Technician, Maintenance & Relief Operator

American Water; Cape Charles (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water in Cape Charles, VA is seeking a Technician, Maintenance & Relief Operator to support plant operations, perform basic equipment maintenance, and assist with inspections under supervision. You will learn treatment processes, safety practices, and gain hands-on experience with pumps, valves, sensors, and controls while meeting state and federal requirements.

This full-time role offers growth opportunities, benefits, and a chance to contribute to reliable water and wastewater

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of pumps, valves, motors, and related plant equipment.
• Knowledge of water/wastewater treatment principles and process objectives.
• Safety procedures (PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, electrical safety).
• Emergency response protocols for plant systems and incidents.
• Ability to interpret manuals, schematics, and drawings.
• Awareness of regulations affecting water/wastewater operations.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Good verbal and written communication; teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, install, operate, maintain, inspect, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on equipment at treatment plants including pumps, blowers, motors, chemical feed equipment, and related instrumentation.
• Calibrate and adjust chemical feed and process equipment and control systems.
• Monitor plant operations and adjust to maintain optimal performance.
• Perform sampling, testing, and laboratory analysis to ensure compliance with standards.
• Carry out emergency procedures and corrective actions for continuous operation.
• Maintain records, tools, and equipment; perform routine custodial duties.
• Assist with light construction tasks (carpentry, plumbing, painting, electrical).
• Possess ability to act as Plant Operator in the absence of the Operator.

Skills

Pumps operation

Valves & motors

Safety procedures

Laboratory testing

Communication

Equipment troubleshooting

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Technical school coursework

Job description

Career Opportunities: Technician, Maintenance & Relief Operator (110129)

Requisition ID110129-Posted07/14/2026-Direct Operations-VA-Cape Charles-Full Time - Regular

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, Maintenance & Relief Operator supports plant operations by performing basic equipment maintenance, assisting with routine inspections, and learning essential treatment processes. This role develops foundational skills in plant operation, safety practices, and mechanical troubleshooting while working under close guidance. At times, required to operate the treatment plant in a way that meets all state and federal regulatory requirements

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 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

• Ability to learn and understand the operation of pumps, valves, motors, and other mechanical equipment related to plant operation and maintenance.
• Basic awareness of water/wastewater treatment principles and process objectives.
• 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.
• Must understand the working principle behind a computerized maintenance management program.
• Awareness of applicable state and federal water/wastewater regulations and the importance of compliance.
• 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.
• Basic understanding of piping systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical safety.
• Ability to recognize abnormal equipment conditions and report or troubleshoot mechanical issues under supervision.
• Technical Proficiency: Good working knowledge of computer programs, databases, and software.
• Ability to perform sampling and basic laboratory tests under direction.
• Skilled in safe handling, storage, and transfer of hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to respond to alarms and emergency conditions by following established procedures and supervisor direction.

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.
• Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment preferred.
• Prior water or wastewater treatment experience is desirable.

Travel Requirements

• Daily travel within region may be required.

Certifications & Licenses

• Valid driver license License requirements vary by state.
• Candidate must have the ability to obtain license(s) within designated timeframe.
• 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.

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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.