Operator, Water Treatment

American Water Co.; Illinois; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking an entry-level Operator, Water Treatment to support daily plant operations, monitoring, and data collection while learning treatment processes and regulatory requirements. The position offers shift work and a comprehensive benefits package.

Responsibilities include startup/shutdown checks, equipment adjustments, data logging, sample collection, and routine maintenance under supervision. A high school diploma is required, with chemistry/biology exposure preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required or preferred.
• College coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering is a plus.
• Ability to learn safety practices and basic water treatment concepts.
• Good communication and observational skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with startup/shutdown and operating checks of the water treatment plant under supervision.
• Perform routine equipment adjustments (pumps, chemical feeders, control systems).
• Monitor storage tank levels and pump indicators; report flows and water quality data.
• Inspect plant and record data in daily logs; maintain accurate records.
• Collect water samples and perform routine laboratory tests.
• Maintain plant records and assist with maintenance and minor repairs.
• Respond to alarms and communicate issues to supervision as needed.

Skills

Safety procedures

Laboratory tests

Pumps & valves

Data collection

Maintenance basics

Chemical handling

Teamwork

Problem solving

Reading logs

Equipment calibration

Education

High School Diploma

College coursework in science/engineering

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!

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.

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

The shift for this role is 7a-3:30p Tuesday through Saturday (or Sunday through Thursday). There is overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments required depending on operational needs.

Key Accountabilities

• Assist with the startup, shutdown, and periodic operating checks of water treatment plant under supervision.
• Perform routine equipment adjustments as directed by licensed operators such as pumping systems, chemical feeders, auxiliary equipment, and control systems.
• Monitor storage tank levels and pump station indicators and report flows, pressures, chemical feeds, levels, and water quality indicators.
• Inspect plant every hour or as scheduled, recording all data and problems on daily log.
• Perform filter backwashing procedures following established SOPs and direction.
• Load and unload chemicals used at the treatment plants following all chemical handling procedures. Maintain chemical inventory levels.
• Collect water samples and perform routine laboratory tests following established procedures, and report results to licensed operators or supervisors.
• Maintain accurate and complete plant records, including operating logs, daily worksheets, laboratory results, chemical feed data, flow measurements, temperatures, levels, and pressures.
• Assist licensed operators or supervisors in responding to water quality complaints.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, including equipment adjustments, lubrication, cleaning, and minor repairs on mechanical and electrical plant equipment.
• Conduct minor corrective maintenance tasks and report equipment deficiencies requiring advanced repair.
• Maintain plant buildings and grounds including cleaning, painting, snow removal, and minor facility repairs.
• Develop working knowledge of metric systems used in plant operations and equipment calibration.
• Complete equipment work orders using asset management system (e.g. MapCall).
• 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 water and/or wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection as they relate to assigned duties.
• Ability to learn and understand the basic scientific and water and/or wastewater purification concepts.
• Awareness of how 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, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical safety.
• 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.
• Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment preferred.

Travel Requirements

• Daily regional travel may be required.

Certifications and Licenses

• License requirements vary by state. Candidate must obtain license within designated timeframe. Basic Water Treatment license preferred.
• Valid drivers license.
• 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, 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/site for long periods of time.
• Must be able 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.

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.