Utility Laborer

American Water Works Service Company, Inc.; Fort Belvoir (VA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Maintenance Technician to perform repairs and preventive maintenance on water distribution and wastewater systems. The role requires hands-on experience with pumps, valves, meters, and electrical controls, along with performing safety procedures and reporting daily activities.

The candidate should have at least five years' experience in related maintenance, a high school diploma or GED, and a preferred state driver’s license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Five years’ experience in maintenance of water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems.
• Valid state driver’s license preferred; background check required.

Responsibilities

• Operate, repair, and maintain water distribution and wastewater systems and related equipment.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on pumps, valves, meters, and electrical controls.
• Prepare reports and maintain records of operations and maintenance activities.
• Coordinate with outside contractors for maintenance projects.
• Follow Health, Safety, and Environmental policies; wear PPE as required.
• Assist operators and other staff with daily tasks as directed.

Skills

Hand tools operation

Electrical systems

Hydraulic/pneumatic equipment

Safety regulations

Water/wastewater knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Backhoe

Dump truck operation

Electrical controls

Job description

Requisition ID: 110236

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.

Primary Role

• Using a company vehicle, performs repairs, preventive and corrective maintenance on water distribution systems, valves, hydrants, meters and mains and on wastewater collection systems, mains, manholes, clean outs etc. process equipment including pumps, blowers, motors and maintains pumps, electrical controls, emergency signaling and related components.
• Cleans and maintains wet wells, lift stations, grounds, facilities and related equipment.
• Prepares orders for maintenance materials, supplies, spare parts and equipment.
• Makes equipment adjustments and reports any serious equipment problems.
• Maintains computerized and manual records and prepares reports pertaining to the operation of the water distribution & collection systems, reviews daily work orders, completes daily reports, and makes changes as required to meet operating requirements.
• Identifies, schedules and coordinates the work of outside utility maintenance contractors in support of project.
• Follows Company’s Environmental, Health, and Safety Policies. Wear and work in proper personal protective equipment. Drives a company vehicle during scheduled work hours.
• Assist with operational tasks in conjunction with operators or as directed by operators.
• Performs other related functions assigned or as they become apparent or as management assigns.

Key Accountabilities

• Effectively and safely operates hand tools, pneumatic tools, air compressors and other small equipment related to the maintenance trades and water distribution and wastewater collection systems operations.
• Hands-on experience in light duty electrical power systems (240 V/ single and three phase) and instrumentation calibration and use.
• Ability to use and direct excavation crews for repairs of underground utilities, including past demonstrated experience using backhoe and driving a small dump truck.
• Knowledge of mechanical operation, maintenance and repair of equipment and water and wastewater systems.
• Knowledge of electrical systems related to equipment in assigned work area.
• Knowledge of proper operation of hydraulic, pneumatic and telemetry equipment.
• Knowledge of the National Electrical Code.
• Knowledge of water and wastewater processes including ability to operate basic water distribution and wastewater collection systems independently.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.

Knowledge/Skills

• Effectively and safely operates hand tools, pneumatic tools, air compressors and other small equipment related to the maintenance trades and water distribution and wastewater collection systems operations.
• Hands-on experience in light duty electrical power systems (240 V/ single and three phase) and instrumentation calibration and use.
• Ability to use and direct excavation crews for repairs of underground utilities, including past demonstrated experience using backhoe and driving a small dump truck.
• Knowledge of mechanical operation, maintenance and repair of equipment and water and wastewater systems.
• Knowledge of electrical systems related to equipment in assigned work area.
• Knowledge of proper operation of hydraulic, pneumatic and telemetry equipment.
• Knowledge of the National Electrical Code.
• Knowledge of water and wastewater processes including ability to operate basic water distribution and wastewater collection systems independently.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.

Experience/Education

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Additional trade specific courses preferred.
• Five (5) years’ experience in maintenance of water distribution systems, water pump stations and wastewater collection systems, wastewater Lift Stations etc.
• Must possess a valid, active state license preferred commercial Driver’s License and be able to successfully pass a motor vehicle background check.
• Prefer state certified Water and Wastewater Operator license.

Travel Requirements

< 5 %

Work Environment

• Employee may be required to work indoor or outdoor work during seasonal heat and cold or other adverse weather conditions.
• Employee may be required to work where regularly they may be exposed to fumes, dust and odors.
• Some high noise levels from operations of equipment.
• Must be physically able to complete necessary tasks while wearing an approved respirator as required, as some required work may have potential for exposure to harmful contaminants, environments, noise, etc.
• May have to work after normal work hours for on-call assignments.
• In addition to American Water’s pre-employment screenings, this position requires the ability to pass a Department of Defense background check for access to the military installation.

Competencies

• Plans & Aligns
• Decision Making
• Communicates Effectively
• Builds Networks
• Action Oriented

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.