Operator, Wastewater Treatment

American Water • Fayetteville, WV

2d

About The Position

The Operator, Wastewater Treatment performs entry-level operational and maintenance support work at a wastewater treatment facility. The role supports daily plant operations, monitoring, routine maintenance, and data collection while learning wastewater treatment and collection processes and regulatory requirements. Work is performed under the general supervision of Senior and Lead Operators or local management.

The position involves indoor and outdoor work, exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, sewage, and varying weather, and may include work in buildings, pits, manholes, on scaffolding, or in confined spaces. The employee must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and meet the listed physical requirements. Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments may be required depending on operational needs. Daily travel within the region may be required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 0–2 years of experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Obtain the required license within the designated timeframe; license requirements vary by state.
• Ability to learn basic principles and safety practices of wastewater treatment, pumping, and collection systems and related scientific principles.
• Awareness of wastewater treatment processes and the importance of following operating procedures.
• Ability to learn the operation of pumps, valves, motors, and other mechanical equipment used in plant operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of safety procedures, including PPE, lockout/tagout, confined-space entry, and electrical safety.
• Awareness of emergency response procedures and the need to report and escalate incidents promptly.
• Quantitative and analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate operational changes, equipment issues, and safety concerns, and collaborate with operations, maintenance, and external contractors.
• Basic understanding of piping systems, hydraulics, and electrical safety as related to wastewater treatment facilities.
• Ability to recognize abnormal mechanical or electrical conditions and report them or assist with troubleshooting under supervision.
• 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 procedures and notifying supervision.
• Ability to wear appropriate PPE; stand, climb stairs, walk and/or sit for long periods; safely lift, carry, push, pull, and move tools, equipment, and materials up to 80 pounds; and crouch, stoop, and kneel for extended or repeated periods.
• Ability to safely drive a company vehicle for extended or intermittent periods in varying conditions and frequently enter and exit vehicles.
• Ability to work overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments as operational needs require.
• Ability to travel daily within the region as required.

Nice To Haves

• College coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering.
• Basic Water Treatment license.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine operations and maintenance tasks at the plant, assisting with equipment such as pumps, motors, chlorinators, and chemical preparation and feeding systems according to established procedures.
• Assist with operating and monitoring physical, chemical, and biological wastewater treatment processes and associated control and monitoring equipment.
• Assist with regulating wastewater and sludge flow through treatment processes under direction and established procedures.
• Maintain accurate plant records, including operating logs, worksheets, test results, chemical feed data, flow measurements, temperatures, levels, and other process data.
• Load and unload plant chemicals according to handling procedures and maintain chemical inventory levels.
• Inspect mechanical equipment and perform assigned lubrication, adjustments, seal packing, minor maintenance, and minor repairs.
• Perform field and laboratory tests to support facility monitoring and operation.
• Assist with adjustments to equipment, processes, and chemical feeders based on test results and direction from the Lead Operator or Supervisor.
• Conduct routine safety inspections; use required PPE; and follow lockout/tagout and chemical-handling protocols.
• Answer calls from the CSO and relay information to operations and leadership as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and health benefits package.
• Opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career.
• Benefits packages focused on health and wellness, emotional well-being, and savings for current and future goals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED