Technician, Field Operations

American Water; Racine (WV); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water in Racine, WV is seeking a Field Operations Technician to perform field service duties, install, maintain, and repair water distribution systems. You will operate vehicles and equipment, read meters, and document field data as part of daily workflows.

You will follow safety procedures, work with cross-functional teams, and communicate issues clearly to customers and supervisors. This role emphasizes reliability, hands-on problem solving, and adherence to procedures.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Technical school coursework in industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or a related field preferred.
• 0-2 years’ experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Prior water or wastewater treatment experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Drive and operate company vehicles and equipment.
• Excavate valves and curb boxes with hand tools.
• Install repair clamps, flare and connect service piping.
• Read meters and record field data.
• Perform service turn-ons and turn-offs and other customer-facing tasks.
• Investigate and resolve customer service issues.

Skills

Water distribution

Safety procedures

Mechanical equipment

Emergency response

Field data recording

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Map reading

Piping systems

Computer literacy

Procedural compliance

Education

High School Diploma

Technical school coursework

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.

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 Technician, Field Operations is responsible for performing field service duties and a variety of manual, technical, and operational tasks related to installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems.

Key Accountabilities

• Drive and operate company vehicles and equipment, including dump truck, backhoe and other equipment required to perform field service duties; operate various hand and power tools.
• Break asphalt and concrete using pneumatic tools; excavate valves and curb boxes with hand tools; and position pipes, valves, fittings, and related infrastructure.
• Tap into pressurized water mains, install repair clamps, flare and connect service piping, and operate valves, hydrants, and related appurtenances.
• Operate pneumatic and/or hydraulic boring equipment for line installation and repair activities.
• Accurately complete and maintain forms, sketches, field notes, and documentation using maps and system records.
• Read meters as required by daily schedules. Perform work in meter boxes, confined spaces, trenches, and excavations.
• Obtain and record water meter readings in the company’s service area to ensure accurate billing of customers’ accounts within established timeframes.
• Accurately measure pressure and flow at meter to detect leaks.
• Perform service turn-ons, turn-offs, and other customer-facing operational tasks in accordance with company procedures.
• Investigate and resolve customer service issues, providing professional communication and timely response.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to learn and understand water distribution system components, including mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and related appurtenances.
• Ability to learn and understand safe work practices applicable to field operations, including PPE requirements, traffic control, trenching and excavation hazards, confined space awareness, and equipment safety.
• Basic familiarity with mechanical equipment used in field service activities, including valves, meters, hand and power tools, and construction equipment.
• Awareness of emergency response procedures related to field operations and the importance of timely reporting and escalation.
• Ability to perform basic measurements and calculations and accurately record field data with attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly report equipment issues, safety concerns, and customer service matters.
• Ability to work collaboratively with operations, maintenance personnel, supervisors, and external contractors.
• Ability to read and interpret basic maps, plans, and utility drawings.
• Basic understanding of piping systems and mechanical principles related to water distribution work, with awareness of electrical safety practices.
• Basic computer proficiency, including use of mobile devices and software for work orders, meter reading, and field documentation.
• Ability to follow established procedures and elevate abnormal conditions or emergencies according to company protocols.

Experience/Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Technical school coursework in industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or a related field preferred
• 0-2 years’ experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Prior water or wastewater treatment experience is desirable.

Certifications & Licenses

• License requirements vary by state. Candidate must obtain license within designated timeframe.
• 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.