultural plant functions, which includes obtaining the daily requirements and making suitable adjustments to satisfy those demands. They carefully implement process sampling to exactly gauge and keep track of levels... Show more$13-32
    Utility Plant OperativeA utility plant operator monitors, operates, repairs, and maintains utility equipment and systems. Utility plant operators work on the operation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems... Show more$13-28
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Treatment Facilities
    • Water Samples
    • CDL
    • Water Treatment Plant
    • Pump Stations
    • Water Quality
    • Process Control
    • Preventative Maintenance
    • Plant Equipment
    • SCADA
    • Water Meters
    • OSHA
    • Hand Tools
    • Water Lines
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Maintain buildings HVAC / lighting automation systems and make adjustments as needed for tenant's comfort and to manage energy consumption.
    • Learned how to mig and tig weld before being promote.
    • Programme and run Omax water jet, as well as solicited new project opportunities.
    • Work with various metals including: aluminum, stainless steel, ballistic steel, mild steel, and titanium.
    • Project experience includes working with steel, aluminum, stainless steel, glass, granite, wood, plastics and laminate.
    • Operate Gerber laser cutting system.
    More water operator duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your water operator job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A water operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a water operator in New Mexico may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level water operator usually earns less than a senior-level water operator. Additionally, a water operator with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average water operator salary

    $43,748yearly

    $21.03 hourly rate

    Entry-level water operator salary
    $32,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 14, 2025

    Average water operator salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Washington$70,960$34
    2Oregon$54,677$26
    3California$52,932$25
    4Minnesota$51,267$25
    5Massachusetts$50,230$24
    6Rhode Island$49,539$24
    7Utah$48,028$23
    8Illinois$47,809$23
    9Ohio$47,734$23
    10Montana$46,901$23
    11Arizona$46,647$22
    12Colorado$46,224$22
    13Idaho$42,881$21
    14South Dakota$42,488$20
    15Missouri$38,329$18
    16South Carolina$37,182$18
    17Florida$36,550$18
    18North Carolina$36,016$17
    19Kentucky$34,704$17
    20New Mexico$34,463$17

    Average water operator salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Continental Resources$55,581$26.728
    2Stantec$51,967$24.98194
    3Jacobs Engineering Group$48,946$23.53
    4JBS USA$48,729$23.438
    5HDR$48,525$23.3335
    6Hess$48,189$23.17
    7City of San Antonio$47,829$22.99
    8Woodard & Curran$46,951$22.5742
    9Mystic Lake Casino$46,327$22.27
    10Veolia Water Tech$45,980$22.1156
    11HKA Enterprises$45,882$22.0610
    12Tetra Technologies$45,531$21.897
    13Big River Resources$45,187$21.725
    14Liberty Utilities$45,150$21.714
    15City of Box Elder SD$45,150$21.71
    16D M E Co$45,150$21.71
    17Jacobs Enterprises$45,142$21.7098
    18BlueGranite$45,135$21.70
    19Minnesota Limited$44,791$21.53
    20PSEA$44,425$21.361
  4. Writing a water operator job description

    A job description for a water operator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a water operator job description:

    Water operator job description example

    What you'd be responsible for

    Participates in the operation, maintenance, control and repair of all related plant process equipment, including pumps, blowers, scrubbers, motors, chlorinators, chemical feeds, sludge equipment and basic laboratory instruments to ensure treated water and effluent meets County, State and EPA quality standards. Obtains samples and performs required tests including PH, CL2, and similar tests. Monitors water demands and adjusts flows through well and/or booster pumps to control distribution system pressures in accordance with established policies. Conducts various tests to determine proper chemical feed rates, calculates chemical feed rates and changes pump settings as needed. Maintains chemical inventory supply and makes requests for new or replacement orders. Operates, monitors and adjusts as necessary all related plant process equipment, including chemical pumps. Monitors and operates telemetry and SCADA systems. Makes equipment adjustments, lubrications, and minor repairs and reports equipment problems. Performs housekeeping duties in order to keep facilities clean and neat. Reads and interprets meters, gauges and instruments and enters the readings; makes calculations and completes written reports. Assists in the training of systems assistants. Maintains daily time card by recording hours spent to complete each task. Coordinates vendors and contractors, ensures proper construction and performs inspections of work. Interfaces with public and participating companies. Performs other work as required.

    What's required to be successful

    Must possess knowledge of the operations, methods, practices, techniques and servicing requirements of water production, storage and distribution facilities, water treatment and collection facilities. Knowledge of safety practices in the operation of electrical and mechanical equipment used in water facilities. Ability to perform standardized water quality tests; familiarity with drinking water rules and regulations. This position requires the use of Company owned vehicles and equipment. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles in a safe manner, and possess/maintain a valid Arizona driver's license with good driving record.

    All candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. This position is subject to call back, overtime and weekend/holiday emergency call-outs and on-call duty.

    Ability to perform accurate mathematical computations. Ability to keep neat and accurate records and make computer entries. Ability to read and interpret meters, charts, gauges and recording devices. Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions and regulations. Ability to perform all physical requirements of the job; may be required to perform any job duty in plant operations. Ability to continually lift, bend, climb stairs and work with mechanical hand tools. Ability to perform heavy maneuvers. Must be able to work in varying climatic conditions, including extreme summer heat.

    Plant Operator I candidates must have one (1) years' experience in the operation of a surface water treatment plant and ADEQ Grade 1 Water Treatment certification. An ADEQ Grade 1 Water Distribution certification would be a plus, but not required.

    Plant Operator II candidates must have two (2) years' experience in the operation of a surface water treatment plant and ADEQ Grade 2 Water Treatment certification. An ADEQ Grade 2 Water Distribution certification would be a plus, but not required.

    Plant Operator III candidates must have three (3) years' experience in the operation of a surface water treatment plant and ADEQ Grade 3 Water Treatment certification. An ADEQ Grade 3 Water Distribution certification would be a plus, but not required.

    Other important facts about this job

    Position has the potential for exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, fumes, and potable water. This position requires the employee to be at work every day and on time; work safely and perform work in a positive and harmonious manner with fellow employees and the public, project a positive image in dress and demeanor to the public. Requires rotating “on-call” duty to cover weekends, evenings and holidays. Is subject to call back and overtime. May be assigned regular work hours over a weekend.

    As an EPCOR employee, you will enjoy a variety of benefits such as a competitive salary, an incentive award program, an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision and other insurance coverage, retirement plan with substantial company contribution, generous time-off schedules, training opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and certification support. We've been voted as a Best Places to Work employer and we value the safety of each of our team members through our robust safety training and celebration of safety milestones.

    Headquartered in Phoenix, EPCOR USA owns, operates and builds water, wastewater and natural gas infrastructure and is among the largest private water utilities in the Southwest. EPCOR USA is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of EPCOR Utilities Inc. We invest in and look after our communities and the environment. We're proud of the work we do and the people we hire to do it.

    Please note the following information:

    • A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age and legally entitled to work in the United States.
    • If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, driving, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required.
    • To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-employment drug testing will be required.
  5. Post your job

    To find the right water operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with water operators they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit water operators who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your water operator job on Zippia to find and recruit water operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Your first interview with water operator 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.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you 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 operator

    Once you've decided on a perfect water operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is 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 operator?

Before you start to hire water operators, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire water operators pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

Water operators earn a median yearly salary is $43,748 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find water operators for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $15 and $27.

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