Sr Operator, Wastewater Treatment

American Water Co.; Kearneysville (WV); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Sr Operator, Wastewater Treatment to operate and maintain a wastewater facility, ensuring safe, compliant treatment and reliable performance. The role requires hands-on expertise and strong problem-solving abilities.

The position involves startup/shutdown, process adjustments, recordkeeping, chemical handling, and collaboration with maintenance and operations teams to meet regulatory requirements and safety standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• College coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred.
• Wastewater Operator License required within a certain timeframe.
• Experience with servicing, maintaining, and repairing machinery and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, maintain and adjust wastewater treatment processes to ensure compliance.
• Perform startup/shutdown and routine operational checks safely and efficiently.
• Maintain accurate logs, reports, and records for regulatory compliance.
• Manage chemical handling, inventory, and safe storage practices.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues; coordinate repairs as needed.
• Respond to alarms and emergencies with appropriate actions.
• Train and mentor less experienced operators.

Skills

Wastewater treatment

Safety procedures

Troubleshooting

Laboratory testing

Team leadership

Education

High School Diploma

College courses in biology/chemistry/environmental science

Wastewater Operator License

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 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.

Job Title: Sr Operator, Wastewater Treatment

Posting Start Date: 10/26/26

Job Description:

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 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