Operator, Water Treatment

American Water; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking an Operator, Water Treatment to support daily plant operations, monitoring, routine maintenance and data collection while learning treatment processes and regulatory requirements. The position works under supervision of Senior and Lead Operators.

Shifts are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday or Sunday through Thursday, with overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and on-call assignments as needed to meet operational needs. No remote work.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; biology/chemistry/engineering coursework preferred.
• 0–2 years in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Experience servicing and repairing machinery preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist startup/shutdown and checks of water treatment plant under supervision.
• Perform routine equipment adjustments as directed by licensed operators.
• Monitor tank levels and pump indicators; report flows, pressures, and water quality.
• Record data in daily logs and operate according to SOPs.

Skills

Learn safety practices

Data collection

Laboratory tests

Pumps & valves

Computer basics

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Biology/Chemistry/Engineering coursework

Tools

MapCall

Spreadsheet software

MS Office

Job description

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.