What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Systems Operator position at American Water?
Requisition ID: 110139
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About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
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Primary Role
Responsible for the startup, shutdown, and periodic operating checks. Adjust plant equipment such as pumping systems, chemical feeders, auxiliary equipment, and control systems storage tank levels and pump station indicators.
Key Accountabilities
- Responsible for the startup, shutdown, and periodic operating checks.
- Adjust plant equipment such as pumping systems, chemical feeders, auxiliary equipment, and control systems storage tank levels and pump station indicators.
- Inspects plant every hour, recording all data and problems on daily log.
- Performs routine preventative maintenance such as operating adjustments, cleaning and painting equipment.
- Performs routine maintenance of plant grounds and buildings such as painting, cleaning, snow removal and other repairs.
- Loads and unloads chemicals used at the treatment plans.
- Performs minor corrective maintenance on plant mechanical equipment.
- Monitors flow, pressures, chemical feeds, levels and water quality indicators.
- Collects water samples and perform 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 (various equipment is located through plant facilities).
- Backwashes multimedia filters as needed.
- Records all operating data on daily work sheet from laboratory analysis and flow metering equipment's.
- Acquires knowledge of metric system to use for calibration.
- Conducts safety inspections and follows safety rules and procedures.
- Communicates effectively with outer operators and supervisors on the technical level.
- Answers calls from the Alton call center, and relay information to supervisor 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 at all times.
Experience/Education
- High School graduate or equivalent required
- Must have a valid driver's license
Travel Requirements
- Must be able to travel periodically - 5%
Work Environment
- Outdoor work during seasonal heat and cold, and other adverse weather conditions
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds
- Must be able to work all different shifts including weekends
Certifications/Licenses
- Required to obtain and maintain a WT5 license within two (2) years of employment, followed by a WT3 license.
- Must be able to comprehend analytical methods described in "Standards Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
Competencies
Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing™
American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.
Benefits:
Health Insurance, 401K Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off