Technician, Field Operations

American Water•Fayetteville, WV

About The Position

The Technician, Field Operations performs field service duties and manual, technical, and operational tasks related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems. The role operates company vehicles, construction equipment, hand and power tools, and supports water-main and service-line work, meter reading, and customer-facing operations. Work may take place indoors and outdoors, at varied worksites, and in trenches, pits, manholes, and confined spaces. Local travel is required. Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments may be required depending on operational needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
0–2 years of experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
Valid driver’s license; any additional license requirements vary by state and must be obtained within the designated timeframe.
Ability to learn water distribution system components and applicable field-operation safety practices, including PPE, traffic control, trenching and excavation hazards, 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-operation emergency response procedures and the importance of timely reporting and escalation.
Ability to perform basic measurements and calculations and accurately record field data.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including clear reporting of equipment issues, safety concerns, and customer service matters.
Ability to collaborate 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 work, 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 perform essential physical functions, including standing, walking, sitting, and climbing stairs for extended periods; safely lift, carry, push, pull, and move tools, equipment, and materials up to 80 pounds; crouch, stoop, and kneel for extended or repeated periods; safely drive a company vehicle; and frequently enter and exit vehicles.
Ability to work in varying indoor and outdoor conditions and tolerate exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, weather, dust, pollen, sewage, fumes, caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces, water/wastewater hazards, and electrical equipment.

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 and backhoes, and use hand and power tools.
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; 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 according to daily schedules and obtain and record meter readings within established timeframes for 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 through professional communication and timely response.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive salary and annual incentive pay opportunity, with continued salary growth potential.
401(k).
Defined Contribution Plan.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage.
Disability insurance.
Paid time off.
Life insurance and voluntary benefits.
Health and wellness programs.
Learning opportunities and work experiences to support professional growth.