Plant Operator

American Water Co.; Scranton (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated professional to join their team in the operation and maintenance of wastewater purification systems. This role involves optimizing operational performance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and contributing to safety training within a collaborative environment. As part of a leading utility company, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on community health and environmental sustainability. Join a workforce that values diversity and is committed to providing essential services to millions. If you are passionate about making a difference and possess the necessary skills, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Health benefits package

Opportunities for career development

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and regulations.
• Basic mechanical skills and ability to operate related equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead operation of wastewater plant and maintain process control.
• Assist in scheduling maintenance and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Monitor water quality and perform necessary adjustments.

Skills

Wastewater treatment processes

Basic mechanical skills

Automated control systems

Microsoft Office

Mathematical skills

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Education

High School Diploma

College coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Engineering

Job description

Company: American Water Works Company Inc

Requisition ID: 108019

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, we keep life flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people across 14 regulated jurisdictions and 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 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.

As one of the fastest growing utilities in the U.S., American Water expects to invest $40 to $42 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency, and regulated acquisitions over the next 10 years. The company has a long-standing history of executing its core operations, aligned with sustainable best practices, through its commitments to safety, affordability, customer service, protecting the environment, an inclusive workforce, and strengthening communities.

American Water has been recognized on the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year, ranked 18th on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2023 List, earned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act designation, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense Excellence Award, among additional state, local, and national recognitions.

Will work under direction of Chief Plant Operator, Production Supervisor, and Maintenance Supervisor having active involvement in and making process control decisions associated with the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater purification systems to optimize operational performance and assure regulatory compliance.

Key Accountabilities

• Work with Chief Operator, take a lead role in the operation of WW plant, and associated facilities. Maintain process control through the wastewater processes including the establishment, maintenance, calibration, and adjustment of process parameters/chemical feed rates necessary to optimize the process operation.
• Assist in scheduling and prioritizing plant maintenance. Perform routine repair of plant equipment including preventive maintenance duties. Ensure required maintenance is completed on schedule.
• Monitor, establish, maintain and control flow through the treatment process and within the collection system to include CSOs and pump stations.
• Assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures and provide training/oversight to other operations staff to ensure SOP’s are followed.
• Monitor the wastewater treatment plant and collection system and make adjustments as necessary to control their operation and maintain compliance with regulations.
• Assist in the preparation of data collection for Monthly Operating reports and maintain all necessary records.
• Monitor and conduct analytical tests. Perform water quality sampling, testing, and analysis to determine compliance with federal, state, and PAWC’s standards.
• Coordinate and perform chemical deliveries and inventory. Loading, unloading, handling, placing into storage and batching wastewater treatment plant chemicals.
• Operate and maintain plant facilities including plant flow adjustments throughout the process, chemical adjustments, and pump adjustments including but not limited to primary sludge pumps, secondary sludge pumps, return sludge pumps, and waste sludge pumps.
• Perform general maintenance duties at wastewater treatment plant and related facilities and other assigned duties.
• Position is subject to 24-hour call-out and overtime.
• Assist in the budgeting and implementation of capital projects. Coordinate activities of outside contractors as directed by Production or Maintenance Supervisor or Chief Operator.
• Facilitate safety training/tailgate talks/Pre-job briefs/Site Inspections. Promote safety involving plant operations through employee training and monitoring workplace practices. Report near misses as necessary.

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, basic scientific concepts and water quality standards and regulations and Company procedures.
• Working knowledge of basic mechanical and automated control systems.
• Wastewater Operator certificate (Class “A, E” subclass 1) or ability to obtain in the time required by the PAWC Personnel Policy.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office).
• Communicate in an effective manner both orally and in writing 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.
• 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.
• Environmental conditions including contact with water, chemicals, fumes, odors, and dust as a result of working with and handling potentially hazardous wastewater treatment and laboratory chemicals. Minimum exposure to inclement weather mostly of short duration.

Experience/Education

• Valid PA Driver’s license required with ability to pass a motor vehicle background check.
• Wastewater Operator certificate (Class A, E Type 1) preferred or the ability to obtain in a time required by company policy.
• High School Diploma required. College course work and/or degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Engineering are preferred.

Work Schedule

• The work schedule for this position is a swing/rotating shift.
• The successful candidate will be required to stay in the position for 24 months before bidding on a new role.

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 are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

Nearest Major Market: Scranton
Nearest Secondary Market: Wilkes Barre