Sr. Water Treatment Operator

American Water Co.; Middlesborough (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water in Middlesboro, KY is seeking a lead, licensed Water Treatment Operator to oversee day-to-day operations at our surface water plant. You will monitor the water treatment process, adjust controls, perform light maintenance, manage chemical inventory and ensure reliable supply.

This role requires a Class III-A or IV Kentucky Treatment license; leadership responsibilities and the ability to mentor other operators are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Kentucky Water Treatment license Class IV preferred; will consider Class III-A.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations at the surface water plant.
• Monitor water treatment process and adjust control parameters.
• Perform light maintenance and manage chemical inventory.
• Ensure safe, healthy and reliable water supply to community.
• Lead and supervise other operators and ensure SOPs are followed.
• Respond to alarms and investigate potential safety concerns.

Skills

Water treatment knowledge

Safety procedures

Process control

MS Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

KY Water Treatment license Class IV preferred; Class III-A considered

Tools

MS Office

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.

Kentucky American Water is seeking a lead, licensed Water Treatment Operator! This role will oversee and support day-to-day operations at our surface water plant in Middlesboro, KY. You will get to monitor the water treatment process, make control adjustments, perform light maintenance, handle chemical inventory, and ensure safe, healthy and reliable water keeps flowing to the community.

The Sr. Water Treatment Operator operates and maintains water treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in facility to permit and operational requirements. This individual is fully qualified to perform the most complex functions and lead the work of others.

*This position requires a Class III-A or IV KY Treatment license.

Key Accountabilities

• Safety - demonstrate and enforce practices that are consistent with a goal 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 testresults 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 ofmodern water and wastewater treatment plants.
• Extensive knowledge of methods and materials of water andwastewater systems.
• Thorough knowledge of the layout, location and equipment characteristicsof water and wastewater systems and of the treatment plants.
• Knowledge of the regulatory and legal environment of modern water andwastewater systems and water and wastewater treatment, includingenvironmental 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 maintenancemanagement program.

Experience/Education

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Kentucky Water Treatment license Class IV preferred; will consider Class III-A

Travel Requirements

• Local travel within service territory
• May be required to work indoor or outdoor work during seasonal heat andcold or other adverse weather conditions.
• Standing 25%; walking 75% for as many as 5 miles per shift
• Required tooccasionally stoop, kneel or crouch and enter confined spaces; may berequired to use ladders or stairs.
• Able to lift or move up to 50-60 pounds.
• May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes andcaustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces,water/wastewater hazards and electrical equipment.

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.