Sr. Water Treatment Operator

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

Job summary

Kentucky American Water is seeking a Sr. Water Treatment Operator to lead and manage daily surface water treatment operations at our Owenton facility in Kentucky. The role requires a Kentucky Class IV license and strong knowledge of water treatment processes.

You will perform field tests, manage chemical dosing, and supervise team members while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance. This is a full-time, on-site position at the Owenton facility.

Qualifications

• Kentucky Class IV Water Treatment license required.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience with field testing and chemical control.
• Strong knowledge of water and wastewater treatment operations.
• Proficient with MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water treatment facilities in accordance with procedures and safety policies.
• Lead day-to-day operations and assist in supervising team members as needed.
• Perform field tests and adjust chemical dosages for process control.
• Monitor equipment performance and respond to abnormal test results.
• Ensure compliance with operating permits and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with management to address inquiries and ensure high-quality water services.

Skills

Water treatment operations

Safety practices

Process control

MS Office

Field testing

Chemical handling

Education

Kentucky Class IV Water Treatment license

High school diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

Computerized maintenance management system

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! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

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 full-time, water treatment professional to join our team. The Sr. Water Treatment Operator will lead, support, and manage the day-to-day treatment operations at our surface water facility in Owenton, KY.

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

*This position requires a Kentucky Water Treatment Class IV 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 of modern water and wastewater treatment plants
• Extensive knowledge of methods and materials of water and wastewater systems
• 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)
• Kentucky Class IV Water Treatment license required
• 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

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 are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.