Sr Technician, Maintenance & Relief Operator

American Water Co.; Cape Charles (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water Co. in Virginia seeks a Sr. Technician, Maintenance & Relief Operator to perform skilled maintenance and operate treatment plant systems, ensuring continuous, compliant water/wastewater processes.

The role requires independent troubleshooting, regulatory compliance, sampling, and an active operator license, with potential weekend or on-call duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Trains to operate and maintain water/wastewater equipment and processes.
• Follows safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Uses CMMS for work orders and maintenance planning.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, install, operate, maintain, inspect, and repair equipment at treatment plants.
• Calibrate and adjust chemical feed and process equipment.
• Perform sampling, testing, and lab analysis for compliance.

Skills

Pumps & valves operation

Mechanical troubleshooting

Safety procedures

Laboratory sampling

CMMS data entry

Reading schematics

Electrical safety

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Technical school in industrial maintenance

Plant operations license

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Primary Role

The Sr. Technician, Maintenance & Relief Operator performs skilled maintenance and operates treatment plant systems to ensure continuous, compliant functioning of water/wastewater processes. This role independently troubleshoots equipment, conducts operational adjustments, and fulfills regulatory and sampling requirements using an active operator license.

Key Accountabilities

• Troubleshoot, install, operate, maintain, inspect, repair, and perform preventive maintenance duties on the equipment at the treatment plants including, but not limited to, pumps, blowers, motors, chemical feed equipment, screens, mixers, filters, flow meters, gauges, valves, wash water processing equipment and related instrumentation and control equipment.
• Calibrates and adjusts chemical feed and process equipment including instrumentation and control systems.
• Monitor the treatment plant and adjust as necessary to control their operations.
• Perform sampling, testing, and laboratory analysis to monitor process and determine compliance with Federal, State, and American Water’s standards.
• Perform necessary emergency operating procedures and take proper corrective action for continuous effective operation of the treatment plants.
• Maintain all necessary records, tools, and work equipment. Perform maintenance and custodial duties.
• Perform light construction projects as needed including carpentry, plumbing, painting, electrical, masonry, etc. Specifies and initiates orders in COUPA for parts and supplies.
• Assume duties of Plant Operator in the Operator's absence.
• Perform delivery, loading, unloading, and placing of water/wastewater treatment chemicals into storage, including chemical receiving and inventory. Maintain grounds, buildings, roadways, screens, reservoirs, and rights-of-way.
• Responsible for daily well run and all associated processes on weekends or whenever assigned.
• Responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting sewage collection system and/or water distribution system.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills

• Intermediate knowledge of the operation of pumps, valves, motors, and other mechanical equipment related to plant operation and maintenance.
• 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.
• Intermediate knowledge of scientific and water and/or wastewater purification concepts.
• Working knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), including work order documentation and maintenance planning.
• Understanding of state and federal water/wastewater regulations.
• 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.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, engineering drawings, and equipment specifications.
• Advanced 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: Good working knowledge of computer programs, databases, and software.
• Ability to perform and interpret laboratory and field test results. Skill in data interpretation skills 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.
• Valid driver license; license requirements vary by state.
• Must possess required license(s) for plant operations.
• Technical school coursework in industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment preferred.
• Experience in water and/or wastewater treatment.

Travel Requirements

• Daily travel within region may be required.

Work Environment

• 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.

Competencies

• Champions safety
• Collaborates
• Cultivates innovation
• Customer obsessed
• Drives Results
• Nimble learning

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