Relief Plant Operator

American Water • Milton, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Pennsylvania American Water is hiring a full-time Relief Plant Operator in Milton, Pennsylvania. This versatile, entry-level position supports production operations and field services. The operator will be trained to operate a surface water plant and other area production sites, and will also participate in maintaining, repairing, and installing utility assets throughout the service territory.

The role involves operating and monitoring water and/or wastewater treatment facilities and related infrastructure, including wells, treatment systems, collection and distribution systems, and stormwater assets. Work includes routine inspections, equipment adjustments, basic maintenance and repairs, sampling and laboratory testing, operational recordkeeping, and field work to support reliable utility services and regulatory compliance.

The position is based in indoor and outdoor environments and requires daily travel within the region as needed. The schedule is on-site and rotating, includes 12-hour shifts, and may involve overtime, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments depending on operational needs. The schedule will be discussed during the interview.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 0–2 years of experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Ability to learn basic principles and safety practices of water and/or wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection.
• 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 and the need for timely reporting and escalation.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate operational changes, equipment issues, and safety concerns.
• Ability to collaborate with operations and maintenance teams 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 procedures and notifying supervision.
• Must obtain a Pennsylvania DEP Operator license within three years of employment.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including standing, climbing stairs, walking and/or sitting for extended periods; lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and moving tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 80 pounds; and crouching, stooping, and kneeling 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 wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Technical school coursework in industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or a related field, or college coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering.
• Experience servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment.
• Prior water or wastewater treatment experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform startup, shutdown, routine operational checks, and continuous monitoring of treatment facilities, wells, and associated systems.
• Operate and adjust pumping, chemical feed, control, auxiliary, and related plant equipment; monitor tank levels and pump station indicators.
• Inspect facilities on hourly or scheduled intervals and document operating data, variances, and issues in daily logs.
• Monitor process flows, pressures, levels, chemical dosages, water quality indicators, and treatment performance for regulatory compliance.
• Backwash multimedia filters and perform other process-control activities.
• Safely load, unload, and handle treatment chemicals according to established procedures.
• Collect water and/or wastewater samples and perform routine laboratory analyses, including turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, pH, chlorine, and fluoride tests.
• Maintain accurate operational records, including chemical feeds, flow measurements, temperatures, levels, and pressures.
• Perform preventive maintenance such as equipment adjustments, lubrication, cleaning, and minor mechanical and electrical repairs; report deficiencies requiring advanced repair.
• Maintain plant buildings and grounds through cleaning, painting, snow removal, and minor facility repairs.
• Assist with calibration activities and apply measurement protocols, including use of the metric system.
• Perform manual labor installing, repairing, and maintaining water distribution, wastewater collection, and stormwater systems.
• Break asphalt and concrete with pneumatic tools; excavate valves and curb boxes; and position pipes, valves, fittings, and related infrastructure.
• Tap into pressurized water mains, install repair clamps, connect service piping, and operate valves, hydrants, and related appurtenances.
• Operate pneumatic and hydraulic boring equipment for line installation and repair.
• Complete forms, sketches, field notes, and other documentation using maps and system records.
• Drive and operate vehicles and equipment needed for field tasks.
• Read and record water meters, and measure pressure and flow to detect leaks.
• Investigate and resolve customer service issues, communicate professionally, and perform service turn-ons and turn-offs in accordance with company procedures.
• Follow Environmental, Health, and Safety policies; conduct safety inspections; use required PPE; follow lockout/tagout and chemical-handling procedures; and promptly report unsafe conditions.
• Ensure treatment processes and field activities comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Answer calls from the CSO and relay information to a supervisor as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• 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