Technician, Field Operations

American Water • Saint Charles, MO

3h

About The Position

The Technician, Field Operations performs field service duties and manual, technical, and operational tasks related to installing, maintaining, and repairing water distribution systems. The role operates company vehicles, equipment, and tools; performs water service and infrastructure work; reads meters; records field information; and responds to customer service issues. Work includes indoor and outdoor environments and may involve exposure to varying weather, chemicals, sewage, noise, machinery, and other operational hazards. The posted schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with possible rotating weekend shifts. Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments may be required depending on operational needs. Local travel to worksites is required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 0–2 years of experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Valid driver's license; state-specific license requirements apply, and the candidate must obtain the required license within the designated timeframe.
• Ability to learn water distribution system components, including mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and related appurtenances.
• Ability to learn and follow field safety practices, including PPE requirements, traffic control, trenching and excavation safety, confined-space awareness, and equipment safety.
• Basic familiarity with mechanical equipment used in field service, including valves, meters, hand and power tools, and construction equipment.
• Awareness of field operations emergency response procedures and timely reporting and escalation.
• Ability to perform basic measurements and calculations and accurately record field data.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including reporting equipment issues, safety concerns, and customer matters.
• Ability to work collaboratively with operations and maintenance personnel, supervisors, and external contractors.
• Ability to read and interpret basic maps, plans, and utility drawings.
• Basic understanding of piping systems and mechanical principles related to water distribution, with awareness of electrical safety practices.
• Basic computer proficiency, including mobile devices and software for work orders, meter reading, and field documentation.
• Ability to follow established procedures and escalate abnormal conditions or emergencies.
• Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and meet the physical requirements of the position, including standing, walking, sitting, climbing stairs, safely moving tools 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.

Nice To Haves

• Technical school coursework in industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or a related field.
• Prior water or wastewater treatment experience.

Responsibilities

• Drive and operate company vehicles and equipment, including dump trucks, backhoes, and other equipment; operate hand and power tools.
• Break asphalt and concrete with pneumatic tools; excavate valves and curb boxes; position pipes, valves, fittings, and related infrastructure.
• Tap pressurized water mains, install repair clamps, flare and connect service piping, and operate valves, hydrants, and related appurtenances.
• Operate pneumatic and/or hydraulic boring equipment for line installation and repair.
• Complete and maintain forms, sketches, field notes, and documentation using maps and system records.
• Read meters as required by daily schedules; obtain and record water meter readings within established timeframes to support accurate customer billing.
• Perform work in meter boxes, confined spaces, trenches, and excavations.
• Measure pressure and flow at meters to detect leaks.
• Perform service turn-ons, turn-offs, and other customer-facing operational tasks according to company procedures.
• Investigate and resolve customer service issues, communicating professionally and responding promptly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and health benefits package.
• Annual incentive pay and opportunity for continued salary growth.
• 401(k) and Defined Contribution Plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage.
• Disability coverage and life insurance.
• Paid time off and voluntary benefits.
• Health and wellness programs.
• Learning opportunities and work experiences for professional growth.

What This Job Offers

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