Treatment Plant Operator

myhrpartnerinc; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting pay: $31.44/hour

Paid healthcare for you and dependents

Generous vacation, sick, personal days

Job summary

Lehigh County Authority in Allentown, PA, seeks a Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator for the night shift to lead plant operations, mentor trainees, and ensure safe, compliant performance across water and wastewater facilities.

The ideal candidate holds PA Class A Water or Wastewater Certification with subclasses, has 2+ years of experience, and is proficient with SCADA and instrumentation. This role requires rotating shifts, safety focus, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Must possess valid PA Class A Water or Class A Wastewater Certification with subclasses.
• Minimum 2+ years operating or supporting a water or wastewater facility.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks; rotating night shift schedule.

Responsibilities

• Operate and oversee treatment systems across water and wastewater facilities to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient performance.
• Monitor control systems and instrumentation; identify malfunctions and make adjustments to maintain performance.
• Lead and support Operator-in-Training staff with guidance and on‑the‑job instruction.
• Start and regulate pumps and valves; interpret flow data and log readings.
• Collect and analyze process samples to maintain water quality and meet regulatory standards.
• Document equipment issues and coordinate maintenance; communicate with supervisors.
• Rotate between multiple treatment facilities to expand technical expertise.

Skills

SCADA experience

Gauge interpretation

Safety minded

Communication skills

Lead operator

Education

PA Class A Water Certification

PA Class A Wastewater Certification

Tools

SCADA software

Job description

Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator – Night Shift

You already know how critical this work is – clean water, safe communities, and systems that simply can’t fail.

As a Treatment Plant Operator at Lehigh County Authority in Allentown, PA, you’ll take the next step in your career, leading plant operations and helping guide operators-in-training, while ensuring our water and wastewater systems run safely, efficiently, and in compliance every day.

This is work that matters. Every adjustment you make, every system you monitor, and every decision you guide helps protect public health and the environment – while supporting and mentoring the next generation of operators!

What the Job Looks Like

In this role, you’ll serve as a lead operator, combining hands-on technical expertise with peer support and oversight to ensure reliable plant operations. Responsibilities include:

• Operate and oversee treatment systems across water filtration and wastewater facilities, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient performance of pumps, motors, meters, boilers, and sludge processing equipment
• Monitor control systems and instrumentation, including gauges and electrical control boards, identifying malfunctions and making real-time adjustments to maintain optimal performance
• Lead and support Operator-in-Training staff, providing direction, guidance, and on‑job instruction to maintain consistent, high‑quality operations
• Start and regulate pumps and valves, interpret flow data, and log system readings using both computerized systems and manual records to ensure operational accuracy and continuity
• Collect and analyze process samples, adding treatment chemicals in precise quantities to maintain water quality and meet regulatory standards
• Document equipment issues and coordinate maintenance, escalating complex problems and ensuring clear communication with supervisors and maintenance teams
• Rotate between multiple treatment facilities, expanding your technical expertise across different systems and operational environments

What We're Looking For

This role is designed for experienced operators who are ready to take on more responsibility, support others, and contribute to the safe operation of essential infrastructure.

Requirements:

• Must possess a valid PA Class A Water or Class A Wastewater Operator Certification, with ability to obtain required subclasses
• 2+ years of experience operating or supporting a water or wastewater treatment facility
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks including climbing stairs and ladders
• Willingness to work a rotating night shift schedule (6:00 PM – 6:00 AM), including weekends and holidays
• A strong working knowledge of treatment processes, equipment operation, and routine maintenance practices

To succeed in this role, you’ll also bring:

• The ability to read and interpret gauges, meters, and control systems accurately
• Comfort using SCADA and computer‑based monitoring systems
• A proactive, safety‑focused mindset and the ability to identify and respond to operational issues in real time
• Strong communication skills to guide and collaborate with team members across shifts

About Us and What We Offer You

Since 1966, we'veprovidedhigh-quality, affordable water and sewer services to our community. LCAisn'tjust a service provider;it's a vibrant and dynamic place to work. We offer an exciting and busy environment where our employees are the heart of our operations. By joining our team,you'llplay a key role in ensuring that our public services are valuable, affordable, and high-quality. Ifyou'repassionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and service, LCA is the place for you!

Benefits and Perks

At LCA, we take care of our team so they can take care of the communities we serve. This union role offers stability along witha strong foundationof benefits, including:

• Starting pay: $31.44/hour
• $0 Healthcare Costs: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage fully paid for you AND your eligible dependents with no employee p aid p premiums. That means no deductions from your paycheck for coverage, which can save you hundreds per month compared to most employers.
• More Money in Your Pocket: Becauseyou’renot paying insurance premiums, your take‑home pay can be significantly higher than roles with a higher hourly rate with costly benefit deductions.
• Time to Recharge: Generous paid vacation, sick time, personal days, and holidays so you can rest and take care of life outside of work.
• Long‑Term Security: Company‑paid life and disability insurance plus access to two retirement plans - a pension through the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement Plan and a 457 plan - helping you build real financial stability over time.
• Additional Support: Flexible Spending Accounts and voluntary benefits available to fit your individual needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

At LCA, we pride ourselves on being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected status. Employment decisions at LCA are based on your qualifications, merit, and the needs of our business.

Thank you for considering LCA as your next career move. We look forward to learning more about you!