Water/Wastewater Operator

American Water Works Association; Lansing, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water Works Association seeks a maintenance technician to operate and maintain water and wastewater systems, perform laboratory testing, and conduct repairs. Responsibilities include meter installations, hydrant maintenance, and emergency response support.

A high school diploma or GED plus vocational training is preferred, with CDL Class A and forklift permits required. Ideal candidates will have 6–12 months of utility experience, strong mechanical knowledge, and the ability to work

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma/GED or equivalent; vocational training preferred.
• 6–12 months of related utility experience required.
• Must possess valid Michigan CDL Class A with N endorsement and air brakes; CDL physical within 6 months.
• Current forklift permit required.
• Strong understanding of plumbing, electrical, and mechanical operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water and wastewater systems and related equipment.
• Perform routine laboratory testing and sample collection.
• Maintain and repair equipment, vehicles, and facilities.
• Install and read water meters; assist with connections; respond to inquiries.
• Maintain hydrants, valves, pump stations, and storage facilities.
• General facility upkeep including landscaping and snow removal.
• Support emergency and disaster response operations.
• May require overtime, weekends, holidays, and after-hours call-ins.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Maintenance knowledge

Communication skills

Reading & comprehension

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School diploma / GED

Vocational training in electrical/plumbing

Associate degree in science fields

Tools

Forklift permit

CDL Class A with N endorsement

Air brakes endorsement

Job description

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.

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.