Requisition ID: 109900
Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.
People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.
We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
This position will support locations for McHenry County, IL and Lake County, IL
Position salary range: $24.72 to $39.01
The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.
In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!
American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!
The Operator, is responsible for performing entry‑level work in the operation and maintenance of a water and/or wastewater treatment facility and field operations. This role assists with the operation and monitoring of treatment facilities—including wells, water treatment systems, wastewater treatment processes, and/or collection and distribution infrastructure—to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal regulatory requirements.
The Operator performs a wide range of manual labor and routine technical duties such as inspecting system components, operating and adjusting equipment, performing basic maintenance, monitoring pumping and chemical feed systems, and supporting field activities related to distribution lines, collection systems, and stormwater assets. Work includes responding to operational conditions in the field, conducting periodic equipment and system checks, and ensuring the continuous and reliable delivery of essential utility services.
- Perform startup, shutdown, routine operational checks, and continuous monitoring of water and/or wastewater treatment facilities, wells, and associated systems.
- Operate and adjust plant equipment, including pumping systems, chemical feed systems, control systems, auxiliary equipment, storage tank levels, and pump station indicators.
- Conduct hourly or scheduled inspections of treatment facilities, documenting operational data, variances, and issues in daily logs.
- Monitor process flows, pressures, levels, chemical dosages, water quality indicators, and treatment performance to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Backwash multimedia filters and perform other process-control activities to maintain optimal plant performance.
- Load, unload, and handle treatment chemicals safely and according to established procedures.
- Collect water and/or wastewater samples and perform laboratory analyses (e.g., turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, pH, chlorine, fluoride) for process control and regulatory reporting.
- Maintain accurate operational records, including logs of chemical feeds, flow measurements, temperatures, levels, and pressures.
- Perform routine preventive maintenance, including equipment adjustments, lubrication, cleaning, and minor repairs on mechanical and electrical plant equipment.
- Conduct minor corrective maintenance tasks and report equipment deficiencies requiring advanced repair.
- Maintain plant buildings and grounds including cleaning, painting, snow removal, and minor facility repairs.
- Assist with calibration activities and develop working knowledge of the metric system and related measurement protocols.
- Ability to learn and understand basic principles and safety practices of water and/or wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection as they relate to assigned duties.
- Ability to learn and understand the basic scientific and water and/or wastewater purification concepts.
- Awareness of how treatment processes function and the importance of following established operating procedures.
- Ability to learn and understand the operation of pumps, valves, motors, and other mechanical equipment related to plant operation and maintenance.
- Knowledge of required safety procedures (PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, electrical safety).
- Awareness of emergency response procedures related to plant and field operations and the importance of timely reporting and escalation.
- Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to clearly communicate operational changes, equipment issues, and safety concerns.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, and external contractors
- Basic understanding of piping systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical safety.
- Ability to recognize abnormal mechanical or electrical conditions and report or assist with troubleshooting under supervision.
- Technical Proficiency: Good working knowledge of computer programs, databases, and software.
- Ability to collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests under established procedures.
- Skill in safe handling, storage, and transfer of hazardous chemicals.
- Ability to respond to alarms and emergency conditions by following established procedures and notifying supervision.
0-2 years’ experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment preferred.
Prior water or wastewater treatment experience is desirable.
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Technical school coursework in industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or a related field or college course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred.
Daily travel within region may be required
llinois Class B Water Operator License or higher preferred
Illinois Class 3 Wastewater License or higher preferred
Valid driver’s license required
Champions safety
Collaborates
Cultivates innovation
Customer obsessed
Drives Results
Nimble learning
Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing™
American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.
