Utility/Water Operator
American Water

Job Info

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Requisition ID: 107307

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 $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 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

This position is cross trained to work in distribution, field services, as well as plant operations. Day-to-day activities may include meter reading, service repairs, flushing hydrants, or operating our water well system. Performs a variety of tasks in the locating, laying, repairing, and extending underground water mains and distribution pipes. Performs skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility and ensures that the facility is operating in a manner which meets all state and federal regulatory requirements.

#LI-LS1

Essential Functions

Utility Technician:

• Sets up barricades and places safety lights around work sites to protect workers from street traffic.
• Breaks up asphalt and concrete, using pneumatic power tools for trenching and compaction.
• Manually digs valve boxes and curb boxes, using shovel and digging bar.
• Guides pipe sections, valves and fittings into position and holds pieces steady while worker tightens connections.
• Taps into pressurized water mains.
• Flares and connects copper and plastic piping.
• Installs repair clamps on pressurized water mains and service lines.
• Operates valves and fire hydrants.
• Investigates complaints and determines corrective action per company procedure.
• Will assist with customer service orders.
• Operates pneumatic and/or hydraulic boring equipment.
• Completes all necessary forms, sketches, field notes and uses maps and records.
• Drives vehicles and/or trucks in performance of general job.
• Performs any other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Water Plant Operator:

• Responsible for the startup, shutdown, and periodic operating checks of a water treatment plant.
• Make necessary adjustments to pumping systems, chemical feeders, auxiliary equipment, and control systems.
• Monitoring storage tank levels and pump station indicators.
• Inspects plant as scheduled, recording all data and problems in the daily log.
• Performs routine 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.
• Collects water samples and performs 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.
• 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.
• Attends and participates in operational and safety training programs as directed by management

Knowledge & Competencies

• Working knowledge of distribution/collection systems.
• Basic knowledge of the principles and safety practices of water distribution, pumping, 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.
• Basic knowledge of computer systems.

Experience/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least five (5) years water systems and treatment.
• PA DEP class W & E license with subclass 7,8,10,11 & 12 and preferred or the ability to obtain within 3 years.

Work Environment

• May be required to work indoor or outdoor work during seasonal heat and cold or other adverse weather conditions.
• Standing 25%; walking 75% for as many as 5 miles per shift; Required to occasionally stoop, kneel or crouch and enter confined spaces; may be required to use ladders or stairs.
• Able to lift or move up to 50-60 pounds.
• 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.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Reading PA

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