Treatment Operator

Operator

The Operator is responsible for performing entry‑level work in the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment facilities and field operations. This role assists with the operation and monitoring of treatment facilities—including wells, water treatment systems, wastewater treatment processes, and collection and distribution infrastructure—to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal regulatory requirements.

• Perform startup, shutdown, routine operational checks, and continuous monitoring of water and/or wastewater treatment facilities, wells, and associated systems.
• Operate and adjust plant equipment, including pumping systems, chemical feed systems, control systems, auxiliary equipment, storage tank levels, and pump station indicators.
• Conduct hourly or scheduled inspections of treatment facilities, documenting operational data, variances, and issues in daily logs.
• Monitor process flows, pressures, levels, chemical dosages, water quality indicators, and treatment performance to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Backwash multimedia filters and perform other process‑control activities to maintain optimal plant performance.
• Load, unload, and handle treatment chemicals safely and according to established procedures.
• Collect water and/or wastewater samples and perform laboratory analyses (e.g., turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, pH, chlorine, fluoride) for process control and regulatory reporting.
• Maintain accurate operational records, including logs of chemical feeds, flow measurements, temperatures, levels, and pressures.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, including equipment adjustments, lubrication, cleaning, and minor repairs on mechanical and electrical plant equipment.
• Conduct minor corrective maintenance tasks and report equipment deficiencies requiring advanced repair.
• Maintain plant buildings and grounds, including cleaning, painting, snow removal, and minor facility repairs.
• Assist with calibration activities and develop working knowledge of the metric system and related measurement protocols.

• Ability to learn and understand basic principles and safety practices of water and wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection.
• Awareness of how treatment processes function and the importance of following established operating procedures.
• Knowledge of required safety procedures (PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, electrical safety).
• Awareness of emergency response procedures related to plant and field operations.
• 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.
• Technical proficiency: good working knowledge of computer programs, databases, and software.
• Ability to respond to alarms and emergency conditions by following established procedures and notifying supervision.

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 coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred.

Daily travel within region may be required.

Illinois Class B Water Operator License or higher preferred. Illinois Class 3 Wastewater License or higher preferred. Valid driver’s license required.

Position salary range: $24.72 to $39.01. 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, as well as disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, and health and wellness programs.

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.