Associate, Operations Services Specialist

American Water Co.; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water Co. seeks an Associate, Operations Services Specialist to support operational service delivery and implement targeted improvements across state operations.

The role collaborates with the Operational Performance and Planning team to drive process standardization, evaluate performance data, and advance projects. Travel up to 30% may be required; a background in utilities and project management is preferred.

Qualifications

• Core professional competence in Service Delivery and project management within a related field, knowledge of utility operations, maintenance, and/or capital program management/delivery.
• Knowledge of contract administration.
• Working knowledge of new technology and current trends in water quality, water treatment, developer services and other related water resource management disciplines.
• Business acumen and judgment; knowledge of company procedures, policies and operations; knowledge of Change Management methodologies and techniques.
• Good knowledge of water and/or wastewater system state and federal regulatory requirements and standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills: persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation.
• Basic project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and/or support the delivery of projects to drive operational improvement and standardization.
• Provide support for state operations in the effective adoption and use of company-defined standardized operational systems.
• Assist with the due diligence and integration of new acquisition targets and closed acquisition transactions, as requested.
• Support the provision of state-owned customer service-related activities to deliver high-levels of customer service and address customer complaints.
• Analyze state- and district-level operational performance data provided by the centralized Operational Performance and Planning team, to identify opportunities for performance improvements within the assigned state of responsibility.

Skills

Service Delivery

Project management

Water/wastewater knowledge

Contract administration

Communication skills

State regulatory requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Engineering, business, or related field

Water / Wastewater experience preferred

Job description

Associate, Operations Services Specialist

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.

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!

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, visitamwater.com and joinAmerican Water onLinkedIn ,Facebook , X andInstagram .

Job Description

Job Title: Associate, Operations Services Specialist

Posting Start Date: 9/9/26

Primary Role

The Associate Specialist, Operations Services supports a range of services aiding operational service delivery, and implements practical, targeted solutions to drive business and operations performance improvement opportunities.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and/or support the delivery of projects to drive operational improvement and standardization.
• Provide support for state operations in the effective adoption and use of company-defined standardized operational systems.
• Assist with the due diligence and integration of new acquisition targets and closed acquisition transactions, as requested.
• Support the provision of state-owned customer service-related activities to deliver high-levels of customer service and address customer complaints.
• Analyze state- and district-level operational performance data provided by the centralized Operational Performance and Planning team, to identify opportunities for performance improvements within the assigned state of responsibility.

Knowledge/Skills

• Core professional competence in Service Delivery and project management within a related field, knowledge of utility operations, maintenance, and/or capital program management/delivery.
• Knowledge of contract administration.
• Working knowledge of new technology and current trends in water quality, water treatment, developer services and other related water resource management disciplines.
• Business acumen and judgment; knowledge of company procedures, policies and operations; knowledge of Change Management methodologies and techniques.
• Good knowledge of water and/or wastewater system state and federal regulatory requirements and standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations.
• Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting)
• Basic project management skills (e.g. planning, organizing, directing, monitoring and reporting on project activities, managing concurrent projects).

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field desired. Equivalent role-related work experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
• 2+ years’ experience with a bachelor’s degree or 8+ years’ experience without a bachelor’s degree in utility operations, customer service, or project management roles.
• Water / Wastewater experience preferred.

Travel Requirements

Up to 30%, as required.

Certifications & Licenses

Project Management certification preferred.

Work Environment

Primarily indoor office environment.

Competencies

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

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they arean individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.