Operator, Water Treatment

American Water; Lowell (IN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking an entry-level Operator, Water Treatment to support daily plant operations at a municipal water facility in Indiana. You will assist with startup/shutdown, monitor equipment and water quality, collect samples, maintain logs, and participate in routine maintenance under supervision.

The role emphasizes learning regulatory requirements, data collection, and collaborative problem-solving with licensed operators.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• College course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with startup, shutdown, and periodic operating checks under supervision.
• Perform routine equipment adjustments as directed by licensed operators.
• 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 data and issues in the daily log.
• Perform filter backwashing following SOPs and directions.
• Load and unload chemicals following all chemical handling procedures.
• Maintain chemical inventory levels.
• Collect water samples and perform routine laboratory tests; report results to licensed operators or supervisors.
• Maintain accurate plant records (logs, worksheets, lab results, chemical feed data, flow, temperatures, levels, pressures).
• Assist licensed operators in responding to water quality complaints.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and minor repairs on plant equipment.
• Report equipment deficiencies requiring advanced repair.
• Maintain buildings and grounds (cleaning, snow removal, minor repairs).
• Become proficient with plant metric systems and calibration.

Skills

Safety procedures

Data collection

Laboratory testing

Pumps & valves operation

Chemicals handling

Preventive maintenance

Record keeping

Communication

Team collaboration

Technical proficiency

Education

High School Diploma

Biology/Chemistry coursework

Tools

MapCall

Job description

• 7 consecutive days on, followed by 7 consecutive days off.
• Rotating schedule including weekends and holidays as required.

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.

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 travel within region may be required.
• 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 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.

Certifications & Licenses

• License requirements vary by state. Candidate must obtain license within designated timeframe.
• Basic Water Treatment license preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to pass motor vehicle background check.