Operator - Third Class

Aqua; Springfield Township (Delaware County); On-site; USD 44,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Aqua is seeking a DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR – Third Class in Springfield, PA to maintain water distribution infrastructure and support system reliability. You will inspect hydrants and valves, read plans, and update asset information using Aqua GIS, working after hours as required.

The role requires basic math/hydraulics knowledge, strong communication, and the ability to lift up to 85 pounds. A PA DEP Waterworks Operators Class E license is required or must be obtained within 24 months.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and familiarity with the company territory.
• Available for work after scheduled hours, holidays and weekends.
• Good communication and handwriting for reports and work orders.
• Capable of lifting tools up to 85 pounds and performing basic math/hydraulics.
• Able to read plans, charts, gauges and interpret hydraulics in water distribution.
• Operate hydrants, valves and associated equipment safely and efficiently.
• Must hold/obtain PA DEP Waterworks Operators Class E license within 24 months.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and maintain fire hydrants and automatic valves.
• Operate distribution valves using portable or trailer-mounted keys.
• Perform maintenance at booster stations and storage facilities.
• Review plates, plans, tap cards, Aqua GIS; update asset information and create work orders.
• Maintain security inspections and ensure compliance with procedures.

Skills

Driver's license

After-hours availability

Strong communication

Good handwriting

Lifting up to 85 lbs

Math and hydraulics basics

Read plans and charts

Valve operation experience

Computer / Aqua GIS skills

Education

PA DEP Waterworks Operators Class E license

Tools

Aqua GIS

Job description

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we’re delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you’re looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

An opening currently exists for a DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR – Third Class – Springfield, PA

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and be familiar with Company territory.
• Be available for work after scheduled hours, holidays and weekends.
• Good communication skills to interact with customers, both external and internal. Must have good handwriting to neatly fill out reports, time sheets, work orders, etc. and perform any other duties as assigned.
• Capable of lifting tools weighing up to 85 pounds.
• Possess a basic knowledge of mathematics and hydraulics as they apply to water distribution systems. Be able to read and interpret plans, charts, gauges, etc.
• Capable of performing inspection and maintenance on fire hydrants and automatic valves. Follow company confined space entry procedures where applicable.
• Capable of operating transmission and distribution valves using trailer mounted and portable operating machines and or valve keys where applicable.
• Be able to perform operation and maintenance duties at booster stations and storage facilities. Conduct security inspections at same.
• Capable of using a computer or other electronic devices to review plates, plans, tap cards, Aqua GIS, e-mail. Update asset information and create work orders as needed.
• The position requires the employee to currently hold and maintain a PA DEP Waterworks Operators Class E license. Qualified employees have 24 months to obtain license or bid into another position or forfeit their position.

Pay Rate

The starting rate of pay is $38.91 per hour.

All employees hired or entering the bargaining unit on or after December 15, 2022, will receive four dollars ($4.00) per hour less than the classification wage rate. The wage reduction will be returned in one dollar ($1.00) increases once a year over a four (4) year period. Employee will receive annual contract increases.

Internal Applicants

Please review the details of this job carefully. It must be understood that the person selected to fill this position must accept.

• Employees must be employed more than twelve (12) months in a department to be eligible to apply for a job outside of the department. However, employees with twelve (12) months or more in the union but with less than twelve (12) months in a department, may apply for a job classification that pays a higher hourly rate than the classification the employee currently holds.
• An employee will be limited to two (2) higher wage classification advancements outside of a department in a twelve (12) month period. If there are no applicants with more than the required twelve (12) months, employees with less than twelve (12) months’ service shall be eligible.
• Applicants for this position may access their personnel file only one time for up to one hour during the five-day posting period so they may review previous testing material.

Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).

To Maintain The Integrity Of The Recruitment Process And To Avoid Real Or Perceived Conflicts Of Interest Due To Employment And/or Assignment Of Family Members And Personal Referrals, Specific Guidelines Apply To The Hiring And Assignment Of These Individuals Including, But Not Limited To

Family members

• Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
• Family members cannot work in the same department.