Operator in Training

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American Water is the best choice for your next role! With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs approximately 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable, and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information on American Water, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .

Primary Role
Under the direct supervision of the Production Supervisor, Chief Operator and a licensed Treatment Plant Operator, the Operator in Training follows a defined entry level training program in water treatment to become a licensed/certified operator. Operator in Training will perform routine daily operational tasks and maintenance of the water treatment facilities and associated equipment and perform other related duties as assigned. Will train at both the New River and Bluestone treatment plants on all shifts. Shift work is required, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime, as required. The shift work may be eight (8) up to sixteen (16) hour shifts.
Key Accountabilities

Under the guidance of a licensed Treatment Plant Operator, Operator in

Training will receive on the job training to learn and gain skills on the overall treatment processes and operational duties.

Perform checks on the condition of the water plant at the beginning of the assigned shift by reviewing logs and notes.

Assists or performs analysis on all stages of the water treatment processes to ensure water quality.

Make adjustments necessary to maintain water quality, pressures and adequate quantities of water as directed.

Calibrates instruments and equipment.

Performs and documents routine laboratory test and analyses.

Backwash filters to ensure proper filtration by removing trapped particulates.

Observes and assists in performing preventive and emergency maintenance on equipment.

Perform various other routine duties to include; building/grounds maintenance, janitorial and preventative maintenance.

Read and record meters, gauges and control devices

Perform basic mathematical calculations.

Record data and activities during work shifts on shift log sheets, logbooks and computers.

Operates motors, pumps, valves, generators, and specialized equipment and machinery.

Collects samples from designated points, performs physical and chemical tests and records results.

Operates heavy and light equipment, forklift, pallet jacks, overhead hoist and mowing equipment. Use of various hand tools.

Cleans out settling basins, hydro treators, filters and wash water holding tanks, as needed.

Knowledge/Skills

Ability to follow safety practices and recognize/report hazards.

Ability to take accurate readings and keep operational records.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, contractors, vendors and the public.

Experience/Education

This position requires a minimum of 2 years post secondary education with 4 years preferred.

Upon accepting the Operator in Training position, the trainee shall remain within the trainee classification until earning a Class III water treatment license or upon being disqualified (failing to pass treatment exams) from the position.

After a trainee earns their Class III water treatment license, they must accept the first qualifying open operator position within WVAW after any applicable bidding process.

They may also apply for any other open positions upon successfully passing the Class III or above water treatment exam.

The trainee must enroll in the first available water treatment test and pass the exam as well as any internal progress exams administered by the company.

Treatment Plant Operator in Training is required to obtain operator license/ certificate within Company and State mandated guidelines Basic computer skills & knowledge Years of experience vary depending upon level of position open and licenses held.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions

Work Environment

Regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

This position has the potential for exposure to water, waste water, chemicals, loud noises, toxic fumes, oils, lubricants, dust, pollen and mechanical equipment.

Requires the use of appropriate safety equipment/PPE.

There is frequent standing, stooping, walking, sitting and climbing.

Must be able to lift (up to 55 pounds) and perform other similar actions during the course of the work shift.

Trainee must have the ability and responsibility to comply with OSHA regulations and the standards for safety that have been set by the Company.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee may perform on an occasional to regular basis while performing functions of this job.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter on an occasional to regular basis.

Travel Requirements

Must be willing to relocate within WVAW service territory

Certifications and Licenses

Valid driver license

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

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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.