Laborer/Equipment Operator - $31.96/hour

American Water Co.; Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 37,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water Co. is seeking a Laborer/Equipment Operator in Charleston, WV. The role involves operating backhoes and other construction equipment to support water distribution projects, with a focus on safety and efficiency.

The position offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, with opportunities for overtime and career growth.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2 years’ experience operating backhoe and construction equipment.
• Experience in water/wastewater industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate earthmoving construction equipment and company vehicles.
• Perform safety/operational inspections and routine maintenance on equipment.
• Assist with erecting barricades and placing safety lights around worksites.
• Read and understand schematics, blueprints, or sketches of work to be done.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Skills

Geography knowledge

Safety practices

Basic computer skills

Laborer duties

Miss Utility

Hazard awareness

Electrical safety

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Laborer/Equipment Operator - $31.96/hour

Requisition ID: 110221

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, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn , Facebook , X and Instagram .

Position Information

Posted Range: $31.96/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

The Laborer/Equipment Operator role exists to perform laborer duties and operate construction equipment (e.g. - backhoe, terramite) as needed to perform operation, maintenance, and construction of water distribution systems.

Key Accountabilities

The Laborer/Equipment Operator performs all functions of the position in a safe and conscientious manner with constant regard for the safety of fellow employees and the general public. The Laborer/Equipment Operator operates earthmoving construction equipment and commercial vehicles. The role performs safety/operational inspections and routine preventative maintenance to equipment. The Laborer/Equipment Operator performs duties of a laborer on a daily basis. They assist with erecting barricades and placing safety lights around worksites to protect workers from street traffic; may flag traffic as required. The Laborer/Equipment Operator operates company vehicles and pull trailers in a safe manner, performs maintenance work on company property and grounds as instructed, reads and understands schematics, blueprints, or sketches of work to be done, and performs other duties as assigned by their Supervisor.

Knowledge/Skills

• Must possess basic geographical knowledge of the company’s service area and must be adaptable to variations in topography and weather conditions.
• Working knowledge of company policies, procedures and safety practices.
• Basic computer skills.
• Familiar with the duties of laborer position.
• Understanding of Miss Utility markings and regulations.
• Knowledge of hazards associated with other below and above ground utilities.
• General understanding of overhead high voltage line safety regulations and company policies regarding the same.

Experience/Education

• High School Diploma/GED; ability to read and comprehend instructions and effectively present information in one-on-one situations to customers, clients and other employees.
• 2 years’ experience operating backhoe and other construction equipment.
• Experience in water/wastewater industry preferred.

Certifications and Licenses

• Valid Drivers License required.
• CDL Class A preferred. If a candidate doesn't possess a Class A license upon hire, it must be acquired within 1 year of hire.
• Must be able to maintain DOT medical certification.

Travel Requirements

Position involves local travel. Hazards include driving, working in traffic areas.

Other

• The position will work overtime as required.
• Tyical outdoor work environment.

Competencies

Plans & Aligns Decision Making Communicates Effectively Builds Networks Action Oriented

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing

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 are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.