Requisition ID: 110229
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.
Posted range: $28-$32/hr.
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, Water and Wastewater Treatment is responsible for performing entry-level operational and maintenance support work at water and wastewater treatment facilities. This role supports daily plant operations, monitoring, routine maintenance, and data collection activities while learning water and wastewater treatment processes and regulatory requirements. Work is performed under the general supervision of Senior and Lead Operators or of local management.
- Perform routine operations and maintenance tasks at water and wastewater treatment facilities, including assisting with the care and operation of equipment such as pumps, motors, chemical preparation and feeding systems, and auxiliary equipment, in accordance with established procedures.
- Assist with operating and monitoring physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes for both water and wastewater systems, as well as associated control and monitoring equipment. Assist with the startup, shutdown, and periodic operating checks of treatment facilities under supervision.
- Assist with regulating the flow of water, wastewater, and sludge through treatment processes under direction and established operating procedures.
- Monitor storage tanks, pump stations, and treatment indicators; record flows, pressures, chemical feeds, levels, temperatures, and other operational data.
- Maintain accurate and complete plant records, including operating logs, daily worksheets, laboratory and field test results, chemical feed data, and process measurements.
- Collect water and wastewater samples and perform routine laboratory and field tests following established procedures; report results to licensed operators or supervisors.
- Load and unload chemicals used at treatment plants following all chemical-handling procedures; maintain chemical inventory levels.
- Inspect mechanical and electrical equipment for proper operation and perform routine lubrication, cleaning, adjustments, minor maintenance, and minor repairs, as assigned.
- Assist with making process and equipment adjustments based on test results and specific direction from licensed operators or supervisors.
- Conduct routine safety inspections; utilize required PPE; comply with lockout/tagout, confined space entry, and chemical-handling protocols.
- Respond to alarms and abnormal operating conditions by following established procedures and notifying appropriate supervision.
- Answer calls from the CSO and relay information to operations and leadership as needed.
- Maintain plant buildings and grounds, including cleaning and minor facility upkeep, as assigned.
- Complete equipment work orders and documentation using asset management or computerized maintenance systems, as applicable.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
- Ability to learn and understand basic principles and safety practices of water and wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection systems as they relate to assigned duties.
- Ability to learn and understand basic scientific principles related to water and wastewater treatment and purification processes.
- Awareness of how treatment processes function and the importance of following established operating procedures.
- Ability to learn and understand operation of pumps, valves, motors, and other mechanical and electrical equipment related to treatment plant operations.
- Knowledge of required safety procedures, including PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, electrical safety, and chemical handling.
- Awareness of emergency response procedures related to plant systems, equipment failures, or chemical incidents and the importance of timely reporting and escalation.
- Effective quantitative, analytical, and observational skills; attention to detail. Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate operational issues and safety concerns clearly.
- Ability to work collaboratively with operations, maintenance, water quality staff, and external contractors.
- Basic understanding of piping systems, hydraulics, and electrical safety related to treatment facilities.
- Ability to recognize abnormal mechanical or electrical conditions and assist with troubleshooting under supervision.
- Technical Proficiency: Good working knowledge of computer programs, databases, and software.
- Ability to safely collect samples and perform routine laboratory and field testing. Skill in safe handling, storage, and transfer of hazardous chemicals.
- Ability to follow established procedures during alarms and emergency conditions and notify appropriate supervision.
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- College coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering preferred.
- 0–2 years of experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
- Experience servicing, maintaining, or repairing machinery and equipment preferred.
- Daily travel within region may be required.
- License requirements vary by state. Candidate must obtain license within designated timeframe. Basic Water and Wastewater Treatment license preferred.
- Valid Driver’s License
- Work performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, and varying weather conditions.
- Potential exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, and sewage.
- The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required.
- May be required to work in buildings, in pits, manholes, on scaffoldings or in confined spaces.
- May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces, water/wastewater hazards, airborne/blood borne pathogens, and electrical equipment.
- Must be able to perform essential functions and meet the physical requirements of the position including ability to stand, climb stairs, and/ or walk and/or sit for long periods of time.
- Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and move tools, equipment, and materials up to 80 lbs. as required.
- Involves crouching, stooping, and kneeling for extended or repeated periods.
- Must be able to safely drive a company vehicle for extended or intermittent periods in varying conditions.
- Frequently enters and exits vehicles.
- Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments required depending on operational needs.
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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.
