Senior Operator, Sewage Plant

American Water Co.; Leesville, Northern (LA, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Senior Operator, Sewage Plant to independently operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities and associated equipment. The role includes sampling, process control testing, data logging, and coordination with teams for repairs and compliance.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma or GED, plus experience with activated sludge processes and SCADA systems. Some licensing preferred; expect on-site work and occasional overtime.

Qualifications

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• State Class B Wastewater License highly preferred but a combination of experience and lower license could be considered.
• Additional trade specific courses preferred.
• Three years in operation of activated sludge plants preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operates wastewater treatment plant and collection system to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collects and analyzes samples for process control and compliance.
• Maintains logs and operation data; records readings and performs routine maintenance.
• Assists in water collection system work and main/service repairs as needed.
• Communicates effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Performs other related functions as assigned.

Skills

Read gauges/meters

SCADA systems

Math calculations

Maintenance experience

Documentation/records

Team communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

State Class B Wastewater License preferred

Trade-specific courses preferred

Three years in activated sludge plants preferred

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

SCADA software

Job description

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 we 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 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 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.

Job Title: Senior Operator, Sewage Plant

Posting Start Date: 10/7/26

Job Description:

Primary Role

Independently operates, maintains, repairs and inspects wastewater treatment plant and collection system (lift stations, holding tanks, grease traps, etc.). Includes the collection of wastewater samples per state regulations, performing process control laboratory testing, recording data and preparing regulatory reports, adjusting chemical feed rates, and other similar duties. Position will also be required to assist with the water collection system on a periodic basis and participate in water and sewer main and service repairs.

#LI-HA1.

#LI-onsite.

Key Accountabilities

• Operates wastewater system (conventional treatment plant, spray irrigation system, lift stations, holding tanks, grease traps, etc.) to provide compliance with applicable state and federal regulations. Collects and analyzes samples required for compliance and process control.
• Performs maintenance of the wastewater systems. Perform assigned general housekeeping duties. Maintains and calibrates hand-held and on-line monitoring equipment and treatment equipment as required.
• Follows Company’s Environmental, Health, and Safety Policies, and report unsafe conditions.
• Takes and records system operation readings according to prescribed schedules.
• Maintains daily logs, records plant operating data as required in logs and operations software.
• Effective, timely, and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and citizen customers.
• Assist in repairs of treatment plant equipment, and water and sewer main and service repairs with other project staff.
• Performs other related functions assigned or as they become apparent or as management assigns.

Knowledge/Skills

• Able to read gauges and meters.
• Prepare and maintain accurate paperwork such as records, logs, orders, surveys and routine reports as directed.
• Able to perform accurate mathematical calculations related to this position.
• Perform standardized water process control, monitoring, and compliance sampling and testing.
• Past working knowledge using mechanical skills, for making minor repairs to process equipment, piping, motors, etc.
• Hands-on experience in light duty electrical power systems (240 V/ single and three phase) and instrumentation calibration and use.
• Some computer skills; MS Word, MS Excel and SCADA systems.
• Knowledge of the techniques, equipment and materials used in the mechanical maintenance and repair of related equipment and systems.
• Possesses a thorough knowledge of activated sludge treatment for domestic waste. Specifically, but not limited to knowledge of methods and precautions in storing and handling chlorine and other industrial chemicals.

Experience/Education

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• State Class B Wastewater License highly preferred but a combination of experience and lower license could be considered.
• Additional trade specific courses preferred.
• Three years in operation of activated sludge plants preferred.

Travel Requirements

• Less than 5 %

Work Environment:

• Employee may be required to work indoor or outdoor work during seasonal heat and cold or other adverse weather conditions.
• Must be physically able to complete necessary tasks while wearing an approved respirator as required, as some required work may have potential for exposure to harmful contaminants, environments, noise, etc.
• Must be able to lift 75 pounds, unassisted.
• There will be some weekend, holiday and overtime work as needed, including on-call assignments.
• In addition to American Water’s pre-employment screenings, this position requires the ability to pass a Department of Defense background check for access to the military installation.

Competencies

Plans & Aligns Decision Making Communicates Effectively Builds Networks Action Oriented

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