Operator I

Aqua America, Inc.; Schuylkill Township (PA); On-site; USD 49,593 - 57,859; Full time

Job summary

Aqua America, Inc. is seeking an Operator I for Pickering Creek, Upper Merion, and Ingrams Mill Treatment Plants. This role requires rotating 12‑hour shifts and a path to a Class A license within 3 years.

Candidates should have an associate degree (or related trade schooling) or two years of waterworks experience, plus strong mechanical aptitude. Responsibilities include plant operations, chemical dosing calculations, and maintaining equipment while complying with safety and Hazmat rules.

Qualifications

• Must obtain and maintain a Waterworks Operators Class A license within 3 years of employment.
• Experience with plant equipment repair and preventive maintenance is preferred.
• Ability to calculate chemical dosing based on flow rates and treatment parameters.
• Lift up to 75 pounds and perform labor‑intensive work.
• Overtime availability to maintain continuous plant operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate treatment plants on a shift basis (12‑hour shifts).
• Perform plant startup/shutdown and routine monitoring.
• Maintain safety and PPE compliance per Aqua requirements.
• Assist in maintenance and minor repairs of pumps and instrumentation.

Education

Associate’s Degree

Trade school (2 years)

Two years waterworks/related field experience

Mechanical skills

Chemical dosing knowledge

Job description

Operator I – Pickering Creek/Upper Merion/Ingrams Mill Treatment Plants

Essential Duties and Qualifications:

• Shift work required; plant openings may cause shift changes. 12‑hour shifts at Pickering Creek and Ingrams Mill.
• Must obtain and maintain a Waterworks Operators Class A license (with required subclasses) within 3 years of employment. Failure to obtain within that period will result in termination.
• Entry level requirement: Associate’s Degree, or two years of trade school or equivalent education. Alternatively, two years of experience in waterworks or a related field requiring mechanical, treatment, and/or mathematical skills.
• Physical requirement: lift up to 75 pounds and perform labor‑intensive work.
• Must possess good mechanical skills for repair/replacement of plant equipment (pumps, instruments, chemical feed equipment, etc.).
• Must be able to calculate chemical dosing based on flow rates and treatment parameters.
• Availability for overtime as needed to maintain continuous plant operations.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license required; Commercial Driver’s License, Class C with Hazardous Material Endorsement, must be obtained within specified time frames (60 days for permit, 120 days for CDL). Failure to secure CDL within 120 days may result in separation.
• Member of Hazmat Response Team if one exists; must comply with Aqua safety requirements for hazardous chemicals and PPE.
• Random drug and alcohol testing, reasonable‑suspicion testing, post‑accident testing, return‑to‑duty testing, and bi‑annual medical certification per Federal Highway Administration Regulation 49 CFR Part 382.
• Hourly pay rate: $38.91.

Equal Employment Opportunity / Affiliation Statement:

Aqua is an Equal Opportunity / affirmative action employer. All applicants and employees are treated without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including lactation), physical or mental disability, covered‑veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.