What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wastewater Operator Trainee position at American Water?
Requisition ID: 108021
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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.
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 $40 to $42 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
Working alone or as a member of a team, and under the guidance of a Lead Operator or Supervisor, provides for the safe operation of wastewater facilities in an assigned area(s) in such a manner as to support a supervisor or other Operators in complying with the requirements for distributing wastewater treatment and collection as established by the company and state and federal governmental regulatory agencies. Provides guidance and training to the Operator and, as necessary, to less senior Operators and Plant Utility Worker assigned as members of the team.
Key Accountabilities
- Operates, and performs routine duties and care of a wide variety of specialized equipment and apparatus in a plant/treatment facility including pumps, motors, chlorinators, chemical preparation, and feeding; physical, chemical, chemical, and biological wastewater treatment processes; control equipment and monitoring equipment.
- Regulates the flow of wastewater and sludge through the treatment processes.
- Maintains records of operations, completes and submits routine and special reports, as assigned.
- Inspect all mechanical equipment for proper operation.
- Performs normal lubrication, adjustments, seal packing, minor maintenance, and minor repairs, as necessary.
- Performs related field and laboratory tests necessary to monitor and control the facilities.
- Makes necessary adjustments to equipment, processes, and chemical feeders, as test results may indicate and as instructed by the Lead Operator/Supervisor.
- Responds to customer service calls.
- May train other employees in the operation and care of facilities including maintenance, repairs, laboratory work, and safety, as required.
- Conducts safety inspections and follows safety rules and procedures.
- Communicate effectively with other operators and supervisors.
- Attends and participates in operational and safety training programs as directed by management.
- Always interacts with fellow employees and the public in a professional and courteous manner.
- Performs all duties of Plant Utility Worker and Lead Operator, as necessary, as well as other related 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 required
- College course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering preferred.
- Experience in the water supply or wastewater treatment field preferred
- Experience in training others in the variety of tasks related to operations and care of all facilities in a safe and proper manner preferred
- Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment preferred
- Basic computer skills required
Certifications/Licenses
- License requirements vary by state. Candidates must possess the required licenses or have the ability to obtain within a designated timeframe.
Work Environment
- Must be able to sit, stand, push, and pull. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs regularly
- Outdoor work during seasonal heat and cold, and other adverse weather conditions.
- Must be able to perform essential functions and meet the physical requirements for the position
- Must be able to work a rotating shift and weekends/nights
Competencies
Champions safety
Customer obsessed
Cultivates innovation
Nimble learning
Drives Results
Collaborates
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.
