7 Essential Jobs in Water Utilities (Hiring Right Now!)

Water utilities provide a vital service for life, health, and hygiene. Water utilities jobs tend to be stable and recession-proof because the demand for water remains strong in every economy. It’s also a growing industry because as towns and cities expand, they require new infrastructure.

Water utilities directly and positively impact their communities by ensuring access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Knowing your work contributes to something so fundamental can be fulfilling.

There is a wide range of available careers in water utilities. Read on for a few that are hiring right now.

What is the Water Utility Industry?

The water utility sector is vital in ensuring public health, environmental conservation, and the sustainable management of one of our most precious natural resources. It is responsible for managing and regulating water resources, including:

• treatment and distribution of clean drinking water
• wastewater treatment and management
• water infrastructure maintenance

The industry encompasses various water utilities careers, from engineering and technology to finance, customer service, and environmental science. This variety ensures there’s something for everyone’s interests and skills.

Water utilities constantly innovate and develop new technologies to address challenges like water scarcity, aging infrastructure, and climate change. Being part of this problem-solving process can be intellectually stimulating and rewarding. Water utilities jobs also help contribute to environmental sustainability and promote healthy ecosystems.

Here are seven jobs in water utilities hiring right now.

1. Wastewater Project Manager

Wastewater project managers combine technical expertise, project management skills, and a commitment to environmental responsibility. They are responsible for successfully planning, constructing, operating, and maintaining wastewater treatment facilities, making their work vital for protecting public health and the environment.

Their key responsibilities include ensuring the wastewater treatment facilities comply with environmental regulations and safety protocols. In addition, wastewater project managers confirm their facilities have the right permits for construction and operation.

They develop and manage project budgets, including securing funding and controlling costs. They also communicate with stakeholders and maintain positive relationships with both community members and regulatory agencies.

2. Civil Project Engineer (Water Resources)

Civil project engineers specializing in water resources ensure communities can access safe and reliable drinking water. Their work combines technical expertise with project management skills as they design, implement, and maintain the infrastructure that treats and delivers clean drinking water.

Civil project engineers oversee the construction of water treatment facilities, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, upgrade existing infrastructure, and efficiently manage resources. Their work is crucial for the health and safety of local communities.

3. Water Treatment Operator

Once a water treatment plant is designed and built, a water treatment operator is responsible for operating the water purifying equipment so that safe and clean drinking water reaches homes and businesses daily. These diverse and demanding roles require technical skills and a commitment to public health.

Water treatment operators:

• monitor water quality
• adjust treatment processes
• perform routine equipment maintenance
• respond to emergencies

They also test and monitor the filtering process, ensuring water meets safety standards before it reaches consumers.

4. Wastewater Treatment Operator

The role of a wastewater treatment operator is similar to water treatment operators but with a focus on wastewater. They manage the systems that treat water after it has been used. Their work is vital for preventing water pollution and for protecting ecosystems.

Key responsibilities include operating the equipment and machinery that move wastewater through treatment stages like screening, grit removal, sedimentation, biological treatment, and disinfection. They closely monitor factors like dissolved oxygen levels, pH, temperature, and flow rates to ensure effective and efficient treatment processes.

Wastewater treatment operators also adjust equipment settings based on real-time data and laboratory analysis during treatment to optimize performance and meet environmental discharge standards.

5. Automation and Control Systems Engineers

Automation and control systems engineers are the backbone of modern water utilities. They apply expertise in automation technologies to ensure reliable and efficient water treatment and distribution. This is one of many water careers critical for public health, environmental sustainability, and efficient resource management.

Advancements in automation technology are increasing the demand for engineers who can integrate and maintain these systems for water treatment and distribution. These engineers identify, implement, program, and monitor automation and human-machine interfaces. These advanced technologies allow operators to monitor and control system functions.

6. Electrical Designer (Water Resources)

An electrical designer focusing on water resources is a professional specializing in designing and implementing electrical systems for various water infrastructure projects. The responsibilities for these water jobs are diverse and crucial, requiring a blend of electrical engineering expertise, an understanding of water treatment processes, and project management skills.

The work of electrical designers ensures that water facilities operate effectively, safely, and sustainably.

7. Drafter (Water Resources)

A drafter specializing in water resources is a technical professional who creates detailed engineering drawings and plans for water utility projects. For example, drafters in drinking water plants develop detailed drawings and plans for constructing and maintaining water treatment facilities.

Drafters use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 2D and 3D models of water systems and components, providing the essential blueprints that guide the construction and renovation of water infrastructure.

Water Utility Careers

Water utilities careers offer stability and the reward of contributing to the well-being of communities and the environment. If you’re seeking a role that makes a difference, consider exploring opportunities in the water utilities sector.

If you’re looking for a job in water utilities or any career that matches your skills, we work with outstanding companies around the country. Visit the Insight Global job board to get started.