Technician, Maintenance & Relief Operator

American Water•Richmond, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals. We are Beautifully Different . We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn , Facebook , X and Instagram . Primary Role The Technician, Maintenance & Relief Operator supports plant operations by performing basic equipment maintenance, assisting with routine inspections, and learning essential treatment processes. This role develops foundational skills in plant operation, safety practices, and mechanical troubleshooting while working under close guidance. At times, required to operate the treatment plant in a way that meets all state and federal regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Ability to learn and understand the operation of pumps, valves, motors, and other mechanical equipment related to plant operation and maintenance.
Basic awareness of water/wastewater treatment principles and process objectives.
Knowledge of required safety procedures (PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, electrical safety).
Knowledge of emergency response protocols for plant systems, equipment failures, or chemical incidents.
Must understand the working principle behind a computerized maintenance management program.
Awareness of applicable state and federal water/wastewater regulations and the importance of compliance.
Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to clearly communicate operational changes, equipment issues, and safety concerns.
Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, and external contractors.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, engineering drawings, and equipment specifications.
Basic understanding of piping systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical safety.
Ability to recognize abnormal equipment conditions and report or troubleshoot mechanical issues under supervision.
Technical Proficiency: Good working knowledge of computer programs, databases, and software.
Ability to perform sampling and basic laboratory tests under direction.
Skill in safe handling, storage, and transfer of hazardous chemicals.
Ability to respond to alarms and emergency conditions by following established procedures and supervisor direction.
High School Diploma or equivalent
0-2+ years’ experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
Valid driver's license
Water Treatment WT5 License – must be able to obtain license within 2 years

Nice To Haves

Technical school coursework in industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or a related field preferred
Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment preferred.
Prior water or wastewater treatment experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot, install, operate, maintain, inspect, repair, and perform preventive maintenance duties on the equipment at the treatment plants including, but not limited to, pumps, blowers, motors, chemical feed equipment, screens, mixers, filters, flow meters, gauges, valves, wash water processing equipment and related instrumentation and control equipment.
Calibrates and adjusts chemical feed and process equipment including instrumentation and control systems.
Monitor the treatment plant and adjust as necessary to control their operations.
Perform sampling, testing, and laboratory analysis to monitor process and determine compliance with Federal, State, and American Water’s standards.
Perform necessary emergency operating procedures and take proper corrective action for continuous effective operation of the treatment plants.
Maintain all necessary records, tools, and work equipment.
Perform maintenance and custodial duties.
Perform light construction projects as needed including carpentry, plumbing, painting, electrical, masonry, etc.
Specifies and initiates orders for parts and supplies.
Assume duties of Plant Operator in the Operator's absence.
Perform delivery, loading, unloading, and placing of water/wastewater treatment chemicals into storage, including chemical receiving and inventory.
Maintain grounds, buildings, roadways, screens, reservoirs, and rights-of-way.
Responsible for daily well run and all associated processes on weekends or whenever assigned.
Responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting sewage collection system and/or water distribution system.
All other duties as assigned.

Benefits

As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career.
Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

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