Operator, Water Treatment

American Water•Saint Charles, MO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operator, Water Treatment performs entry-level operational and maintenance support work at a water treatment facility. The role supports daily plant operations, monitoring, routine maintenance, and data collection while developing knowledge of treatment processes and regulatory requirements. Work is performed under the general supervision of Senior and Lead Operators or local management. The scheduled shift is 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or Sunday through Thursday. Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments may be required depending on operational needs. Daily regional travel may also be required. The position involves working indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, changing weather, dust, pollen, sewage, machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces, and electrical equipment. Work may take place in buildings, pits, manholes, on scaffolding, or in confined spaces. Employees must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and perform the physical requirements described in the posting, including standing, walking, climbing, lifting and moving materials up to 80 pounds, and safely driving a company vehicle.

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 water and/or wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection as they relate to assigned duties.
Ability to learn basic scientific and water and/or wastewater purification concepts and understand the importance of following established 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 for plant systems, equipment failures, and chemical incidents, and the importance of timely reporting and escalation.
Effective quantitative and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate operational changes, equipment issues, and safety concerns clearly.
Ability to collaborate 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 them or assist with troubleshooting under supervision.
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.
Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Ability to perform essential physical functions, including standing, walking, climbing stairs, safely moving tools and materials up to 80 pounds, and safely driving a company vehicle.

Nice To Haves

College coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering.
Experience servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment.
Basic Water Treatment license.

Responsibilities

Assist with the supervised startup, shutdown, and periodic operating checks of the water treatment plant.
Make routine equipment adjustments as directed by licensed operators, including adjustments to pumping systems, chemical feeders, auxiliary equipment, and control systems.
Monitor storage tank levels and pump station indicators, and report flows, pressures, chemical feeds, levels, and water quality indicators.
Inspect the plant hourly or as scheduled, recording operating data and problems in the daily log.
Perform filter backwashing procedures according to established SOPs and direction.
Load and unload treatment chemicals according to chemical-handling procedures and maintain chemical inventory levels.
Collect water samples and perform routine laboratory tests according to established procedures; report results to licensed operators or supervisors.
Maintain complete and accurate plant records, including operating logs, worksheets, laboratory results, chemical feed data, flow measurements, temperatures, levels, and pressures.
Assist licensed operators or supervisors in responding to water quality complaints.
Perform preventive maintenance, including equipment adjustments, lubrication, cleaning, and minor mechanical and electrical repairs.
Conduct minor corrective maintenance and report equipment deficiencies requiring advanced repair.
Maintain plant buildings and grounds, including cleaning, painting, snow removal, and minor facility repairs.
Develop working knowledge of metric systems used in plant operations and equipment calibration.
Complete equipment work orders using an asset management system such as MapCall.
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.