Plant Operator

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People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.
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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, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people across 14 regulated jurisdictions and 18 military installations. American Water's 6,500 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.
As one of the fastest growing utilities in the U.S., American Water expects to invest $30 to $34 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency and regulated acquisitions over the next 10 years. The company has a long-standing history of executing its core operations, aligned with sustainable best practices, through its commitments to safety, affordability, customer service, protecting the environment, an inclusive workforce and strengthening communities.
American Water has been recognized on the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Indexfor the fifth consecutive year, ranked 18th on Barron's 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2023 List, earned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act designation and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense® Excellence Award, among additional state, local and national recognitions.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Primary Role
This position is responsible for performing skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a water and wastewater 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.
Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for the startup, shutdown, and daily operating checks of a treatment plant.
• Operates, and performs routine duties and care of a wide variety of specialized equipment and apparatus in a plant/treatment facility including pumps, motors, chlorinators, chemical preparation, and feeding; physical, chemical, and biological wastewater treatment processes; control equipment and monitoring equipment.
• Regulates the flow of wastewater and sludge through the treatment processes.
• 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.
• Performs related field and laboratory tests to monitor and control the facilities.
• 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.
• Drives vehicles and/or trucks in performance of general responsibilities.

Knowledge/Skills

• 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.

Experience/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• College course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering preferred.
• 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.

Certifications & Licenses

• Industry License requirements vary by state. Candidate must possess required licenses or have the ability to obtain within designated timeframe.
• Valid drivers license required with the ability to pass a background check.

Work Environment
• 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:
o Able to stand, walk, climb stairs, or sit for longer periods of time.
o Able to wear SCBA and perform job functions in a hazardous environment.
Competencies
Champions safety
Collaborates
Cultivates innovation
Customer obsessed
Drives Results
Nimble learning
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.