Operator Trainee

Aqua; White Haven (Luzerne County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training provided

Competitive pay and benefits package

Job summary

Aqua is seeking a dedicated Operator for the White Haven Division. The role involves operating and maintaining water and wastewater systems while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will perform leak detection and provide customer services, as well as maintain necessary equipment.

This position requires a high school diploma and a valid driver's license. Training will be provided to the right candidate, ensuring they are well-equipped for this rewarding career in environmental protection and community service.

Qualifications

• Must secure an applicable water and wastewater license per the White Haven CBA.
• Must live within 35 miles of the employee’s assigned area.
• Must be capable of lifting up to 85 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water and wastewater systems.
• Perform leak detection and emergency repairs.
• Conduct customer service functions and meter reading.

Skills

Leak detection

Maintenance of equipment

Operation of distribution systems

Public relations

Customer service functions

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Water and wastewater license

DOT Medical Card

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.

Operator (White Haven Division)

Willing to learn? We will train the right candidate. The Operator will be responsible for operating one or more water and wastewater systems within the White Haven Division, which encompasses multiple counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania. They will also perform leak detection work within the division both preventatively and in emergency situations. This role will report to the White Haven Field Supervisor.

Essential Duties

• Leak detection
• Maintenance of equipment at the well and pumping facilities.
• Operation and maintenance of distribution systems including mains, valves, hydrants, and services.
• Maintenance of equipment at wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations.
• Operation and maintenance of sewer collection systems including collection mains and pump stations.
• Troubleshoot and repair company service piping and appurtenances.
• Understand and comply with the Company’s safety program.
• Conduct basic public relations in customer contacts.
• Perform customer service functions within the assigned systems, including meter reading, responding to customer requests/complaints, performing the necessary work to maintain meters and service lines/curb boxes, and responding to all Service Link work orders.
• Recognize, note, and report unusual conditions in the system.
• Observe construction and direct contractors on water and wastewater installations.
• Operate and maintain the vehicles and equipment used in operations.
• Collect, analyze, and record water and wastewater samples for regulatory compliance and process control monitoring.
• Respond to PA One Calls.
• Perform leak detection and line locating services in preventative and emergency water loss situations across the division.
• Perform other assignments as required.
• Must be available to work a rotating on‑call schedule, including after‑hours and weekends.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Must live within 35 miles of the employee’s assigned area.

Knowledge, Skills, and Requirements

• Must secure an applicable water and wastewater license per the White Haven CBA.
• Operators may be required to secure additional subclasses or a higher‑class license if required to operate any of the Division’s current or future facilities.
• An additional six (6) months will be granted to secure the required license upgrade for each additional class or subclass, provided the test is given during this period with sufficient notice.
• Must be capable of lifting up to 85 lbs.
• Must obtain a DOT Medical Card.

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable 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).

Family Hiring Guidelines

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