Water System Operator

Maine Water Environment Association; North Carolina; On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Medical insurance

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Vacation days

Sick time

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Training opportunities

Job summary

Portland Water District is seeking its next Water System Operator apprentice to learn and perform a broad range of tasks that keep our water system reliable for over 200,000 customers. The position requires CDL class B or A (or permit) and offers a sign-on bonus of $3,000.

Starting pay is $28.07/hr during a 6-month probation, rising to $29.54/hr; comprehensive benefits are included. The career ladder includes distribution maintenance, treatment, pumping, storage, metering, cross connection,

Qualifications

• CDL class B or A or permit required to be considered.
• Must be within one hour of travel time from facility.
• Previous construction experience beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Learn to perform a broad range of tasks to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the water system.
• Develop skills in water distribution and transmission procedures, water plant operations, and asset management.

Job description

Date Posted: October 05, 2026 | End Date: November 30, 2026

County: Cumberland County

Job Type: Water & Wastewater

At this time PWD is requiring applicants to have a CDL class B or A or permit to be considered.

We offer a sign-on bonus of $3,000 for a CDL license, in good standing.

Portland Water District is currently looking for our next Water System Operator. Our WSO will learn to perform a broad range of tasks to ensure proper operation and maintenance of Portland Water District’s water system that provides continued flow to over 200,000 customers. The successful candidate must have previous construction experience, and the ability and desire to function in a team environment, positive communication problem solving skills, a willingness to learn, and be within one (1) hour of travel time from facility. The position will develop the necessary skills of water distribution and transmission procedures, water plant operations, and water utility service.

The current starting hourly rate of pay is $28.07 for the probationary period of six months. Upon completion of the probationary period, the hourly rate of pay increases to $29.54. This apprentice position also features a career ladder where operators are trained in all aspects of the water system including distribution maintenance, treatment, pumping, storage, metering, cross connection, construction inspection, and asset management.

Our rich benefit plan includes:

• 13 paid holidays
• 12 vacation days (2 of which are deposited into your bank at hire)
• accrued sick time
• employer matching 457 retirement plan
• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• etc.

PWD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, offering competitive wages, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities, and a comprehensive benefit package.