Operator, Wastewater Treatment

American Water Co.; Cape Charles (VA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Life insurance

Voluntary benefits

Health and wellness programs

Job summary

American Water is seeking an Operator, Wastewater Treatment in Virginia. You will support daily plant operations, monitor systems, perform routine maintenance, and collect data while learning wastewater treatment processes and regulatory requirements.

The role requires a high school diploma, up to 2 years of experience, and a valid driver’s license. We offer comprehensive benefits, competitive pay at $25–$30 per hour, and growth opportunities within a large national utility.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in science or eng preferred.
• Basic understanding of wastewater treatment processes and safety practices.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to obtain state license where required.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine operations and maintenance tasks at the wastewater facility.
• Monitor processes and control equipment; assist with chemical handling and feeding.
• Maintain accurate plant records and lab/test data.
• Support safety procedures and use of PPE; follow lockout/tagout rules.
• Assist with equipment adjustments and routine troubleshooting under supervision.

Skills

Safety procedures

Pumps and valves operation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

College coursework in biology/chemistry/environmental science/engineering

Tools

Computer programs/databases/software

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! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

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.

Job Title: Operator, Wastewater Treatment

Posting Start Date: 7/14/26

Position Information

Posted range: $25-$30/hr.

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

• The Operator, Wastewater Treatment is responsible for performing entry-level operational and maintenance support work at a wastewater treatment facility. This role supports daily plant operations, monitoring, routine maintenance, and data collection activities while learning wastewater treatment and collection processes and regulatory requirements. Work is performed under the general supervision of Senior and Lead Operators or local management.

Key Accountabilities

• Perform routine operations and maintenance tasks within the plant/treatment facility, including assisting with the care and operation of equipment such as pumps, motors, chlorinators, and chemical preparation and feeding systems, in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist with operating and monitoring physical, chemical, and biological wastewater treatment processes, as well as associated control and monitoring equipment.
• Assist with regulating the flow of wastewater and sludge through the treatment processes under direction and established operating procedures.
• Maintain accurate and complete plant records, including operating logs, daily worksheets, laboratory and field test results, chemical feed data, flow measurements, temperatures, levels, and other process data.
• Load and unload chemicals used at the treatment plants following all chemical handling procedures. Maintain chemical inventory levels.
• Inspect all mechanical equipment for proper operation and perform normal lubrication, adjustments, seal packing, minor maintenance, and minor repairs, as assigned.
• Perform related field and laboratory tests necessary to support monitoring and operation of the facilities.
• Assist with making adjustments to equipment, processes, and chemical feeders based on test results and specific direction from the Lead Operator or Supervisor.
• Conduct routine safety inspections, utilize required PPE, and adhere to lockout/tagout and chemical-handling protocols.
• Answer calls from the CSO, and relay information to operations and leadership as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to learn and understand basic principles and safety practices of wastewater treatment, pumping, and collection systems, each as they may apply to area of responsibility.
• Ability to learn and understand the basic scientific principles related to wastewater treatment process.
• Awareness of how wastewater treatment processes function and the importance of following established operating procedures.
• Ability to learn and understand the operation of pumps, valves, motors, and other mechanical equipment related to plant operation and maintenance.
• Knowledge of required safety procedures, including PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, and electrical safety.
• Awareness of emergency response procedures related to plant systems, equipment failures, or chemical incidents, and the importance of timely reporting and escalation.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to clearly communicate operational changes, equipment issues, and safety concerns.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, and external contractors.
• Basic understanding of piping systems, basic hydraulics, and electrical safety as related to wastewater treatment facilities.
• Ability to recognize abnormal mechanical or electrical conditions and report or assist with troubleshooting under supervision.
• Technical Proficiency: Good working knowledge of computer programs, databases, and software.
• Ability to collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests under established procedures.
• Skill in safe handling, storage, and transfer of hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to respond to alarms and emergency conditions by following established procedures and notifying supervision.

Experience/Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• College course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred.
• 0-2 years experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• License requirements vary by state. Candidate must obtain license within designated timeframe. Basic Water Treatment license preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Work Environment

• Work performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, and varying weather conditions. Potential exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, and sewage. The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required.
• May be required to work in buildings, in pits, manholes, 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, airborne/blood borne pathogens, and electrical equipment.
• Must be able to perform essential functions and meet the physical requirements of the position including ability to stand, climb stairs, and/ or walk and/or sit for long periods of time. Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and move tools, equipment, and materials up to 80 lbs. as required. Involves crouching, stooping, and kneeling for extended or repeated periods. Must be able to safely drive a company vehicle for extended or intermittent periods in varying conditions. Frequently enters and exits vehicles.
• Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments required depending on operational needs.

Competencies

• Champions safety
• Collaborates
• Cultivates innovation
• Customer obsessed
• Drives Results
• Nimble learning

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.