Water Systems Operator
American Water

Job Description

Job Title: Water Systems Operator

Posting Start Date: 12/15/25

Job Description:

Primary Role

Responsible for performing skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment facility to ensure the facility is operating in a manner which meets all state and federal regulatory requirements including startup, shutdown, and periodic operating checks, and adjust plant equipment such as pumping systems, chemical feeders, auxiliary equipment, and control systems storage tank levels and pump station indicators. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Lead Operator or Plant supervisor.

The hours will be will be 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM and the days worked will be Saturday to Wednesday. The position will include a rotating on call for the distribution call outs every 6-7 weeks. This position will work overtime, holidays and weekends.

Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for the startup, shutdown, and periodic operating checks of water treatment plant.
• Adjust plant equipment such as pumping systems, chemical feeders, auxiliary equipment, and control systems.
• Monitor storage tank levels and pump station indicators.
• Inspects plant every hour or as scheduled, recording all data and problems on daily log.
• Performs routine preventative maintenance such as operating adjustments, cleaning and painting equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance of plant grounds and buildings such as painting, cleaning, snow removal and other repairs.
• Loads and unloads chemicals used at the treatment plants.
• Performs minor corrective maintenance on plant mechanical equipment.
• Monitors flow, pressures, chemical feeds, levels, and water quality indicators.
• Collects water samples and perform laboratory tests on samples for turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, ph, and chlorine.
• Maintains plant records such as operating logs, chemical feeds, temperature, levels, and pressures (various equipment is located through plant facilities).
• Must be able to comprehend analytical methods described in "Standards Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater."
• 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 outer operators and supervisors on the technical level.
• Answers calls from the Alton call center, and relay information to supervisor 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 at all times.
• Performs related work and other duties as assigned; assists other departments as needed.

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 graduate or equivalent.
• College course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred.
• Minimum 1 year experience.
• 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

• License requirements vary by state. Candidate must possess required licenses or have the ability to obtain within designated timeframe.

Work Environment

Outdoor work during seasonal heat and cold, and other adverse weather conditions.

May be required to work in buildings, 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:

• able to stand, walk, climb stairs, or sit for long periods of time

Competencies

Champions safety

Customer obsessed

Cultivates innovation

Nimble learning

Drives Results

Collaborates

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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.

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