Water/Wastewater Operator

American Water Works Association; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water Works Association is seeking a Water/Wastewater Operator to operate and maintain treatment, collection, and distribution systems in Michigan. The role includes lab testing, equipment maintenance, meter services, and responding to customer inquiries.

The candidate should have a high school diploma or GED, with vocational training and an associate degree in chemistry, biology, or engineering preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Vocational training in electrical/plumbing is strongly preferred.
• An associate’s degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, or related field desirable.
• 6–12 months of utility system experience required or equivalent education/experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water and wastewater treatment, collection, and distribution equipment and vehicles.
• Perform routine lab testing, sample collection, and chemical handling per plant procedures.
• Perform maintenance and repair of equipment, vehicles, and facilities (mechanical, electrical, fabrication).
• Install, service, and read water meters; assist with water main/service connections; respond to customer inquiries.
• Maintain hydrants, valves, pump stations, storage facilities, and related infrastructure; complete Miss Dig tasks.
• General facility upkeep including landscaping, cleaning, snow removal, and emergency response duties.
• May support emergency and disaster response activities and work overtime as needed.

Skills

Equipment operation

Maintenance & repair

Electrical knowledge

Plumbing knowledge

Mechanical operations

Verbal & written communication

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in chemistry|biology|engineering (desirable)

Tools

Forklift operation

CDL Class A with N endorsement

Job description

The insights provided are generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Please independently verify any critical information before relying on it.

Water/Wastewater Operator

The insights provided are generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Please independently verify any critical information before relying on it.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the assigned division supervisor, performs a wide variety of duties and operates equipment depending on assigned areas related to the operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of facilities and equipment of the wastewater treatment plant, sanitary collection systems, lift stations, water distribution system, and storage facilities.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains water and wastewater treatment, collection, and distribution equipment, including heavy machinery and specialized systems. Such as combination cleaning vehicle, forklifts, land application vehicles, operate pumps, high pressure presses, filters, etc.
• Conducts routine laboratory testing using sophisticated equipment, sample collection, monitoring, and chemical handling (polymers, acids and alkaloids) in accordance with plant procedures.
• Performs maintenance and repair of equipment, vehicles, and facilities, including mechanical, electrical, and fabrication work.
• Installs, services, and reads water meters; assists with water main and service connections; responds to customer service inquiries.
• Maintains hydrants, valves, pump stations, storage facilities, and related infrastructure; completes Miss Dig assignments.
• Performs general facility upkeep, including landscaping, cleaning, snow removal, and emergency response duties.
• May be assigned various responsibilities and tasks in conjunction with emergency and disaster response operations.
• May be required to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and respond to after-hours call-ins as needed.
• Performs other related duties and assignments as requested.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Vocational training in electrical, plumbing, or a related trade is strongly preferred. An associate’s degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, or a closely related field is desirable.

EXPERIENCE: Six (6) to twelve (12) months’ related experience working in a utility system is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may be substituted.

LICENSES: Must possess and maintain a valid State of Michigan vehicle operator’s license with a CDL Class A, “N” endorsement with air brakes. Within six (6) months of employment requires successful completion of CDL physical to maintain CDL endorsement per MDOT requirements. Requires a current forklift permit.

SKILLS/ABILITIES: Knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods, and procedures used in maintenance, construction, and repair activities desired; requires understanding of plumbing, electrical, and mechanical operations and other maintenance related duties; requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public; requires ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions; requires ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

OTHER: Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting deadlines and communicating effectively with co-workers, subordinates, supervisors, the public, and others. This position is also subject to random drug testing per policy.