Sr Operator, Wastewater Treatment

American Water Works Service Company, Inc.; Kearneysville (WV); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water Works Service Company, Inc. in West Virginia is seeking a Sr Operator, Wastewater Treatment.

The role requires a licensed wastewater operator and strong mechanical, electrical, and analytical skills to independently operate and maintain a treatment facility under supervision. You will startup/shutdown processes, monitor and optimize treatment, keep accurate records, manage chemical handling, and respond to alarms.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• College coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred.
• 5+ years of mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work experience.
• Wastewater treatment operator license, beyond entry level, required within timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Perform startup, shutdown, and routine operational checks of the wastewater treatment plant.
• Operate and adjust treatment processes to ensure compliant, safe, and efficient operation.
• Maintain plant records and submit reports for regulatory compliance.
• Load, unload, and handle treatment chemicals safely; maintain inventories.
• Inspect equipment and coordinate maintenance or repairs.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and adjust processes as needed.
• Conduct field and laboratory tests to monitor processes.
• Respond to alarms and emergencies following procedures.
• Provide guidance and on-site training to entry-level operators.

Skills

Wastewater knowledge

Analytical skills

Leadership

Safety procedures

Education

High School Diploma

College coursework in biology/chemistry/environmental science/engineering

Tools

Control system software

Job description

Requisition ID:110361

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!

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.

For more information, visitamwater.comand joinAmerican Water onLinkedIn,Facebook, XandInstagram.

Primary Role

The Sr Operator, Wastewater Treatment is a licensed, skilled position responsible for the independent operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility to ensure the safe, reliable, and compliant treatment of wastewater in accordance with regulatory requirements. This role performs skilled operational duties including startup and shutdown of treatment processes, routine and periodic operational checks, process adjustments, and troubleshooting of plant systems. Responsibilities include operating and adjusting equipment such as pumping systems, chemical feeding systems, aeration and clarification processes, sludge handling systems, auxiliary equipment, and associated control and monitoring systems. Work is performed with limited supervision under the direction of the Lead Operator or of local management.

Key Accountabilities

• Perform and oversee plant startup, shutdown, and routine and non‑routine operational checks of wastewater treatment plan.
• Operate, monitor, maintain, and adjust wastewater treatment processes and systems to ensure efficient, safe, and regulatory compliant facility operations, including pumps, motors, chemical preparation and feeding systems, aeration and clarification processes, sludge handling systems, and associated control and monitoring equipment.
• Regulate wastewater and sludge flows through treatment processes in accordance with established operating procedures, permit requirements, and process conditions.
• Maintain accurate and complete plant records, including operating logs, daily worksheets, laboratory and field test results, chemical feed data, flow measurements, temperatures, levels, and other process data; prepare and submit routine and special reports in support of regulatory compliance and operational tracking.
• Load, unload, and handle treatment chemicals safely and according to established procedures. Maintain chemical inventory levels.
• Inspect mechanical and electrical equipment for proper operation and perform routine operational maintenance, lubrication, and adjustments; identify equipment deficiencies and coordinate advanced repairs with maintenance staff or contractors.
• Troubleshoot complex operational and process issues, determine appropriate corrective actions, and implement adjustments to maintain effective treatment performance.
• Conduct and evaluate field and laboratory tests to monitor treatment processes and inform operational decisions.
• Make operational adjustments to equipment, processes, and chemical feed systems based on test results, process indicators, and regulatory requirements.
• Respond to alarms, emergency conditions, and system upsets, exercising sound judgment and following established emergency response procedures
• 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.
• May provide guidance and on‑the‑job training to entry‑level or developing operators in plant operations, safety practices, equipment care, and laboratory procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills

• Intermediate knowledge of the principles and safety practices of wastewater or water distribution, pumping, collection, and treatment, each as they may apply to area of responsibility.
• Intermediate knowledge of the scientific principles related to wastewater treatment processes.
• Intermediate knowledge of the mechanical, chemical, and biological processes and related equipment, as well as an awareness and alertness regarding operational modification necessary in both routine and emergency situations. Ability to perform laboratory analyses in accordance with approved methods and procedures (e.g., Standard Methods) and interpret results for operational decision‑making.
• Knowledge of required safety procedures (PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, electrical safety).
• Knowledge of emergency response protocols for plant systems, equipment failures, or chemical incidents.
• 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.
• Skill in problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision‑making in dynamic environments.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to train and mentor others.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, and external contractors.
• Intermediate understanding of piping systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical safety as related to wastewater treatment facilities.
• Skill in identifying mechanical, electrical, or control-system failures.
• Skill in adjusting control settings to maintain regulatory compliance and operational stability.
• Technical proficiency with computerized control systems, data entry platforms, and software used for operational monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping
• Ability to perform and interpret laboratory and field test results
• Skill in data interpretation for operational trends, lab results, and equipment performance.
• Skill in safe handling, storage, and transfer of hazardous chemicals.
• Skill in prioritizing tasks during alarms, failures, or emergency conditions.

Experience/Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• College course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment.

License/Certifications

• Wastewater Treatment Operator License beyond entry level required to aquire within a specific timeframe.
• Valid Driver’s License

Work Schedule/Environment

• Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments required depending on operational needs.
• 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, airborne/blood borne pathogens, 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 sit for long periods of time. Ability 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. Frequently enters and exits vehicles. #LI-BH1 #LI-Onsite

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.