Sr. Wastewater Treatment Operator

Requisition ID: 109807

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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.

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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 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 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.

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Job Information

Pay Range: $26.78/hr-$43.39/hr

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

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, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

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Primary Role

Kentucky American Water is seeking a full-time Wastewater Treatment Operator to join our team in Lexington, KY. This position is critical to ensure our customers and the local community are provided the highest quality product and services. As an operator, you will be responsible for monitoring our two package treatment plants, as well as the collection system.

The Sr. Wastewater Treatment Operator will be 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. This role provides guidance and training to Operator and, as necessary, to less senior Operators and Plant Utility Worker assigned as members of the team.

A Kentucky Wastewater Operator and Collection license are required for this position.

- Please note that there are two (2) vacancies for this role.

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, 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. Inspects 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

- Communicates 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

- College course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering preferred

- Minimum of two years of experience in the water supply or wastewater treatment field

- Experience in training others in the variety of tasks related to operations and care of all facilities in a safe and proper manner

- Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment

Travel Requirements

- Local travel within service territory

Certifications & Licenses

- License requirements vary by state

- Kentucky Wastewater Operator Class II and Collections Class II license required

- Those with a Kentucky Class I Wastewater Operator and Collections Class I licenses will be considered

- Candidates must possess the required licenses or have the ability to obtain within a designated timeframe

- Valid state driver's license

Work Schedule

- Full-time, on-site

- Monday-Friday, day shift

- Rotating on-call responsibility for after hour needs

Competencies

Champions safety

Cultivates innovation

Customer obsessed

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.