Lead Wastewater Treatment Operator

American Water; Canonsburg (Washington County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Pennsylvania American Water is seeking a Lead Wastewater Treatment Operator to join our team in Claysville, PA. The role involves day-to-day plant operations, process monitoring, control adjustments, compliance, and light maintenance on equipment.

The Lead Operator will perform water quality sampling, regulatory reporting, and supervise maintenance activities. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in water treatment, a valid DEP license, and proficiency with MS Office and CMMS systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in water treatment and distribution with progressive responsibility.
• DEP Wastewater License- Class A, E-Subclass 2,3 and 4 required or able to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant operations by reading gauges and control panels, ensuring proper flow and safety.
• Operate, maintain, and repair plant equipment; perform preventative maintenance.
• Conduct water quality sampling and testing to verify regulatory compliance.
• Lead and guide personnel in operations and maintenance activities.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and company regulations; assist with reporting.

Skills

Lab duties knowledge

Pumps & control panels

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

CMMS understanding

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College coursework in biology/chemistry/environmental science/engineering

Tools

SCBA usage

Maintenance management software

Job description

Job Title: Lead Wastewater Treatment Operator

Posting Start Date: 8/5/26

Primary Role

Pennsylvania American Water is seeking a motivated and ambitious Lead Plant Operator to join our team in Claysville, PA! This critical role will be responsible for day-to-day operations at the wastewater treatment facility, including process monitoring, making control adjustments, compliance and regulatory reporting, and light maintenance on equipment.

The Lead Wastewater Treatment Operator operates and maintains wastewater purification systems to optimize operations and ensure regulatory compliance of plant. In this role, you will perform maintenance of equipment, quality control/testing and related day to day activities. This individual is fully qualified to perform the most complex functions and lead the work of others.

Key Accountabilities

• Monitor treatment plant functions by reading gauges, graphs, meters, and control panels. Establish, maintain, and control flow through the treatment process and within the distribution/collection system. Assist with pressure flow studies, collect recorder
• Operate, maintain, control, and perform routine repair of plant equipment including preventative maintenance duties. Order/obtain needed parts and supplies for operations
• Assist and guide personnel in operations and maintenance of facilities and equipment
• Perform water quality sampling, testing and analysis to determine compliance with federal, state and company regulations
• Implement security measures at sites. Inspect buildings, grounds, and equipment for conformance to safety standards and security requirements

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of lab duties for water/wastewater facilities including: OBD's, phosphates, total solids, total suspended solids, pH, ammonia, nitrates, chlorine residual, fluoride, fecal coliform, bacti's, and temperature
• Knowledge of pumps and control panels
• Thorough knowledge of the layout, location and equipment characteristics of water/wastewaters systems and of the treatment plants
• Knowledge of the regulatory and legal environment of modern water and wastewater systems and water and wastewater treatment, including environmental law and contract law as applicable
• Must have broad knowledge of MS Office products, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Must understand the working principle behind a computerized maintenance management program

Experience/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent
• College course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering preferred
• 5+ years’ experience and progressive responsibility in the field of water treatment and distribution

Certifications & Licenses

• Valid driver license
• DEP Wastewater License- Class A, E-Subclass 2,3 and 4 required
• Candidate must possess required licenses or have the ability to obtain within designated timeframe.

Work Schedule

• Full-time
• On-site
• Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm
• Overtime/on call responsibility for emergencies

Work Environment

• Work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• May be required to work in buildings, in pits, 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 for the position including:
• Able to stand, walk, climb stairs, or sit for long periods of time
• Able to wear SCBA and perform job functions in a hazardous environment
• Must be capable of traveling within service area.

Competencies

Plans & Aligns

Decision Making

Communicates Effectively

Builds Networks

Action Oriented