Wastewater Collection Operator I

American Water; York (York County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water in York, PA seeks a Wastewater Collection Operator I to maintain the sanitary sewer system, perform preventative cleaning, and supervise contractor work on mains and laterals.

This entry-level role requires a High School Diploma, a Class B CDL with air brakes and tanker endorsements, and basic math and writing skills. The position supports WWTP operations and cross-department tasks.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Class B CDL with air brakes and tanker endorsements.
• Ability to perform basic math and write simple notes.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the sanitary sewer collection system through cleaning and inspections.
• Oversee contractor work on sewer lateral and mains for defects and function.
• Investigate sewer backups, identify action steps, and document results.
• Assist other departments and support WWTP processes as needed.

Skills

Basic math

Basic writing

Independence

Education

High School Diploma

CDL Class B with air brakes and tanker endorsements

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Wastewater Collection Operator I

Job Description

Job Title: Wastewater Collection Operator I

Posting Start Date: 8/6/26

Job Description

Primary Role

The purpose of this position is to maintain the sanitary sewer collection system in operating condition. This is accomplished by completing preventative and emergency cleaning; over seeing a contractor excavating and repairing sewer lateral and mains for defects and operational function; investigating complaints of sewer back-ups and identifying a course of action to implement; Contracting lateral cleaning service when necessary; replacing or adjusting sanitary sewer risers for manholes. Other duties include assisting other departments by providing manpower and equipment, cleaning the WWTP process.

lines: providing CCTV inspections as needed in the collections system; surveying and inspecting manholes.

Key Accountabilities

• Cleans sewer lines with hydraulics by working independently and under the supervision of collections OP II's; opening manholes for access; selecting appropriate nozzle for job; vacuuming the debris removed for disposal; observing operations for indications of problems in sewers; disposing of accumulated debris; maintaining the jetter truck and performing maintenance as needed; completing daily work reports for cleaning sewer line locations and manholes for data entry and storage. (60%)
• Investigates and remedies property owner sewer complaints by inspecting and identifying the cause of back-ups; determining responsibility and type of inspection; attempting service restoration if necessary, using hand tools or high-pressure jetting techniques; communicating effectively with the complainant regarding the problem and solution; providing excellent customer service; completing work reports for investigating complaints for data entry and storage. (20%)
• Minor repairs to the lateral standpipe by working independently and under the supervision of Collection OP II's; determining the location of breaks using various tools. (10%)
• Televises mains and laterals by taking lateral camera to location; evaluating manhole atmospheric conditions for safety and installing camera into manhole line; setting up inspections on main line camera computer system; analyzing information extracted from camera findings; establishing work zone or traffic controls; cleans lines. (5%)
• Completes manhole frame and cover replacement by handling frames and covers and determining required adjustments; mixing mortar and setting manhole frames in place; placing hot macadam and tamp around manhole; cleaning up work area; completing work reports for manhole work in order to complete data entry and storage. (5%)

Knowledge/Skills

• This job title requires the use of standard technical skills appropriate to the work environment of the organization.
• Ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations.
• Ability to write simple sentences containing subject, verb, and object, and/or series of numbers, names, and addresse.
• This job title normally performs the duty assignment after receiving general instructions as to methods, procedures, and desired end results. There is some opportunity for discretion when making selections among a few, easily identifiable choices. The assignment is usually reviewed upon completion.
• Overall physical strength demands: Exerting 50-100 lbs. occasionally, 10-25lbs frequently, or up to 10-20lbs constantly.

Experience/Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 0-6 months of related experience.
• Class B Commercial Driver's license with air brakes and tanker endorsements issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Competencies

Plans & Aligns

Decision Making

Communicates Effectively

Builds Networks

Action Oriented