Plant Operator

American Water; Pittston (Luzerne County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Plant Operator to actively manage and maintain water purification systems and washwater processes. The role requires operating and inspecting equipment, adjusting chemical feeds, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

The successful candidate will work in a hands-on environment, perform routine maintenance, monitor SCADA-controlled processes, and contribute to reliable water distribution across the system.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with water treatment processes preferred.
• Ability to obtain Waterworks Operator Certificate within 1–3 years.
• Strong math and reading comprehension.
• Must possess a valid PA driver’s license.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and working in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair plant equipment including preventive maintenance.
• Control flow through purification process and distribution system.
• Calibrate and adjust chemical feed rates to optimize operations.
• Monitor plant and distribution system; adjust operations as needed.
• Maintain records and perform water quality sampling and testing.
• Handle and batch water treatment chemicals and manage raw water facilities.
• Provide support to other employees and respond to emergencies.

Skills

Water purification

SCADA systems

Chemical feed control

Safety awareness

Math proficiency

Valid PA driver’s license

Education

High School diploma

Chemistry/Env Sci coursework

Water Treatment course (UC Sacramento)

Tools

Zeta meter

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Plant Operator

Posting Start Date: 10/2/26

Job Description

Primary Role

To have active involvement in and make process control decisions associated with the operation and maintenance of water purification systems and related washwater processes.

Key Accountabilities

• Operate, maintain, control and perform routine repair of plant equipment including preventive maintenance duties.
• Establish, maintain and control flow through the water purification process and into and within the distribution system.
• Maintain process control through the water purification and washwater processes including the establishment, maintenance, calibration and adjustment of chemical feed rates necessary to optimize the process operation.
• Monitor the water purification plant and water distribution system and make operational control adjustments as necessary.
• Maintain all necessary records.
• Perform water quality sampling, testing and analysis to determine compliance with federal, state and PAWC’s standards.
• Loading, unloading, handling, placing into storage and batching water treatment plant chemicals.
• Operate and maintain raw water facilities including reservoir supply, transmission and pumping facilities.
• Perform general maintenance duties at water treatment plant and related facilities and other assigned duties.
• Provide assistance to other company employees, as directed by supervision.
• Perform necessary emergency operating procedures and take proper corrective action for continuous, effective operation of the water purification plant.
• Any other duties which are assigned

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of water purification processes, basic scientific concepts, water quality standards and regulations.
• Working knowledge of basic mechanical and automated control systems.
• Ability to obtain Waterworks Operators Certificate (Plant Specific) within one to three years, depending on class.
• Must adhere to company policies regarding mandatory shift coverage when required.
• Must possess a valid PA driver’s license.
• Communicate in an effective manner, both oral and written, with the general public and company personnel. Read and understand instructions, safety rules, etc.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to be able to calculate dosages, surface areas, volumes, weights, measures and algebraic formulas.
• Mechanical ability sufficient to operate pumps, valves, motors and other mechanical equipment related to plant operation and maintenance.
• Must cope with environmental conditions including contact with water, chemicals, fumes, odors and dust as a result of working with and handling potentially hazardous water treatment and laboratory chemicals. Minimum exposure to inclement weather mostly of short duration.
• Must be able to comply with continuing education requirements as needed for Operator certification renewal.
• Waterworks Operator's Certification in appropriate class is desirable.
• Experience with technically advanced computer control systems (SCADA) and advanced coagulant control using zeta meter is preferred.

Experience/Education

• High School graduate or state recognized education equivalency certificate.
• Technical college coursework and / or degree in chemistry, environmental sciences, civil or environmental engineering is preferred.
• Successful Completion of the following correspondence course; "Volume 1 - Water Treatment Plant Operation", offered by University of California at Sacramento.
• Previous employment in water treatment, hydrology or related environmental science, civil or environmental engineering, or analytical experience, is preferred.

Other

• Physical fitness- capable of lifting and/or carrying 50 lbs. or more on a frequent basis. Walking up and down stairs. Working in confined areas. Ability to wear a respirator.
• Ability to comply with the Company's attendance policies.
• Ability to respond to 24 / 7 callout.

Competencies

• Plans & Aligns
• Decision Making
• Communicates Effectively
• Builds Networks
• Action Oriented