Sr Operator, Water Treatment

American Water; Ironton (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water in Ironton, MO seeks a Sr Operator, Water Treatment to operate and maintain facility equipment in compliance with permits and regulatory requirements. This senior role requires hands-on leadership to guide junior staff and ensure safe, efficient plant operations.

Responsibilities include field testing, adjusting chemical dosages, monitoring supplies, and ensuring SOPs are followed. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in water/wastewater and a high school diploma.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 5 years in water or wastewater systems.
• Experience leading others preferred.
• Proficiency with MS Office and CMMS.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water/wastewater equipment per permits.
• Lead the work of others when needed.
• Perform field tests and adjust chemical dosages.
• Collect samples and monitor supplies.
• Ensure SOPs are followed and handle process adjustments.
• Respond to inquiries and alert supervisors of risks.

Skills

Water treatment know-how

Process control

Safety procedures

Team leadership

Education

GED or HS Diploma

Tools

MS Office

CMMS software

Job description

• Operates and maintains water/wastewater treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in facility to permit and operational requirements.


• Is fully qualified to perform the most complex functions and lead the work of others.

Job Title: Sr Operator, Water Treatment

Posting Start Date: 8/14/26

Job Description

Primary Role

• Operates and maintains water/wastewater treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in facility to permit and operational requirements.


• Is fully qualified to perform the most complex functions and lead the work of others.

Key Accountabilities

• Safety – demonstrate and enforce practices that are consistent with agoal of zero accidents and injuries; adhere to all safety policies and procedures; assist in operations of office with required focus on all aspects of safety. (15%)


• Training – employee orientation, departmental operating procedures, Safety, OSHA and Quality Training; team leader/supervisory training; Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Level I and II. (10%)


• Perform field tests to pace chemical dosages for process controls or alter unit processes; Collects samples according to schedule; prepares chemical solutions and services automatic samplers; monitors process chemical supplies and recommends reorder. (15%)


• Efficiently operate all equipment in facility – pumps, engines, centrifuge, generators, valves, conveyors, blowers, belt presses, processing filters, etc. (15%)


• Ensure all operating personnel implement standard operating procedures for all associated plant process; takes corrective action when test results are outside acceptable ranges, including changing process control, biological system, and feed rates of chemicals. (20%)


• Responds to requests, inquiries, or complaints; promptly inform Area or Facility Manager of potential risk situations. Tasks performed by subordinates are periodically checked for quality and accuracy. (25%)

Knowledge/Skills

• Extensive knowledge of the objectives, equipment, and operations of modern water and wastewater treatment plants.


• Extensive knowledge of methods and materials of water and wastewatersystems.


• Thorough knowledge of the layout, location and equipment characteristics of water and wastewater systems and of the treatment plants.


• Knowledge of the regulatory and legal environment of modern water and wastewater systems and water and wastewater treatment, including environmental law and contract law as applicable.


• Must have broad knowledge of MS Office products, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.


• Must understand the working principle behind a computerized maintenance management program.

Experience/Education

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).


• At least five (5) years water and/or wastewater systems and treatment.

Work Environment

• May be required to work indoor or outdoor work during seasonal heat and cold or other adverse weather conditions.


• Standing 25%; walking 75% for as many as 5 miles per shift; Required to occasionally stoop, kneel or crouch and enter confined spaces; may be required to use ladders or stairs.


• Able to lift or move up to 50-60 pounds.


• May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces, water/wastewater hazards and electrical equipment.

Competencies

Plans & Aligns

Decision Making

Communicates Effectively

Builds Networks

Action Oriented