Wastewater Operator
American Water
Operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring safety and compliance.
1 days ago ago
Intermediate (4-7 years), Junior (1-3 years)
Full Time
Charleston, WV
Field
Company Size
6,800 Employees
Service Specialisms
Water Treatment
Water Distribution
Environmental Services
Infrastructure Management
Water Resources Management
Sector Specialisms
Water Quality
Wastewater Service
Infrastructure
Water Treatment
Water Distribution
Water Testing and Analysis
Water Resources
Regulatory Compliance
Role
What you would be doing
equipment inspection
process control
lab testing
maintenance
customer service
training
- Maintains records of operations; submits routine reports as assigned.
- May be required to work day, evening, night or rotating shifts as needed.
- Inspects all mechanical equipment for proper operation.
- Conducts safety inspections and follows safety rules and procedures.
- May perform duties as Collection System Specialist as needed.
- Regulates the flow of wastewater and sludge through the treatment processes.
- Operates, and performs routine duties and care of a wide variety of specialized equipment and apparatus in a plant/treatment facility and/or collection system including pumps, motors, chlorinators, chemical preparation, and feeding; physical, chemical, and biological wastewater treatment processes; control equipment and monitoring equipment.
- Makes necessary adjustments to equipment, processes, and chemical feeders, as test results may indicate or as instructed by the Lead Operator/Supervisor.
- Performs related field and laboratory tests as necessary to monitor and control the facilities.
- Responds to customer service calls.
- Work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Performs normal lubrication, adjustments, seal packing, minor maintenance, and repairs as necessary.
- Attends and participates in operational and safety training programs as directed by management.
- May clear clogs and/or make repairs to sewer mains.
- May train other employees in the operation and care of facilities including maintenance, repairs, laboratory work, and safety, as required.
- Communicate effectively with other operators and supervisors.
- Always interacts with fellow employees and the public in a professional and courteous manner.
What you bring
scada
ms excel
instrumentation
electrical
wastewater
high school
- Able to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
- Ability to operate hand tools and power tools.
- Able to prepare and maintain accurate paperwork such as records, logs, orders and reports.
- Able to perform accurate mathematical calculations related to the position.
- May be required to work weekends, holidays and overtime.
- Ability to perform basic repairs needed for the operation of pumps, valves, motors and other mechanical equipment related to operations and maintenance.
- Experience with electrical power systems.
- Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment.
- Must be able to lift and/or carry 80 lbs. or more frequently.
- Working knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and collection systems.
- Minimum of two years of experience in the water supply or wastewater treatment field.
- License requirements vary by state. Candidates must possess the required licenses or have the ability to obtain within a designated timeframe.
- Able to carry, climb and work from ladders.
- Able to work in a team environment.
- Able to plan, schedule, prioritize and coordinate work.
- Experience with instrumentation calibration.
- Course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering preferred.
- Exposure to potentially harmful pathogens and gases in raw unprocessed wastewater creating potential for blood borne/airborne disease.
- Ability to respond to emergencies.
- Position is subject to 24 hour call-out and overtime.
- Exposure to loud noise
- Able to work in confined space environments.
- Must be available for emergency call outs.
- Working knowledge of the principles of chemistry, biology, environmental science and engineering needed to successfully operate a wastewater treatment facility.
- Working knowledge of basic plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and carpentry necessary to operate and maintain wastewater facilities.
- Ability to read and interpret gauges, meters, plans, profile maps and detail drawings.
- Able to operate vehicles and equipment such as heavy trucks, fork lifts, tampers, portable generators, pumps, etc. as required.
- Valid drivers’ license with safe driving record.
- Able to walk up and down stairs and long distances.
- Able to work indoors and outdoors during adverse weather conditions.
- Demonstrate computer skills within MS Word, MS Excel and SCADA systems.
- High School graduate or state recognized education equivalency certificate.
- Must maintain a neat, professional appearance while in uniform and during work hours.
- Ability to perform process control analysis, monitoring, compliance sampling and testing.
- Able to establish effective working relationships. with staff, customers, and the public.
- Able to complete tasks while wearing appropriate PPE.
- Frequent intrastate travel.
- Able to wear a respirator or SCBA as required.
- Experience in training others in the variety of tasks related to operations and care of all facilities in a safe and proper manner.
- Able to remain alert and attentive to surroundings and co-workers.
- Must maintain a courteous demeanor when speaking with customers and the public.
- Potential exposure to harmful contaminants and harsh environments.
- Frequent out of town, overnight trips.
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Interview process
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Company
Overview
Since 1886
Year Established
The company was founded in this year, marking the beginning of its journey in water and wastewater services.
14M+ People
Serve Millions Daily
The company delivers water and wastewater services to over fourteen million people across the United States.
24 States
National Presence
The company operates and provides essential water services in a significant portion of the U.S., covering two dozen states.
130+ Years
Legacy of Excellence
With over a century of experience, the company has built a reputation as a leader in water systems and operations.
- Provides vital water and wastewater services, ensuring communities have access to clean water.
- Has a long history of managing water infrastructure in partnership with municipalities.
- Recent projects include modernizing infrastructure, expanding service coverage, and improving water treatment facilities.
- Known for innovation in water management, offering sustainable solutions to modern water challenges.
- A trusted provider for residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the U.S.
- Safety first – safety is our top focus for every employee, customer and community we serve.
- Trust, dignity & respect – being dependable, honest, transparent and accountable; ensuring everyone is acknowledged, heard and empowered to thrive.
- One team – leveraging our size, scale and expertise to act as a cohesive team working towards a greater purpose.
- Environmental leadership – delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable services while acting as a trusted steward of our most precious resource.
- High performance – committed to excellence in everything we do, executing to the best of our abilities and addressing issues quickly and transparently.
75% reduction
Injury Rate Improvement
The injury rate has been reduced by 75% since 2018, demonstrating a strong commitment to workplace safety.
20 billion kWh
Solar Energy Generation
Deployment of solar panels at six treatment facilities generates approximately 20 million kWh annually.
6.4 billion gallons
Water Saved
Leak-detection technology has prevented the loss of 6.4 billion gallons of water per day over five years.
≤1%
Affordable Water Bills
Average residential bills are capped at ≤1% of median household income, ensuring affordability.
- Medium‑term GHG goal: reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2035 from a 2020 baseline.
- Long‑term GHG goal: achieve net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050.
- Water delivery efficiency: by 2035, reduce water delivered per customer 15% vs 2015 baseline.
- Water system resilience: by 2030, increase Utility Resilience Index by 10% vs 2020 baseline.
- Drinking water quality compliance tied to employee compensation via Annual Performance Plan.
- Infrastructure investment: billions annually, including $28–32 billion over ten years to modernize assets, boost resiliency, reduce leaks and enhance water quality.
- In 2022, water‑line replacement rate was 136 years—well ahead of nearly 200‑year industry average.
#11 Ranking
Forbes Best Employers for Diversity
Recognized as one of the top employers for diversity in the U.S.
4 Years
Consistently top-scoring utility in the Disability Equality Index.
2022 Pay Equity
Conducted a comprehensive pay equity analysis across the organization.
Four Consecutive Years
Included in the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index for four years.
- Chief Inclusion Officer (dual-reporting to CEO & CHRO) leads ID&E strategic plan.
- Inclusion & Diversity Advisory Council provides governance and guidance for ID&E efforts.
- Four employee business resource groups launched: female empowerment; Black/African American; LGBTQ+; caregivers & disability.
- Social-goal tracking includes % female and racial/ethnic diversity based on self-identification.
- Annual Performance Plan includes Employee Diversity as performance metric.
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