Water Systems Operator

Job Title

Water Systems Operator at American Water

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.

• 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.
• Inspect plant every hour or as scheduled, recording all data and problems on daily log.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance such as operating adjustments, cleaning and painting equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance of plant grounds and buildings such as painting, cleaning, snow removal and other repairs.
• Load and unload chemicals used at the treatment plants.
• Perform minor corrective maintenance on plant mechanical equipment.
• Monitor flow, pressures, chemical feeds, levels, and water quality indicators.
• Collect water samples and perform laboratory tests on samples for turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, ph, and chlorine.
• Maintain plant records such as operating logs, chemical feeds, temperature, levels, and pressures.
• Comprehend analytical methods described in "Standards Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater."
• Backwash multimedia filters as needed.
• Record all operating data on daily worksheet from laboratory analysis and flow metering equipment.
• Acquire knowledge of metric system to use for calibration.
• Conduct safety inspections and follow safety rules and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with outer operators and supervisors on technical level.
• Answer calls from the Alton call center and relay information to supervisor as requested.
• Call out employees in other departments as directed.
• 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.
• Perform related work and other duties as assigned; assist other departments as needed.

• Basic knowledge of the principles and safety practices of wastewater or water distribution, pumping, collection, and treatment.
• Basic understanding of the mechanical, chemical, and biological processes and related equipment, and an awareness and alertness regarding operational modification necessary in both routine and emergency situations.

• High School graduate or equivalent.
• College coursework 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.

• Candidate must possess required licenses or have the ability to obtain within designated timeframe.

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.

• Champions safety
• Customer obsessed
• Cultivates innovation
• Nimble learning
• Drives Results
• Collaborates

Not applicable

Full time

Information Technology – Utilities