Water/Wastewater Operator

Middlesex Water Company; Millsboro (DE); On-site; USD 49,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Hybrid work schedules where possible

Job summary

Middlesex Water Company seeks a Water/Wastewater Operator to operate and maintain treatment facilities within the service district. You will manage field data, monitor systems, and support customer billing and field staff.

You will perform plant operations, collect samples, and ensure compliance with state reports while adhering to safety policies. This role requires licenses and the ability to work on-call and weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Good reading and writing skills.
• Ability to comprehend and work with numerical data.
• Able to perform basic Algebra.
• Good overall mechanical skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Familiar with MS Word and MS Excel.
• Able to use basic hand tools.
• Must possess Delaware Base Level Drinking Water License.
• Must possess a Delaware Level II Wastewater License to perform multi-plant operations or obtain within one year.
• Must also obtain all treatment endorsements applicable to the District assigned.
• Salary range provided in the posting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair water/wastewater treatment plants, pumps, collection systems, and distribution systems.
• Operate municipal, industrial water, and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Enter process data electronically into company database using field computing equipment.
• Review and sign State Monthly and Annual Discharge Monitoring Reports as required by law.
• Respond to customer complaints and inquiries for other departments.
• Provide field support for billing, meter reading, and collection staff.
• Provide labor and support for the Senior Operator.
• Perform water/wastewater analysis using field/lab equipment.
• Lift bacteriological samples as assigned.
• Shall be required to be on-call and/or work weekends and shifts as scheduled.

Skills

Numerical data analysis

Basic algebra

MS Word

MS Excel

Reading and writing

Education

Delaware Base Level Drinking Water License

Delaware Level II Wastewater License

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid driver’s license

Tools

Field computing equipment

Electrical multi-meter

GIS

Job description

To sustain life by delivering trusted, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to the communities we serve.

Our Vision

To be the best-in-class water and wastewater utility, protecting life and the environment while creating value and driving sustainable growth.

Our Values

At our core, our ability to provide safe, reliable water and wastewater services is built on a foundation of shared principles. These values – Respect, Invest, Growth, Honesty, and Teamwork – are the driving force behind everything we do.

We encourage our employees to do right in interactions and to demonstrate our core values in our words and in our actions.

Current Job Openings

Grow with us! Our century old tradition of service excellence is the result of people just like you.

Interested in joining our team?

We are working hard to deliver the highest quality services, preserve our environment, reinvest in our communities and build value for shareholders. We seek talented, driven and highly productive people to join our team. If you are a motivated individual looking to contribute to our growth, we invite you to take a look at what the Middlesex Water family of companies has to offer

No Phone Calls Please.

EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V A Condition of Employment will be the ability to pass a Drug Screen/Pre-Employment Physical and Background Check.

Employment Verifications

For employment verifications, please contact [e-mail] . We will try to respond within 48 hours of receiving verification inquiries.

The word RIGHT stands for what we VALUE: Respect, Invest, Growth, Honesty and Teamwork.

Why join our team?

Tidewater Utilities, Inc. has been Delaware’s premiere water company since 1964. We have created a work environment that promotes professional development and finding your passion. We understand the importance of our services and the individuals who uphold our reputation.

Joining our team means that you have a multitude of benefits that support you in and out of the workplace such as- full medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401k, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and more. To learn more, please visit www.middlesexwater.com/tidewater-utilities .

Job Summary:

The Water/Wastewater Operator reports to the District Senior Operator and District Manager. This position operates company owned and contractually operated water/wastewater treatment facilities and supply plants within the service District(s).

Work Performed:

Maintain and repair water/wastewater treatment plants, pumps, collection systems, and distribution systems.

• Operate municipal, industrial water, and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Enter process data electronically into company database using field computing equipment.
• Review and sign State Monthly and Annual Discharge Monitoring Reports as required by law.
• Respond to customer complaints and inquiries for other departments.
• Provide field support for billing, meter reading, and collection staff.
• Provide labor and support for the Senior Operator.
• Perform water / wastewater analysis using field / lab equipment provided
• Perform microscopic evaluation of wastewater samples.
• Perform preventive maintenance, calibration of chart recorders, analyzers, and programming of VFD’s and PLC’s
• Respond to Miss Utility tickets and uses Company GIS to identify emergency locations.
• Troubleshoot minor mechanical, piping, electrical, and electronic systems/controls.
• Evaluate problems and implement process adjustments to biological, chemical, and physical processes.
• Take bacteriological samples as assigned by Senior Operator or District Manager.
• Lifts chemical which are approximately 50 pounds.
• May be required to work and be licensed in multiple states.
• Must adhere to Company and customer safety policies/ procedures and use of appropriate PPE.
• Shall be required to be on-call and/or work weekends and shifts as scheduled.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent, required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Good reading and writing skills.
• Ability to comprehend and work with numerical data.
• Able to perform basic Algebra.
• Good overall mechanical skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Familiar with MS Word and MS Excel.
• Able to use basic hand tools.
• Able to use electrical Multi-meter.
• Must possess Delaware Base Level Drinking Water License
• Must possess a Delaware Level II Wastewater License to perform Multi-plant operations or be able to obtain within one year.
• Must also obtain all treatment endorsements applicable to the District assigned.
• Salary Range: $48,880 - $72,299.20 annually, based on experience and qualifications.
• Total Rewards Package Includes: - Medical, dental, and vision coverage (effective first of the month after hire).
• 401(k) with company match.
• Company paid life and disability insurance.
• Paid time off and 12 paid holidays.
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any and all employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, stooping, crouching, or bending.
• The employee frequently lifts light or heavy objects, uses tools and equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed while indoors or outdoors, sometimes in cold inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, hazardous chemicals, and machinery with moving parts.
• The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
• Requires respirator clearance consisting of medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing and physical exam.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

• Climbing ability.
• Normal hearing.
• Walking ability.
• Must be able to smell.

Work Authorization & Pre-Employment Requirements

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. All candidates must successfully pass a drug screen, pre-employment physical, background check, and possess a valid driver’s license in good standing (if required for the position). Additionally, must be cleared by Department of Defense to access government facility.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Positions

For positions requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the use of marijuana (including medical marijuana) or any controlled substances, whether prescribed or otherwise, is strictly prohibited under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Such use is a violation of federal law and will disqualify candidates from CDL-required positions.

Pay Transparency

This job posting complies with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Law (effective June 1, 2025), which requires employers to disclose salary ranges, benefits, and other compensation in job advertisements.

Middlesex Water Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please note: No phone calls, please.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Our employees are our most valuable asset. We are committed to providing them with the benefits of professional training, skills and tools they need to succeed and deliver exceptional customer service.

We’re proud of our reputation as an industry leader, a good corporate neighborand acompany that cares for its employees.We also know thathappy, productive and engaged employees are better able to provide quality service to our customers and value to our shareholders.We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package which includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Coverage
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401(k) plan
• Paid Vacation and Personal Days
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Utility Credit Union
• Hybrid Work Schedules (Where Possible)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Pet Insurance
• Discretionary Profit Sharing
• Discounts through Dell
• Verizon and Plum Benefits (Travel, Events, Concert Discounts)

Middlesex Water Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Diversity

Our Commitment to Diversity

Middlesex Water Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices are designed to ensure equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to an individual’s ancestry, race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, obligation to the Armed Forces of the United States or for any other reason prohibited by law.We strive to promote an internal culture that values diversity of talent and ideas in pursuit of our business objectives. Our talented workforce helps us to deliver for our customers and we value their dedication, commitment and contributions.

Check out this NJ.Com article to find out more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.