Job Description
Job Title:  Equipment Operator
Posting Start Date:  10/23/25
Job Description: 

Job Information

Do you enjoy a job that is never the same two days in a row?  This might be the job for you!  This position has the opportunity to work alongside our Field Operations crews who help ensure We Keep Life Flowing® for our customers. 

This union position will be based out of Rosemead, CA. and Equipment Operator rate of pay is $41.49 per hour.

American Water offers a generous benefits package including competitive wages, medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug insurance; 401k with company match and so much more!

Additional Information: Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. 

Primary Role

Construct, operate and maintain a water distribution system.

Job Duties

  • Operates backhoe to break pavement or concrete, move earth, fill trenches, load trucks, lower pipe into trenches, set shoring, etc.
  • Transports backhoe to various sites where it is to be used.
  • Maintains all vehicles and equipment assigned.
  • Keeps maintenance records and the scheduling of all inspections required for safe operation of assigned vehicles or equipment.
  • When not operating equipment, assumes role of utility worker.
  • May be required to take after-hours call based on seniority per union contract.
  • Does other similar work as called upon to perform, and any other work as necessary.

Equipment used

  • Backhoe, truck and trailer, forklift, small hand tools, and any other tools necessary to complete the job.
  • Drives a company vehicle.

Experience/Education

  • High school education or equivalent.
  • Ability to carry out oral and written instructions.
  • Knowledge of basic equipment and materials used.
  • Requires normal physical and mechanical ability.
  • Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
  • Must be experienced in the operation of a backhoe, especially in areas where multiple utilities are present.

Certifications & Licenses

  • Water Distribution Certification Grade II required
  • Must obtain a California Class A Driver’s License within 18 months of hiring.

Other

  • Position reports to the Distribution Supervisor. Guidance also provided by Distribution Foreman.

 

Competencies

Champions safety
Customer obsessed
Cultivates innovation
Nimble learning
Drives Results
Collaborates