$32.55/hr-Water Plant Operator

American Water; Mechanicsburg (Cumberland County); On-site; USD 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Pennsylvania American Water seeks a Water Plant Operator for a full-time, night-shift role in Mechanicburg, PA. You will oversee the treatment process, adjust chemical feeds, monitor quality, and maintain records to ensure safe water delivery.

The position requires a high school diploma and PA driver’s license, with preferred college coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering. Training for Operator Class A will be provided as needed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• College coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred.
• Valid PA driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair plant equipment.
• Control flow through treatment process and distribution system.
• Adjust chemical feed rates to optimize operations.
• Monitor water quality and maintain records.
• Perform sampling and analysis to ensure compliance.
• Work night shift (7pm–7am) and be able to work in confined spaces.
• Loading, unloading and batching chemicals.
• Local travel within service territory.

Skills

Water treatment

Mechanical systems

Communication

Math basics

Safety mindset

Respirator use

Education

High School diploma

Science/engineering coursework

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: $32.55/hr-Water Plant Operator

Posting Start Date: 10/23/26

Primary Role

Have you ever wondered how the water at your home, work or community is treated? Are you passionate about work that makes a difference? If so, this may be a great role for you! Pennsylvania American Water has an opportunity for a full-time Water Treatment Operator role in Mechanicburg, PA. As a plant operator, you will oversee the overall treatment process, make controlled adjustments, and ensure we are producing a safe, healthy, and reliable resource for our customers and the greater public. Our ideal candidate will have experience in a plant environment and have a strong mechanical attitude and safety mindset.

The plant operator is responsible for having active involvement in and make process control decisions associated with the operation and maintenance of water purification systems and related wastewater processes.

• Note- This is a night-shift position.

Key Accountabilities

• Operate, maintain, control and perform routine repair of plant equipment including preventive maintenance duties.
• Establish, maintain and control flow through the water treatment process and into and within the distribution system.
• Maintain process control through the water treatment and wastewater processes including the establishment, maintenance, calibration and adjustment of chemical feed rates necessary to optimize the process operation.
• Monitor the water treatment plant and water distribution system and make adjustments as necessary to control their operation.
• Maintain all necessary records.
• Perform water quality sampling, testing and analysis to determine compliance with federal, state and PAWC’s standards.
• Loading, unloading, handling, placing into storage and batching water treatment plant chemicals.
• Operate and maintain raw water facilities including reservoir supply, transmission and pumping facilities.
• Perform general maintenance duties at water treatment plant and related facilities and other assigned duties.

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of water treatment processes, basic scientific concepts and water quality standards and regulation and Company procedures
• Working knowledge of basic mechanical and automated control systems
• Communicate in an effective manner both oral and written with the general public and Company personnel
• Read and understand instructions, safety rules, etc.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to be able to calculate dosages, surface areas, volumes, weights, measures and algebraic formulas
• Mechanical ability sufficient to operate pumps, valves, motors and other mechanical equipment related to plant operation and maintenance
• Physical fitness- capable of lifting and/or carrying 50 lbs. or more on a frequent basis.
• Walking up and down stairs
• Working in confined areas
• Ability to wear a respirator
• Environmental conditions including contact with water, chemicals, fumes, odors and dust as a result of working with and handling potentially hazardous water treatment and laboratory chemicals
• Minimum exposure to inclement weather mostly of short duration

Experience/Education

• High School graduate or state recognized education equivalency certificate
• College course work and/or degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering curriculum are desired
• Must possess a valid PA driver’s license
• Must obtain and maintain a PA DEP Operator Class A license within three (3) of hire
• Attend continuing education as needed for Operator certification renewal

Travel Requirements

• Local travel within service territory

Work Schedule

• Full-time, on-site
• Rotating 12-hour shift (7pm-7am)

Competencies

• Plans & Aligns
• Decision Making
• Communicates Effectively
• Builds Networks
• Action Oriented