Water Operator Trainee
American Water

Job Info

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Requisition ID: 106730

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

Under the direct supervision of the Production Supervisor, Lead Operator and/or a licensed Treatment Plant Operator, the Operator Trainee follows a defined entry level training program in water treatment to become a licensed/certified operator. Operator Trainee will perform routine daily operational tasks and maintenance of the water treatment facilities and associated equipment and performs other duties as assigned.

The starting pay rate for this position is $28.00/hr.

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and merit increases, and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth. In addition to compensation, you will receive 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 employees also receive learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally.

Key Accountabilities

• Perform checks on the condition of the water plant at the beginning of the assigned shift by reviewing logs and notes.
• Assists or performs analysis on all stages of the water treatment processes to ensure water quality. .
• Makes necessary adjustments to maintain water quality, pressures and adequate quantities of water as directed.
• Calibrates instruments and equipment. Performs and documents routine laboratory test and analyses. Backwash filters to ensure proper filtration by removing trapped particulates.
• Observes and assists in performing preventive and emergency maintenance on equipment. Perform various other routine duties to include building/grounds maintenance, janitorial and preventative maintenance.
• Read and record meters, gauges and control devices
• Record data and activities during work shifts on shift log sheets, logbooks and computers.
• Operates motors, pumps, valves, generators, and specialized equipment and machinery.
• Collects samples from designated points, performs physical and chemical test and records results.
• Operates heavy and light equipment, forklift, pallet jacks, overhead hoist and mowing equipment. Use of various hand tools.
• Cleans out settling basins, filters and wash water holding tanks, as needed.
  

Knowledge/Skills

• Basic knowledge of the principles and safety practices of water treatment, sampling, water distribution, and pumping 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

• 0-2 of experience in the water industry.
• High School diploma/GED required, 2 - 4 years post-secondary education preferred.
  

Certifications & Licenses

• A valid Driver License is required with the ability to pass a motor vehicle check.
• License requirements vary by state. Candidates must possess the required licenses or can obtain them within the designated timeframe.
• Upon accepting the Operator Trainee position, the trainee shall remain within the trainee classification until earning an appropriate water treatment license to operate the plant or upon being disqualified (failing to pass treatment exams) from the position. The trainee must enroll in the first available water treatment test and pass the exam as well as any internal progress exams administered by the company. Treatment Plant Operator Trainee is required to obtain operator license/certificate within Company and State mandated guidelines.

Work Environment

• The Trainee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions.
• This position has the potential for exposure to water, wastewater, chemicals, loud noises, toxic fumes, oils, lubricants, dust, pollen and mechanical equipment.
• Requires the use of appropriate safety equipment/PPE. There is frequent standing, stooping, walking, sitting and climbing.
• Must be able to lift (up to 55 pounds) and perform other similar actions during the course of the work shift.
• Trainee must have the ability and responsibility to comply with OSHA regulations and the standards for safety that have been set by the Company.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee may perform on an occasional to regular basis while performing functions of this job.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter on an occasional to regular basis.
• Shift work may be required.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Charleston

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