Wastewater Treatment Operator

American Water; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water in Pennsylvania is hiring a Wastewater Treatment Operator to maintain and operate pump stations, regulators, and interceptors. You will monitor flow, collect data, and ensure CSO control and permit compliance as part of a dedicated operations team.

The role requires basic high school education and at least one year in wastewater; on-site work schedule is Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM with rotating on-call duties. Safety and routine maintenance are essential.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of materials, methods, and techniques used in public works and sewer treatment operations.
• Thorough knowledge of safety rules and safe work practices in a collection system work area.

Responsibilities

• Operates, maintains, and performs routine duties of equipment in a wastewater plant and collection system.
• Maintains permit compliance and optimize treatment through laboratory analysis and process adjustments.
• Inspects equipment for proper operation and performs lubrication, minor maintenance, and repairs.
• Performs work in the collection system including line inspection, 811-mark outs, and sewer jet/rod tasks.
• Keeps records of flow data, metering, and operational data; communicates issues to supervisors.

Skills

Public works knowledge

Safety rules

Sewer treatment operations

Education

HS 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.

Job Title: Wastewater Treatment Operator

Posting Start Date: 11/10/26

Job Description:

Primary Role

Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of pump stations, regulators, andinterceptors. Maintains flow meters and collects CSO data for daily andmonthly reporting.

• #LI-Onsite
• #LI-MR23

Key Accountabilities

• Operates, maintains, and performs routine duties of a wide variety of specialized equipment in a plant/treatment facility which includes. pumps, motors, and chemical feed systems, as well as biological wastewater treatment processes: control equipment and monitoring equipment.
• Performs daily duties to maintain permit compliance and optimization of treatment including laboratory analysis, treatment changes and sample collection. Makes necessary adjustments to equipment, processes, and chemical feeds, as test results may indicate to optimize treatment. Maintains records of operations as well as completing reports as assigned.
• Inspects all mechanical equipment for proper operation and performs normal lubrication, adjustment, seal, packing, minor maintenance, and minor repairs, as necessary both in the plant and collections system and maintain records of this work.
• Performs all necessary work within the collection system including but not limited to new line inspection and as built, 811-mark outs, videoing sewer main and laterals, manhole inspections, customer issues, clearing sewer right of ways. Must also be able to jet and rod sewage lines as needed.
• Maintain housekeeping at all facilities as well as lawn care and snow removal, at the standard of PAWC. Engages in cleaning structure chambers, freeing plugged gates and laterals, and correcting back water gate malfunctions, to prevent or minimize combined sewer overflows (CSOs).

Additional Key Accountabilities

• Documents all records of flow data & metering equipment.
• Cleans inside and outside of structures and maintains lawn and rights-of-way. Engages in flow studies and measurements.
• Records unusual conditions of sewage flow or odors. Reports any malfunctions of bypasses, control gates or flap gates to Supervisor.
• Lubricates control and back water gates. Performs all pump station maintenance including cleaning bar screens and removing rags/debris, sweeping/mopping of floors, painting and general pump maintenance.
• Completes and files Confined Space sheets. Inspects and reports problems from pump station equipment such as motors, pumps, valves, compressors, level control devices, generators, odor control systems.
• Records data from operating equipment such as flow meters, level control system, UPS system, gas detection system and generator.
• Checks, cleans, and maintains interceptor system to prevent and minimize CSOs. Opens sewer covers, checks for gas, uses gas monitors, blows in fresh air (as needed). Responds to customer service calls. Performs maintenance of all flowmeters & regulators.

Knowledge/Skills

• Considerable knowledge of materials, methods, and techniques commonly used in public works activities and general sewer treatment operations.
• Thorough knowledge of safety rules and safe work practices in a collection system work area.

Experience/Education

• Minimum one (1) year experience in the wastewater field preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required.

Hours/Schedule

• Full-time
• Monday-Friday, 7am-3:30pm
• Rotating call-out coverage every three (3) weeks
• On-call responsiblites

Other Requirements:

• Work overtime at any time of day or year as required by management.
• Attend training sessions and participate in updated work procedures as necessary.
• Able to carry out written and oral directions and required tasks.
• Able to relate to the general public in a professional and courteous manner.

Physical/Cognitive Requirements

• Able to lift, carry, and drag equipment and exert force up to forty (40) pounds; climb over and pull up oneself over obstacles; jump down from an elevated surface; climb through openings; jump over obstacles; crawl in confined areas; balance on uneven or narrow surfaces and use body force to gain entrance.
• Climb steps and ladders on a regular basis to perform assigned tasks.
• Work safely in an environment that includes significant noise,atmospheric conditions, and some environmental hazards that necessitate safety gear, eye protection, and occasionally a respirator.

Certifications

• Successful completion of the appropriate state certification examination through PA Department of Environmental Protection for collection system operators, currently an E-certificate.
• Valid PA driver license.
• Completion of pre-employment medical examination including drug and alcohol test.
• Good oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Some knowledge of computer operated equipment.

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 are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.