What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Systems Operator position at American Water?
Job Description
Job Title: Water Systems Operator
Posting Start Date: 12/11/25
Job Description:
Primary Role
This position is responsible for performing skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility on an assigned shift. The plant operator must ensure that the facility is operating in a manner which meets all state and federal regulatory requirements. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Lead Operator or Plant Supervisor. This position requires rotating 12 hour shifts (1 month of day shift, 1 month of night shift).
Essential Functions
Champions safety
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Job Title: Water Systems Operator
Posting Start Date: 12/11/25
Job Description:
Primary Role
This position is responsible for performing skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility on an assigned shift. The plant operator must ensure that the facility is operating in a manner which meets all state and federal regulatory requirements. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Lead Operator or Plant Supervisor. This position requires rotating 12 hour shifts (1 month of day shift, 1 month of night shift).
Essential Functions
- Responsible for the startup, shutdown, and periodic operating checks of a water treatment plant.
- Adjust plant equipment such as pumping systems, chemical feeders, auxiliary equipment, and control systems.
- Monitoring storage tank levels and pump station indicators.
- Inspects plant as scheduled, recording all data and problems in the daily log.
- Performs routine preventative maintenance of plant equipment and grounds which may include painting, cleaning, snow removal and other repairs.
- Loads and unloads chemicals used at the treatment plans.
- Monitors flow, pressures, chemical feeds, levels, and water quality indicators.
- Collects water samples and performs laboratory tests on samples for turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, ph, fluoride, and chlorine.
- Maintains plant records such as operating logs, chemical feeds, temperature, levels, and pressures
- Backwashes multimedia filters as needed.
- Records all operating data on daily work sheet from laboratory analysis and flow metering equipment
- Acquires knowledge of metric system to use for calibration.
- Conducts safety inspections and follows safety rules and procedures.
- Communicates effectively with other operators and supervisors
- Answer calls from the call center, as applicable and relays information to supervisors as requested
- Calls out employees in other departments as directed
- Attends and participates in operational and safety training programs as directed by management.
- Interacts with fellow employees and the public in a professional and courteous manner.
- Performs related work and other duties as assigned; assists other departments as needed.
- Basic knowledge of the principles and safety practices of wastewater or water distribution, pumping, collection, and treatment, each as they may apply to area of responsibility.
- Basic understanding of the mechanical, chemical, and biological processes and related equipment, as well as an awareness and alertness regarding operational modification necessary in both routine and emergency situations.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- College course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering preferred.Minimum 1 year experience
- One to two years of experience in the water/wastewater treatment field preferred.
- Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment preferred.
- License requirements vary by state. Candidate must possess required licenses or have the ability to obtain within designated timeframe.
- Outdoor work during seasonal heat and cold, and other adverse weather conditions
- May be required to work in building, in pits, 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 and electrical equipment.
- Must be able to perform essential functions and meet the physical requirements for the position including:
- Able to stand, walk, climb stairs, or sit for longer periods of time.
- Able to wear SCBA and perform job functions in a hazardous environment
Champions safety
Customer obsessed
Cultivates innovation
Nimble learning
Drives Results
Collaborates
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