Analysis Skills, Biology, Class B License, Communication Skills, Compensation Management, Continuous Deployment/Delivery, Database Management Software/Systems (DBMS), Detail Oriented, Driver's License, Electrical Engineering, Electricity, Emergency Procedures, Emergency Response, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Federal Laws and Regulations, Geography, High School Diploma, Hydraulic Engineering, Identify Issues, Laboratory Testing, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing Equipment Maintenance, Mechanical Maintenance, Operational Communications, Operations Processes, Piping, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Procedure Development, Pumps, Quantitative Analysis, Regulatory Requirements, Safety Process, Service Delivery, Specimen Collection, State Laws and Regulations, Team Player, Testing, Time Management, Truck Driver, Water Treatment, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
Job Description
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Job Title: Treatment Operator
Posting Start Date: 5/14/26
Job Description:
Job Information
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 facilitiesincluding wells, water treatment systems, wastewater treatment processes, and/or collection and distribution infrastructureto 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
- 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.
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
llinois Class B Water Operator License or higher preferred
Illinois Class 3 Wastewater License or higher preferred
Valid drivers license required
Competencies
Champions safety
Collaborates
Cultivates innovation
Customer obsessed
Drives Results
Nimble learning
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