Sr Operator, Wastewater Treatment

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 Indexfor 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, the Sr Operator, Wastewater Treatment is responsible for performing skilled level work in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility to ensure the facility is operating in a manner which meets all state and federal regulatory requirements for wastewater treatment and collection. Work is performed under the general supervision of Lead Operator / Plant supervisor. Provides guidance and support to Operators and, as necessary, to less senior Operators and Plant Utility Worker assigned as members of the team.Key Accountabilities

• Operates, monitors, and adjusts wastewater treatment processes and equipment to ensure efficient and compliant operation
• Perform routine operations and maintenance tasks within the plant/treatment facility, including the care and operation of specialized equipment such as pumps, motors, chlorinators, and chemical preparation and feeding systems
• Operate and monitor physical, chemical, and biological wastewater treatment processes, as well as associated control and monitoring equipment
• 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, and biological wastewater treatment processes; control equipment and monitoring equipment
• Troubleshoots complex operational issues and recommends or implements corrective actions
• Operates, monitors, and adjusts wastewater treatment processes and equipment to ensure efficient and compliant operation
• Supports daily operational activities
• Assists with the regulating the flow of wastewater and sludge through the treatment processes
• Maintain plant records such as operator logs. Complete and submit 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
• Assists with performing related field and laboratory tests necessary to monitor and control the facilities, as needed
• Makes necessary adjustments to equipment, processes, and chemical feeders, as test results may indicate and as instructed by the Lead Operator/Supervisor
• Respond to customer service calls
• May assist with training other employees in the operation and care of facilities including safety, maintenance, repairs, and laboratory work, as required
• Conduct safety inspections and follow safety rules and procedures
• Communicate effectively with other operators and supervisors
• Attend and participate in operational and safety training programs as directed by management
• Interact with fellow employees and the public in a professional and courteous manner at all times
• Performs all duties as necessary, as well as other related duties, as assigned; assists other departments as neededKnowledge/Skills
• Advanced 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
• Advanced knowledge 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
• Must be able to comprehend analytical methods described in "Standards Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater”
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail
• Effective verbal and written communication skills (e.g., report writing, listening)
• Effective computer skills
• Skilled in problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision‑making in dynamic environments
• Strong leadership skills and ability to train and mentor othersExperience/Education
• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• College course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred
• 5+ years’ experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work
• Experience in the water/wastewater treatment field preferredCertifications & Licenses
• License requirements vary by state. Candidate must possess required license(s) or have the ability to obtain license within designated timeframeWork Environment
• Work performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, and varying weather conditions
• Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required
• 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, airborne/blood borne pathogens, and electrical equipment
• Must be able to perform essential functions and meet the physical requirements for the position including ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, or sit for long periods of time
• Rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments may be required depending on operational needs
• Must be able and available to work a nightshift schedule (430PM - 430AM)CompetenciesChampions safetyCustomer obsessedCultivates innovationNimble learningDrives ResultsCollaborates

American Water is currently seeking a Sr Operator to work at our Woodbridge, VA location. As a Sr Operator you will work alone or as a member of a team, and will be responsible for performing skilled level work in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility to ensure the facility is operating in a manner which meets all state and federal regulatory requirements for wastewater treatment and collection.