Sr Operator, Water Treatment

American Water Co.; Cape Charles (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health benefits

Stock purchase plan

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Senior Operator, Water Treatment, to oversee the independent operation, monitoring, and optimization of a water treatment facility ensuring safe, reliable drinking water. You will perform startup/shutdown, adjust processes, and monitor chemical feeds, storage tank levels, and pump station indicators under limited supervision.

The role requires 5+ years in relevant utility work, strong safety and lab analysis skills, and the ability to coordinate with maintenance and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; college coursework preferred.
• 5+ years in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Experience servicing, maintaining, and repairing machinery; water treatment experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform plant startup, shutdown, and routine checks.
• Operate and adjust treatment processes and equipment to maintain compliance.
• Monitor data and respond to readings for water quality and system reliability.
• Document operations in daily logs and asset management system.
• Load, handle, and store treatment chemicals safely; maintain inventory.

Skills

Water treatment

Safety procedures

Laboratory analysis

Control systems

Communication

Emergency response

Education

High School Diploma

Chemistry/Env science coursework

Tools

MapCall

Control 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 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.

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

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!

Primary Role

The Sr Operator, Water Treatment is a licensed, skilled position responsible for the independent operation, monitoring, and optimization of a water treatment facility to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant production of drinking water. This role performs skilled operational duties including startup, shutdown, periodic operating checks, and adjustments to plant equipment such as pumping systems, chemical feeders, auxiliary equipment, control systems storage tank levels and pump station indicators. 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 water treatment plant.
• Operate, adjust, and control treatment processes and equipment, including pumps, chemical feed systems, auxiliary equipment, and control systems, to maintain regulatory compliance and system reliability.
• Monitor, interpret, and respond to operating data, including flows, pressures, chemical feeds, storage tank levels, pump station indicators, and water quality parameters.
• Conduct hourly or scheduled inspections of treatment facilities, documenting operational data, variances, and issues in daily logs.
• Backwash multimedia filters and perform other process-control activities to maintain optimal plant performance.
• Load, unload, and handle treatment chemicals safely and according to established procedures. Maintain chemical inventory levels.
• Collect water samples and perform laboratory analyses (e.g., turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, pH, chlorine, fluoride) for process control and regulatory reporting.
• Maintain accurate and complete plant records, including operating logs, daily worksheets, laboratory results, chemical feed data, flow measurements, temperatures, levels, and pressures.
• Lead resolution of water quality complaints, including coordination with internal departments and external stakeholders as needed.
• Perform preventive maintenance including equipment adjustments, lubrication, cleaning, and minor corrective repairs; identify equipment deficiencies and coordinate advanced repairs with maintenance staff or contractors.
• Maintain plant buildings and grounds including cleaning, painting, snow removal, and minor facility repairs.
• Perform and verify calibration of instrumentation and monitoring equipment in accordance with established procedures and measurement standards.
• Complete equipment work orders using asset management system (e.g. MapCall).
• 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.
• Respond to alarms, emergency conditions, and system upsets, exercising sound judgment and following established emergency response procedures.
• Included in the Available Operator Report in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• 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 and water and/or wastewater purification concepts.
• 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.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, and external contractors.
• Intermediate understanding of piping systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical safety.
• 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.
• 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.
• Experience in water treatment field.

Travel Requirements

• Daily travel within region may be required.

Certifications & Licenses

• License requirements vary by state.
• Water Treatment License beyond entry level required.
• Valid Driver’s License
• 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 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.
• Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments required depending on operational needs.

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.