Job Information

This position will support locations for McHenry County, IL and Lake County, IL 

Position salary range: $24.72 to $39.01

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. 

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! 

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally! 

Primary Role

The Operator, is responsible for performing entry‑level work in the operation and maintenance of a water and/or wastewater treatment facility and field operations. This role assists with the operation and monitoring of treatment facilities—including wells, water treatment systems, wastewater treatment processes, and/or collection and distribution infrastructure—to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal regulatory requirements.

The Operator performs a wide range of manual labor and routine technical duties such as inspecting system components, operating and adjusting equipment, performing basic maintenance, monitoring pumping and chemical feed systems, and supporting field activities related to distribution lines, collection systems, and stormwater assets. Work includes responding to operational conditions in the field, conducting periodic equipment and system checks, and ensuring the continuous and reliable delivery of essential utility services.

Key Accountabilities

• Perform startup, shutdown, routine operational checks, and continuous monitoring of water and/or wastewater treatment facilities, wells, and associated systems.
• Operate and adjust plant equipment, including pumping systems, chemical feed systems, control systems, auxiliary equipment, storage tank levels, and pump station indicators.
• Conduct hourly or scheduled inspections of treatment facilities, documenting operational data, variances, and issues in daily logs.
• Monitor process flows, pressures, levels, chemical dosages, water quality indicators, and treatment performance to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Backwash multimedia filters and perform other process-control activities to maintain optimal plant performance.
• Load, unload, and handle treatment chemicals safely and according to established procedures.
• Collect water and/or wastewater samples and perform laboratory analyses (e.g., turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, pH, chlorine, fluoride) for process control and regulatory reporting.
• Maintain accurate operational records, including logs of chemical feeds, flow measurements, temperatures, levels, and pressures.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, including equipment adjustments, lubrication, cleaning, and minor repairs on mechanical and electrical plant equipment.
• Conduct minor corrective maintenance tasks and report equipment deficiencies requiring advanced repair.
• Maintain plant buildings and grounds including cleaning, painting, snow removal, and minor facility repairs.
• Assist with calibration activities and develop working knowledge of the metric system and related measurement protocols.

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to learn and understand basic principles and safety practices of water and/or wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection as they relate to assigned duties.
• Ability to learn and understand the basic scientific and water and/or wastewater purification concepts.
• Awareness of how treatment processes function and the importance of following established operating procedures.
• Ability to learn and understand the operation of pumps, valves, motors, and other mechanical equipment related to plant operation and maintenance.
• Knowledge of required safety procedures (PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, electrical safety).
• Awareness of emergency response procedures related to plant and field operations and the importance of timely reporting and escalation.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to clearly communicate operational changes, equipment issues, and safety concerns.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, and external contractors
• Basic understanding of piping systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical safety.
• Ability to recognize abnormal mechanical or electrical conditions and report or assist with troubleshooting under supervision.
• Technical Proficiency: Good working knowledge of computer programs, databases, and software. 
• Ability to collect samples and perform routine laboratory tests under established procedures.
• Skill in safe handling, storage, and transfer of hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to respond to alarms and emergency conditions by following established procedures and notifying supervision.

Experience/Education

0-2 years’ experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.

Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment preferred.

Prior water or wastewater treatment experience is desirable.

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Technical school coursework in industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or a related field or college course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred.

Travel Requirements

Daily travel within region may be required

Certification and Licenses

Competencies