Equipment Operator - $36.87/hour

American Water Co.; Woodbridge (VA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Dental and vision coverage

Employee stock purchase plan

Paid time off

Disability

Job summary

American Water is seeking an Equipment Operator to operate backhoe and front-end loaders, excavate and load materials for water distribution projects. The role requires reading schematics and following safety protocols while supporting crew members in daily operations.

Posting notes indicate a starting wage of $36.87/hour with potential salary growth under the collective bargaining agreement and a competitive benefits package including 401(k) and health/dental/vision options.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of experience operating backhoe and other construction equipment.
• Ability to read safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write simple reports and correspondence.

Responsibilities

• Operate power construction equipment such as backhoe and front-end loaders to excavate, move, grade and replace soils and materials.
• Assist other crewmembers with operation, maintenance and construction of the water distribution system.
• Perform safety/operational inspections and routine minor preventative maintenance to equipment.
• Read and understand schematics, blueprints or sketches of work to be done.
• Maneuver pipe sections, valves and fittings into position.
• Drive Company vehicles and pull trailers as required.

Skills

Backhoe operation

Loader operation

Equipment operation

Reading schematics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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! 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.

Job Title: Equipment Operator - $36.87/hour

Posting Start Date: 10/15/26

Job Description:

Position Information

Posted Range: $36.87/hour

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and contracted increases as determined by the collective bargaining agreement, and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth.

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

• Operates various types of power construction equipment such as backhoe and front-end loaders, to excavate, move, grade and replace soils and miscellaneous backfill/restoration materials, and to load /unload pipe, fittings and materials.
• Assist other crewmembers with various duties in connection with the operation, maintenance and construction of the water distribution system.

Key Accountabilities

• Perform all functions of the position in a safe and conscientious manner, with constant regard for the safety of fellow employees and the general public.
• Operates earthmoving and construction equipment and vehicles.
• Takes instructions and decides what needs to be done with the assigned equipment in order to complete the job.
• Reads and understands schematics, blueprints or sketches of work to be done.
• Understands Miss Utility marks and is familiar with the hazards associated with other below and above ground utilities including a general understanding of the Miss Utility laws and regulations and related company policies.
• Performs safety/operational inspections and routine minor preventative maintenance to equipment.
  Has a general understanding of Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act and company policies relating to same.
• Assist with wet taps using large and small tapping machines, install repair sleeves, flare copper, and install meter settings and yokes.
  Be familiar with the duties of Laborer, Truck Driver, and Utility Worker classifications.
• Assists with erecting barricades and placing safety lights around worksites to protect workers from street traffic, may flag traffic as required.
• Maneuvers pipe sections, valves and fittings into position.
• Backfills excavations using compaction equipment on dirt, crushed stone and cold mixed asphalt.
• Removes and installs water meters, reads meters after installation.
  Work overtime as required.
  Drive Company vehicles and pull trailers as required.
  Performs maintenance work on Company property and grounds.
  Other duties as assigned by supervisor. Other duties may be assigned.

Experience/Education

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Two (2) years experience operating backhoe and other construction equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions andprocedure manuals.
• Ability to write simple reports and correspondence.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job in all weather conditions and is regularly exposed to vibration. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to performthe essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently expose to toxic orcaustic chemicals and extreme cold. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and isoccasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, extreme heat and riskof electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, talk or hear, and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or remove up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Other

• Must possess valid drivers license.
• Confined Space Entry Certification preferred.
• VDOT Flagging Certification preferred.

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 any other status in a