Utility Mechanic

American Water Co.; Plainfield (NJ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water in Plainfield, NJ seeks a Utility Mechanic I to support distribution system operations, including locating, operating, and repairing facilities, hydrants, valves, and services. You will also collect samples and prepare facilities for weather events.

The role requires knowledge of service areas, reading diagrams, safety practices, and the ability to work outdoors in all weather. A high school diploma and within one year a Class A CDL are required; on-site work with potential travel

Qualifications

• Geography knowledge of the service area and distribution system.
• Ability to interpret diagrams, blueprints, schematics and maps.
• Knowledge of safety practices, regulations, and confined spaces requirements.
• Understanding of materials used in transmission and distribution systems and ability to perform taps, repairs, and inspections.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, monitor, and control safe and efficient utilization of equipment and personnel.
• Locate, access, operate, and repair facilities such as mains, hydrants, valves, and plumbing fixtures.
• Investigate hydraulic variations and initiate corrective actions.
• Perform distribution system tests and complete house-to-house connections to maintain service.

Skills

Geography knowledge

Piping networks

Safety procedures

Blueprints reading

Customer service

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

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!

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.

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and contracted increases as determined by the collective bargaining agreement, and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth.

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

May be assigned to perform any responsibility that lies within the capability of the employee based on experience, knowledge, qualifications, and training.

Key Accountabilities

• Coordinate, monitor, and control the safe and efficient utilization of Company and valve operating equipment and assigned personnel.
• Locate, access, operate, and repair Company facilities such as, but not limited to, mains, hydrants, blow-offs, services, curb stops, shutoff valves, and plumbing fixtures.
• Investigate and diagnose hydraulic variations that may adversely impact system operations and customer service, and initiate corrective action.
• Perform distribution system tests, including but not limited to, fire flows, Customer service lines, and pressure losses.Complete house-to-house connections at customers' accounts to maintain service.
• Locate Company facilities, and in accord with the Underground Facility Program, mark-out company facilities and initiate requests to mark-out other utilities' facilities.
• Raise to grade Company facilities such as, but not limited to, meter hoods, tiles and covers and curb and valve boxes.
• Operate and repair Company facilities such as, but not limited to, fire hydrants and distribution system valves.
• Complete the installation of facilities, including but not limited to, water services, main extensions, fire hydrants, valves, and any other T&D Crew work.
• Collect and evaluate water samples, as directed, in accord with established water quality practices.
• Transport materials to and from facilities and/or job sites. In emergencies, autonomously obtain material from storeroom or yard.
• Prepare Company facilities for adverse weather conditions.
• Restore service to frozen Company facilities, as required.
• Record pertinent data and maintain accurate records.
• Report conditions in the field that may adversely impact Customer Service or the public safety, as well as conditions that may result in damage to Company facilities.
• Respond to inquiries accurately and professionally and, when necessary, involve the appropriate individuals to resolve customer and Company-related issues and to achieve the highest level of Customer Service in all areas of responsibility.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills

• Must possess geographical knowledge of the Company’s service area and distribution system, as well as an understanding of gradients, piping networks, basic fluid and flow principles, and basic electrical theory and related safety procedures.
• Capable of interpreting diagrams, blueprints, schematics, and maps.
• Must have working knowledge of:
• Company policies and procedures and safety practices, as well as state and federal regulations
• regarding confined spaces, trenching and shoring, and Competent Person.
• Various materials utilized in the transmission and distribution system and possess the ability to properly and safely make necessary taps, restraints, and repairs to insure the integrity of the transmission and distribution system.
• Our computer systems and programs.
• Perform on-board valve operating equipment.
• Skills:
  • Able to speak, read, write and understand the English language.
  • Mechanically inclined.
  • Customer Service focused.

Experience/Education

• Capable of operating Company equipment and vehicles necessary for the completion of assignedresponsibilities.
• Successfully demonstrate skills of Utility Mechanic I for a minimum of one (1) to two (2) year.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Within one year, must obtain a valid motor vehicle commercial driver’s license, Class A. CDL must be maintained while in classification.
• Complete Competent Person training to receive certification.

Travel Requirements

Daily local travel.

• Work indoors and outdoors.
• Will be required to work in all adverse weather conditions (i.e., rain, snow, sleet, heat).
• Understand and follow Company safety procedures; wear appropriate PPE at all times.
• Required to stand/walk for long distances on a daily basis

Other

• The individual must be able to perform the essential functions and meet the physical requirements for the position.
• May be assigned to perform responsibilities either individually or in conjunction with other employees.
• May also be assigned to direct other employees. In the absence of the Foreman, assume lead role.
• Maintains professionalism in appearance and demeanor at all times.
• Adhere to all Company polices & practices, including the dress code policy, at all times

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.