Wastewater Operator
Posted Date: Sep 24, 2025
Location: Charleston, WV, US, 25302
Company: American Water Works Company Inc
Requisition ID: 108836
Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.
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.
We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.
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 $40 to $42 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 Index for 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
Working alone or as a member of a team, and under the guidance of a Lead Operator, Supervisor or Manager, provides for the safe operation of wastewater facilities in an assigned area(s) in such a manner as to support a Supervisor or other Operators in complying with the requirements for distributing wastewater treatment and collection as established by the company and state and federal governmental regulatory agencies. Provides guidance and training to Operators and, as necessary, to less senior Operators and Plant Utility Workers assigned as members of the team.
Key Accountabilities
- Operates, and performs routine duties and care of a wide variety of specialized equipment and apparatus in a plant/treatment facility and/or collection system 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.
- Maintains records of operations; submits routine reports as assigned.
- Inspects all mechanical equipment for proper operation.
- Performs normal lubrication, adjustments, seal packing, minor maintenance, and repairs as necessary.
- Performs related field and laboratory tests as necessary to monitor and control the facilities.
- Makes necessary adjustments to equipment, processes, and chemical feeders, as test results may indicate or as instructed by the Lead Operator/Supervisor.
- Responds to customer service calls.
- May clear clogs and/or make repairs to sewer mains.
- May train other employees in the operation and care of facilities including maintenance, repairs, laboratory work, and safety, as required.
- May perform duties as Chief/Lead Operator as needed.
- May perform duties as Collection System Specialist as needed.
- Conducts safety inspections and follows safety rules and procedures.
- Communicate effectively with other operators and supervisors.
- Attends and participates in operational and safety training programs as directed by management.
- Always interacts with fellow employees and the public in a professional and courteous manner.
- Position is subject to 24 hour call-out and overtime.
- Performs related work and other duties as assigned; assists other departments as needed.
Knowledge/Skills
- Working knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and collection systems.
- Working knowledge of the principles of chemistry, biology, environmental science and engineering needed to successfully operate a wastewater treatment facility.
- Working knowledge of basic plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and carpentry necessary to operate and maintain wastewater facilities.
- Ability to perform basic repairs needed for the operation of pumps, valves, motors and other mechanical equipment related to operations and maintenance.
- Ability to operate hand tools and power tools.
- Ability to read and interpret gauges, meters, plans, profile maps and detail drawings.
- Ability to perform process control analysis, monitoring, compliance sampling and testing.
- Able to prepare and maintain accurate paperwork such as records, logs, orders and reports.
- Able to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
- Demonstrate computer skills within MS Word, MS Excel and SCADA systems.
- Able to perform accurate mathematical calculations related to the position.
- Able to plan, schedule, prioritize and coordinate work.
- Ability to respond to emergencies.
- Able to operate vehicles and equipment such as heavy trucks, fork lifts, tampers, portable generators, pumps, etc. as required.
- Experience with electrical power systems.
- Experience with instrumentation calibration.
- Able to establish effective working relationships. with staff, customers, and the public.
- Able to work in a team environment.
Experience/Education
- High School graduate or state recognized education equivalency certificate.
- Course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering preferred.
- Minimum of two years of experience in the water supply or wastewater treatment field.
- Experience in training others in the variety of tasks related to operations and care of all facilities in a safe and proper manner.
- Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment.
Certifications & Licenses
- License requirements vary by state. Candidates must possess the required licenses or have the ability to obtain within a designated timeframe.
- Valid drivers’ license with safe driving record.
Travel Requirements
- Frequent intrastate travel.
- Frequent out of town, overnight trips.
Work Environment
- Work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Potential exposure to harmful contaminants and harsh environments.
- Exposure to loud noise
- Potential exposure to wastewater, chemicals, fumes, odors and dust.
- Confined space and electrical hazard conditions.
- Exposure to potentially harmful pathogens and gases in raw unprocessed wastewater creating potential for blood borne/airborne disease.
Physical Requirements
- Able to work indoors and outdoors during adverse weather conditions.
- Able to complete tasks while wearing appropriate PPE.
- Must be able to lift and/or carry 80 lbs. or more frequently.
- Able to walk up and down stairs and long distances.
- Able to carry, climb and work from ladders.
- Able to remain alert and attentive to surroundings and co-workers.
- Able to work in confined space environments.
- Able to wear a respirator or SCBA as required.
Other
- May be required to work day, evening, night or rotating shifts as needed.
- May be required to work weekends, holidays and overtime.
- Must be available for emergency call outs.
- Must maintain a courteous demeanor when speaking with customers and the public.
- Must maintain a neat, professional appearance while in uniform and during work hours.
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.
Nearest Major Market: Charleston West Virginia