Lead Water Treatment Operator

Job Title: Lead Water Treatment Operator Posting Start Date: 6/16/26 Primary Role Pennsylvania American Water is seeking a highly passionate and knowledgeable water treatment professional to join our team in Frackville, PA. As a Lead Water Treatment Operator you will provide operational oversight of our drinking water plant in Frackville and our Wildcat facility. You will also support our Berwick operations remotely, with inventory needs. This role will make process control decisions, perform light maintenance, and lead the overall treatment process at the plant. The ideal candidate will have water treatment experience, be mechanically inclined, and be able to work independently. In this role you will work in a lead operator capacity, having active involvement in and making process control decisions associated with the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater purification systems to optimize operational performance and assure regulatory compliance. Key Accountabilities Take a lead role in the operation of water plants and associated facilities. Maintain process control through the water treatment and wastewater processes including the establishment, maintenance, calibration and adjustment of process parameters/chemical feed rates necessary to optimize the process operation. Schedule and prioritize plant maintenance. Perform routine repair of plant equipment including preventive maintenance duties. Insure required maintenance is completed on schedule. Monitor, establish, maintain and control flow through the treatment process and within the distribution/collection system. Assist in the development of Standard Operating Practices and provide training/oversight to other operators to assure SOP’s are followed. Monitor the water treatment plant and distribution/collection system and make adjustments as necessary to control their operation and maintain compliance with regulations. Assist in the preparation ofMonthly Operating reports and maintain all necessary records. Monitor and conduct analytical tests. Perform water quality sampling, testing and analysis to determine compliance with federal, state and PAWC’s standards. Coordinate and perform chemical ordering and inventory. Loading, unloading, handling, placing into storage and batching water treatment plant chemicals. Operate and maintain raw water facilities including reservoir supply, transmission and pumping facilities. Perform general maintenance duties at water treatment plant and related facilities and other assigned duties. Assist in the budgeting and implementation of capital projects. Coordinate activities of outside contractors as directed by supervisor. Recommend and procure process equipment, chemicals and lab supplies. Facilitate safety training/tailgate talks. Promote safety involving plant operations through employee training and monitoring workplace practices. Any other duties which are assigned. Knowledge/Skills Knowledge of water treatment processes, basic scientific concepts and water quality standards and regulations and Company procedures. Working knowledge of basic mechanical and automated control systems. Water Operator certificate (applicable to system size/processes) or ability to obtain in the time required by the PAWC Personnel Policy. Communicate in an effective manner both oral and written with the general public and Company personnel. Read and understand instructions, safety rules, etc. Mathematical skills sufficient to be able to calculate dosages, surface areas, volumes, weights, measures and algebraic formulas. Mechanical ability sufficient to operate pumps, valves, motors and other mechanical equipment related to plant operation and maintenance. Physical fitness—capable of lifting and/or carrying 50 lbs. or more on a frequent basis. Walking up and down stairs. Working in confined areas. Ability to wear a respirator. Environmental conditions including contact with water, chemicals, fumes, odors and dust as a result of working with and handling potentially hazardous water treatment and laboratory chemicals. Minimum exposure to inclement weather mostly of short duration. Experience/Education High School graduate or state recognized education equivalency certificate. College coursework and/or degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering curriculum are preferred. Must possess a valid PA driver’s license. Basic computer skills. Travel Requirements Local travel within service territory required. Work Schedule/Hours Full-time, on-site. Monday-Friday, 7am-3:30pm. Position is subject to 24 hour call-out and overtime. Certification/Licenses Required to obtain and maintain a PA DEP Class C Water Works Operator license. Attend continuing education as needed for Operator certification renewal. Competencies Champions safety Collaborates Cultivates innovation Customer obsessed Nimble learning Drives Results 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr