Lead Utility Worker

American Water Co.; Fort Belvoir (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

American Water seeks a qualified supervisor to lead operations and maintenance of our water distribution and wastewater systems. You will oversee pumps, tanks, hydrants, and lift stations, with limited supervisory responsibilities for assigned personnel.

The role requires strong planning, safety training ability, and a track record in water/wastewater, with potential for career growth in a nationwide utility. Expect shift and some overtime, with a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 5+ years in water and/or wastewater operations and maintenance.
• Supervisory experience a plus.
• Knowledge of safety, quality, and environmental policies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations and maintenance of water distribution systems (pumps, tanks, hydrants) and wastewater collection systems.
• Schedule staff, assign tasks, and review performance.
• Maintain records and prepare reports; assist budgeting and expenditures review.

Skills

People management

MS Office

Safety training

ShiftWork

Overtime readiness

Water/wastewater systems

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

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!

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.

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

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

Responsible for all activities involving the operations and maintenance of the water distribution system (pumps, storage tanks, fire hydrants, etc.), the wastewater collection system (pumps, lift stations etc. Limited direction and/or supervisory responsibilities for assigned personnel to include: General Maintenance Workers, technicians, and laborers, contractors and works under the general direction of the Operations Supervisor or the General Manager.

Key Accountabilities

• Prepares, Reviews, evaluates, revises, establishes and implements policies and procedures used in of water and the collection of wastewater, that result in Safe, Compliant, Reliable, and Profitable operations
• Carries out day-to-day activities, schedules Staff assignments, and participates in review and evaluation of staff performance including: water and wastewater systems sampling protocol and disinfection of water mains. Follows company discipline policy when needed.
• Follows and implements Company’s Environmental, Health, and Safety Policies
• Implement and foster the coaching and development of employees, including idea generation, within respective functional areas
• Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations and all customers.
• Performs work on distribution system, and sewer collection system. Maintains work records and preventative maintenance records and prepares various reports as assigned.
• Participates in the preparation of Capital and Operations and Maintenance Budgets. Reviews and approves expenditures.
• Performs standby duties. Performs other related functions assigned or as they become apparent.

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to plan and coordinate the work of employees.
• General knowledge of MS Office products, MS Word and Excel, and be able to learn the use of new software with training assistance
• Ability to plan and present safety training to employees.
• Employee may be required to work shift work and maintain on-call assignments.
• There will be some weekend, holiday and overtime work as needed.
• Extensive knowledge of the objectives, equipment, and operations of water distribution and groundwater supply systems, and wastewater collection systems.
• Extensive knowledge of methods and materials of water/wastewater system construction and maintenance.
• Thorough knowledge of the layout, location and equipment characteristics of water and wastewater systems.

Experience/Education

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED, plus at least five (5) years progressively responsible experience in operations, maintenance, and administration of water and/or wastewater systems and treatment. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for experience.
• Supervisory experience a plus.

Travel Requirements

• < 5%

Certifications & Licenses:

• Possession of appropriate licenses as required by facility/permit.
• Possess a Class IV Water Distribution Systems Operator Certification issued by KWEA required or a Water Treatment Class IV from KDHE or the ability to obtain within 1 year
• Preferred Class III Wastewater Collection System Operator Certification issued by KWEA required or the ability to obtain within 1 year
• Must possess a valid KS Class B CDL
• This position reports onto a military installation. In addition to American Water’s pre-employment screenings, this position requires the ability to pass a Department of Defense background check for access to the military installation.
• Must possess a valid, active state license preferred Commercial Driver’s License( CDL) and be able to successfully pass a motor vehicle background check.
• Employee may be required to work indoor or outdoor work during seasonal heat and cold or other adverse weather conditions. Employee may be required to work where regularly they may be exposed to fumes, dust and odors.

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.