Production-Treatment Operator I

American Water Co.; Pacific Grove, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Production-Treatment Operator I in Pacific Grove, CA to oversee the production and treatment of drinking water. The role is union-based with a pay rate of $41.82 per hour and a 40-hour workweek.

The position offers eligibility for incentive pay, growth opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k) and medical coverage. Overtime and 24/7 call duty may be required under the collective bargaining agreement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Related production and water treatment experience is required.
• Must obtain Water Treatment Grade I within one year and Grade II within 30 months.

Responsibilities

• Ensure start-up/shut-down and monitor water quality and treatment systems.
• Check reservoir levels, adjust as needed.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting.
• Maintain and repair valves and pilot controls.
• Record logs, chemical inventories, and SCADA data.

Skills

Oral & written instructions

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Communication skills

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SCADA

Chemical handling equipment

Calibration equipment

Job description

$41.82/hour Production-Treatment Operator I

Posting Start Date: 8/21/26

Job Information

This union position will be based out of Pacific Grove, CA. and Treatment Operator rate of pay is $41.82 per hour.

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and contracted increases as determined by the collective bargaining agreement, and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth.

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!

Forty (40) hours per week being five (5) consecutive days of eight (8) hours each, exclusive of lunch periods; hours 7:00am – 3:30pm. Position may be required to work overtime hours and is subject to 24-hour call out as needed.

Primary Role

Under the supervision of the Operations Supervisor, is responsible for the production and treatment of drinking water to customers.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensures facility start-up and shut-down and continuous monitoring of water quality and treatment systems, including but not limited to: wells, pumps, motors, analyzers/instrumentation, filters, chemical feed systems, auxiliary equipment such as generators, measuring and control systems.
• Checks reservoir levels and release rates and makes adjustments as needed.
• Checks and maintains the fish trap at Los Padres Reservoir. Inspects and maintains all grounds around pumping plants, tanks, reservoirs, and water treatment plants.
• Performs corrective maintenance and basic troubleshooting of pumping and treatment systems.
• Maintains and repairs regulating station valves and pilot controls.
• Performs routine preventive maintenance, such as lubrication, operating adjustments, cleaning, and painting equipment at various water facility locations, including but not limited to: wells, pumping plants, tank sites, regulating stations, and water treatment facilities.
• Monitors the status of plant operating guidelines, such as flows, pressures, chemical feeds, levels, and water quality indicators.
• Loads and unloads chemicals either by hand or using chemical-handling equipment, such as hand trucks, hoists, and chemical transfer pumps.
• Maintains recordkeeping, including operating logs, daily diaries, chemical inventories, data logs, reports, and SCADA data/trends.
• Makes arithmetic calculations to determine chemical feed rates, flow quantities, detention and contact times, and hydraulic loadings as required for plant operations.
• Performs routine water sampling for water quality, including but not limited to bacteriological, organic and inorganic, point-of-entry, and process sampling (turbidity, chlorine residuals, pH, etc.), as needed, and field lab testing as required.
• Conducts safety inspections and participates in safety tailgate meetings.
• Follows safety rules as they pertain to equipment, facility operations, employees, and calibration of equipment.
• Trains new employees on key accountabilities and communicates effectively with other operators and supervisors at the technical level expected for the position.
• Performs other similar work as assigned and any additional work necessary to satisfactorily complete assigned responsibilities.
• Orders chemicals, parts, and tools. Drives a company vehicle and operates equipment according to established safety procedures and policies.

Certification/Licenses

Any person hired, transferred or promoted, to the position of Production/Treatment Plant Operator must take and pass the Water Treatment Grade I Certification and a Water Distribution Grade 1 certification, as provided by the applicable regulatory agency, within one year of employment or transfer or promotion into the position, and must obtain a Water Treatment Grade II Certification within thirty (30) months of the employment or transfer date, subject to the requirements of the applicable regulatory agency.

Experience/Education

High school diploma or equivalent. Related production and water treatment experience is required.

Skills

• Ability to carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret data, information, and documents.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret situations; and use math and mathematical reasoning.
• Ability to demonstrate effective communication skills and meet with the public as needed.
• Ability to perform basic computer skills.

Knowledge

• One to two years of basic mechanical experience required.
• Requires physical and mechanical abilities.
• Knowledge of operating standard small hand tools.
• Knowledge of operating equipment, including but not limited to: lifting winch, air compressor, grinder, power saw, chain saw, calibration equipment, electronic recording equipment, chlorine testing equipment, and any other specialized tools necessary to complete assigned duties.

Work Environment

Physical demands include, but not limited to: standing, climbing, walking, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, grasping, reaching, stooping, crouching, sitting, etc. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move over 100 pounds. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, etc. May require working in trenches tanks and/or elevated areas.

Additional Information

The employee frequently works in, but not limited to; extreme outside weather conditions i.e. some potential exposure to poison oak, insects, reptiles and animals. Additionally, the position works near moving mechanical parts and in high or precarious places, and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, vibrations, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and the risk of electrical shock. Position has potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, and requires use of appropriate safety equipment such as self-contained breathing apparatus.

Competencies

Plans & Aligns Decision Making Communicates Effectively Builds Networks Action Oriented

Joint Statement

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing ™

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

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