Water & Wastewater Treatment Operator

American Water; Cumberland (MD); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off

Life insurance

Voluntary benefits

Health and wellness programs

Job summary

American Water is seeking an entry-level Water & Wastewater Treatment Operator in Cumberland, MD. The role supports daily plant operations, data collection, and routine maintenance under supervision of senior staff.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma and some science coursework; 0–2 years in related fields is acceptable. The position offers a base range of $28-$32 per hour with benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• College coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering preferred.
• 0-2 years of mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine operations and maintenance tasks at water and wastewater treatment facilities, including assisting with equipment like pumps, motors, chemical preparation and feeding systems.
• Assist with operating and monitoring physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes and control equipment.
• Assist with startup/shutdown and periodic operating checks of treatment facilities under supervision.
• Monitor flows, pressures, chemical feeds, levels, temperatures and other data; maintain logs and records.
• Collect water and wastewater samples and perform routine laboratory tests; report results to supervisors.
• Load and unload chemicals following all handling procedures; maintain inventory levels.
• Inspect equipment for proper operation; perform lubrication, cleaning, and minor repairs.
• Support process and equipment adjustments based on test results and supervisor direction.
• Complete work orders and document using asset management systems.

Skills

Safety procedures

Analytical skills

Verbal and written communication

Team collaboration

Data collection

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

College coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering

Tools

Computer programs

Job description

Job Description Job Title: Water & Wastewater Treatment Operator

Job Description Job Title: Water & Wastewater Treatment Operator

Posting Start Date: 10/9/26

Job Description:

Position Information

Posted range: $28-$32/hr.

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

The Operator, Water and Wastewater Treatment is responsible for performing entry-level operational and maintenance support work at water and wastewater treatment facilities. This role supports daily plant operations, monitoring, routine maintenance, and data collection activities while learning water and wastewater treatment processes and regulatory requirements. Work is performed under the general supervision of Senior and Lead Operators or of local management.

Key Accountabilities

• Perform routine operations and maintenance tasks at water and wastewater treatment facilities, including assisting with the care and operation of equipment such as pumps, motors, chemical preparation and feeding systems, and auxiliary equipment, in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist with operating and monitoring physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes for both water and wastewater systems, as well as associated control and monitoring equipment. Assist with the startup, shutdown, and periodic operating checks of treatment facilities under supervision.
• Assist with regulating the flow of water, wastewater, and sludge through treatment processes under direction and established operating procedures.
• Monitor storage tanks, pump stations, and treatment indicators; record flows, pressures, chemical feeds, levels, temperatures, and other operational data.
• Maintain accurate and complete plant records, including operating logs, daily worksheets, laboratory and field test results, chemical feed data, and process measurements.
• Collect water and wastewater samples and perform routine laboratory and field tests following established procedures; report results to licensed operators or supervisors.
• Load and unload chemicals used at treatment plants following all chemical-handling procedures; maintain chemical inventory levels.
• Inspect mechanical and electrical equipment for proper operation and perform routine lubrication, cleaning, adjustments, minor maintenance, and minor repairs, as assigned.
• Assist with making process and equipment adjustments based on test results and specific direction from licensed operators or supervisors.
• Conduct routine safety inspections; utilize required PPE; comply with lockout/tagout, confined space entry, and chemical-handling protocols.
• Respond to alarms and abnormal operating conditions by following established procedures and notifying appropriate supervision.
• Answer calls from the CSO and relay information to operations and leadership as needed.
• Maintain plant buildings and grounds, including cleaning and minor facility upkeep, as assigned.
• Complete equipment work orders and documentation using asset management or computerized maintenance systems, as applicable.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to learn and understand basic principles and safety practices of water and wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection systems as they relate to assigned duties.
• Ability to learn and understand basic scientific principles related to water and wastewater treatment and purification processes.
• Awareness of how treatment processes function and the importance of following established operating procedures.
• Ability to learn and understand operation of pumps, valves, motors, and other mechanical and electrical equipment related to treatment plant operations.
• Knowledge of required safety procedures, including PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, electrical safety, and chemical handling.
• Awareness of emergency response procedures related to plant systems, equipment failures, or chemical incidents and the importance of timely reporting and escalation.
• Effective quantitative, analytical, and observational skills; attention to detail. Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate operational issues and safety concerns clearly.
• Ability to work collaboratively with operations, maintenance, water quality staff, and external contractors.
• Basic understanding of piping systems, hydraulics, and electrical safety related to treatment facilities.
• Ability to recognize abnormal mechanical or electrical conditions and assist with troubleshooting under supervision.
• Technical Proficiency: Good working knowledge of computer programs, databases, and software.
• Ability to safely collect samples and perform routine laboratory and field testing. Skill in safe handling, storage, and transfer of hazardous chemicals. Ability to follow established procedures during alarms and emergency conditions and notify appropriate supervision.

Experience/Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• College coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering preferred.
• 0-2 years of experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Experience servicing, maintaining, or repairing machinery and equipment preferred.

Travel Requirements

• Daily travel within region may be required.

Certifications & Licenses

• License requirements vary by state. Candidate must obtain license within designated timeframe. Basic Water and Wastewater Treatment license preferred.
• Valid Driver's License

Work Environment

• Work performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, and varying weather conditions.
• Potential exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, and sewage.
• The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required.
• May be required to work in buildings, in pits, manholes, on scaffoldings or in confined spaces.
• May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces, water/wastewater hazards, airborne/blood borne pathogens, and electrical equipment.
• Must be able to perform essential functions and meet the physical requirements of the position including ability to stand, climb stairs, and/ or walk and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and move tools, equipment, and materials up to 80 lbs. as required.
• Involves crouching, stooping, and kneeling for extended or repeated periods.
• Must be able to safely drive a company vehicle for extended or intermittent periods in varying conditions.
• Frequently enters and exits vehicles.
• Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments required depending on operational needs.

Competencies

Plans & Aligns

Decision Making

Communicates Effectively

Builds Networks

Action Oriented