Field Operations Technician

American Water; Berwick (Columbia County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Field Operations Technician to perform installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems. The role involves driving vehicles and operating heavy equipment, excavating, tapping into mains, and maintaining accurate field documentation.

Responsibilities include meter reading, customer-facing service tasks, and ensuring safe work practices in trenches and confined spaces.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical/vocational training in industrial maintenance, mechanical or electrical systems preferred.
• 0–2 years of mechanical/utility workExperience desirable in water/wastewater would be a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive and operate company vehicles and equipment to perform field service duties.
• Excavate valves and curb boxes, position pipes and related infrastructure.
• Tap into pressurized mains, install clamps, and connect service piping.
• Operate line installation and repair equipment.
• Record field data and readings accurately.
• Read meters per daily schedules and ensure accurate billing readings.
• Work in meter boxes, trenches, and confined spaces.
• Investigate and resolve customer service issues with timely responses.

Skills

Water distribution knowledge

Safety procedures

Mechanical aptitude

Reading maps/plans

Communication skills

Team collaboration

PPE compliance

Mathematical basics

Education

High School Diploma

Technical/ Vocational training

Tools

Meters reading devices

Hand & power tools

Field equipment

Mobile data entry devices

Job description

The Technician, Field Operations is responsible for performing field service duties and a variety of manual, technical, and operational tasks related to installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems.

Key Accountabilities

• Drive and operate company vehicles and equipment, including dump truck, backhoe and other equipment required to perform field service duties; operate various hand and power tools.
• Break asphalt and concrete using pneumatic tools; excavate valves and curb boxes with hand tools; 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 activities.
• Accurately complete and maintain forms, sketches, field notes, and documentation using maps and system records.
• Read meters as required by daily schedules.
• Perform work in meter boxes, confined spaces, trenches, and excavations.
• Obtain and record water meter readings in the company’s service area to ensure accurate billing of customers’ accounts within established timeframes.
• Accurately measure pressure and flow at meter to detect leaks.
• Perform service turn-ons, turn-offs, and other customer-facing operational tasks in accordance with company procedures.
• Investigate and resolve customer service issues, providing professional communication and timely response.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to learn and understand water distribution system components, including mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and related appurtenances.
• Ability to learn and understand safe work practices applicable to field operations, including PPE requirements, traffic control, trenching and excavation hazards, confined space awareness, and equipment safety.
• Basic familiarity with mechanical equipment used in field service activities, including valves, meters, hand and power tools, and construction equipment.
• Awareness of emergency response procedures related to field operations and the importance of timely reporting and escalation.
• Ability to perform basic measurements and calculations and accurately record field data with attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly report equipment issues, safety concerns, and customer service matters.
• Ability to work collaboratively with operations, 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 use of mobile devices and software for work orders, meter reading, and field documentation.
• Ability to follow established procedures and elevate abnormal conditions or emergencies according to company protocols.

Experience/Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Technical school coursework in industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or a related field preferred
• 0-2 years’ experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Prior water or wastewater treatment experience is desirable.

Certifications & Licenses

• License requirements vary by state. Candidate must obtain license within designated timeframe.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to pass motor vehicle background check.
• Class E License after three years of employment.
• Work performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, and varying weather conditions.
• Potential exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, and sewage.
• The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required.
• May be required to work in buildings, in pits, manholes, on scaffoldings or in confined spaces.
• May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces, water/wastewater hazards and electrical equipment.
• Must be able to perform essential functions and meet the physical requirements of the position including ability to stand, climb stairs, and/ or walk and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and move tools, equipment, and materials up to 80 lbs. as required. Involves crouching, stooping, and kneeling for extended or repeated periods.
• Must be able to safely drive a company vehicle for extended or intermittent periods in varying conditions.
• Frequently enters and exits vehicles.
• Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments required depending on operational needs.