How to hire a water treatment plant engineer

How to hire a water treatment plant engineer, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The water treatment plant engineer 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?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a water treatment plant engineer 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 treatment plant engineer that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of water treatment plant engineer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Water Treatment Plant Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Water Treatment Plant Engineer	Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They are involved in efforts to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control.	$26-50
   Engineering Project Coordinator	An engineering project coordinator works with project managers and specialists to ensure that all aspects of the project are carried out and cared for. They make sure that work is done according to schedule, the staff is doing their job per timeframe, the budget is allocated for, and expenditures are accounted for... Show more	$25-48
   Environmental Supervisor	The environmental supervisor works with management to ensure that all policies, processes, and activities of the company adhere to the local environmental policies and regulations. This position is commonly seen in companies that directly affect the environment, such as energy, aerospace, mining, lumber, and chemical manufacturers... Show more	$19-43

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Water Treatment Plant
   • EPA
   • Plant Operations
   • Waste Water
   • Equipment Installation
   • Water Samples

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and conduct various environmental engineering projects at DOD facilities.
   • Prepare and review project drawings/specifications to ensure compliance with OSHA environmental/quality standards, and federal, state and local environmental laws.
   • Oversee the NJDEP DPCC program (SPCC) for the facility by auditing above grind storage tanks for leaks.
   • Conduct spill prevention control and countermeasure plans (SPCC) site visits and plan updates for clients across the southeast.
   • Coordinate highly involve, complex RCRA permit modifications and projects to objectively meet needs of internal and external stakeholders.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your water treatment plant engineer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A water treatment plant engineer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, water treatment plant engineers' average salary in florida is 40% less than in west virginia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level water treatment plant engineers earn 48% less than senior-level water treatment plant engineers.
   • Certifications. A water treatment plant engineer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a water treatment plant engineer's salary.

   Average water treatment plant engineer salary

   $76,284yearly

   $36.67 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level water treatment plant engineer salary

   $55,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 29, 2025

4. Writing a water treatment plant engineer job description

   A good water treatment plant engineer job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a water treatment plant engineer job description:

   Water treatment plant engineer job description example

   
   **Mid-Level Water Treatment Plant and Infrastructure Design Engineer**
   
   **Who We Are**
   
   At WSP, we are driven by inspiring future-ready pioneers to innovate. We're looking to grow our teams with people who are ready to collaborate in building communities and expanding our skylines. To do this, we hire candidates of all experiences, skillsets, backgrounds and walks of life. We actively foster a work environment and culture where inclusion and diversity is part of our fundamental structure. This is delivered behaviorally, through our policies, trainings, local partnerships with professional diverse organizations, internal networks and most importantly with the support and sponsorship of our leaders who help drive our commitment to an inclusive, diverse, welcoming and equitable work environment. Anything is within our reach and yours as a WSP employee. Come join us and help shape the future!
   
   **Our Business**
   
   We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Wood's Environment & Infrastructure business and Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change. As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.
   
   **This Opportunity**
   
   WSP currently has a career opportunity available for a Mid-Level Water Treatment Plant and Infrastructure Design Engineer. Are you an Engineer with 4-12 years of experience in Water Treatment Plant and Infrastructure Engineering Design? Are you looking for an opportunity to work with an established environmental consulting firm on technically complex projects and with opportunities for personal and professional growth? Are you looking for a firm that values its employee's enthusiasm and technical contributions? We are growing and have a career opportunity for a Mid Level Water Treatment Plant and Infrastructure Design Engineer to join our dynamic team in our Bay Area offices.
   
   **Your Impact**
   
   + Develop high quality, safety focused, leading edge sustainable WaterTreatment Plant and InfrastructureEngineering Design solutions to our municipal and industrial clients for consulting, design and constructionservices
   
   + Contribute to client business development activities in a doer / seller format, including client development, SOW and proposal preparation and client - centric presentations
   
   + Contribute to staff development consisting of individuals with 0 - 12 years' experience and provide quality review, quality assurance and mentoring
   
   + Execute project performance and budget monitoring & reporting (internally and externally)
   
   + Serve as an effective interface between client's project team and consulting team, conveying technical, schedule and financial information in a timely and professional manner
   
   + Provide supervision during engineering design for entry-level and other mid-level engineering staff
   
   **Who You Are**
   
   **Required Qualifications**
   
   + 4 - 12 years of related work experience required
   
   + Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering (Civil, Chemical, or Environmental) required
   
   + Must have a current Professional Engineering certification/registration in Civil Engineering in California
   
   + Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
   
   + Formal project management training desirable; certified as WSP PM if managing projects
   
   + Ability to establish effective working relationships with contractors required
   
   + Ability to communicate clearly with on-site contractors, supervisor or Project Manager regarding work assignments required
   
   **Physical Job Requirements**
   
   + Ability to stoop, kneel, climb and lift up to 50 pounds
   
   + Ability to drive large pick-up truck; ability to drive a trailer helpful
   
   + Ability to use hands to operate field equipment
   
   + Close, distance, and peripheral vision; normal auditory function
   
   + Must complete employment physical demonstrating ability to meet job requirements, including the ability to wear a respirator, as required
   
   + Completion of annual or bi-annual employment physical, as required
   
   **License / Certification Requirements**
   
   + Valid driver's license and insurable driving record
   
   + Must pass 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training and annual refresher course within, if required
   
   **Machines, Tools and/or Equipment Used**
   
   + Field tools and equipment
   
   + Pickup truck and/or other motor vehicle(s); some locations require individual to have their own vehicle
   
   + Office equipment such as photocopy machine and fax machine
   
   + Personal computer and desk top software (e.g., MSOffice)
   
   **Work Environment**
   
   + May require work at remote sites around construction equipment, drilling rigs, explosives and environmental contamination
   
   + Overtime and overnight stays may be required
   
   + Some fieldwork may require working with hazardous materials and in hazardous conditions
   
   + May be subject to periods of extreme heat and cold and other environmental conditions such as wind as humidity
   
   + Will be required to follow all applicable health and safety procedures associated with work environment
   
   **Travel**
   
   + May travel frequently to project sites, including sites remote from the office, as part of on-site team
   
   \#LI-SS2
   
   **Additional Requirements**
   
   + To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
   
   **Additional Details**
   
   + **Travel Required:** N/A - No travel required
   
   + **Job Status:** Regular
   
   + **Employee Type:** Full
   
   + **Primary Location:** OAKLAND - 12TH ST
   
   + **All locations:** US-CA-Oakland
   
   **About WSP**
   
   WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 12,000 employees in over 200 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. www.wsp.com
   
   WSP provides a flexible, agile and hybrid workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
   
   At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
   
   WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
   
   The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

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5. Post your job

   To find water treatment plant engineers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any water treatment plant engineers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level water treatment plant engineers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your water treatment plant engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit water treatment plant engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with water treatment plant engineer 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.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 treatment plant engineer

   Once you've found the water treatment plant engineer candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   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 water treatment plant engineer first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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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