Waste Water Operator in Training
American Water

Requisition ID: 107110

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.

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.

We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

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, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people across 14 regulated jurisdictions and 18 military installations. American Water's 6,500 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.

As one of the fastest growing utilities in the U.S., American Water expects to invest $30 to $34 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency and regulated acquisitions over the next 10 years. The company has a long-standing history of executing its core operations, aligned with sustainable best practices, through its commitments to safety, affordability, customer service, protecting the environment, an inclusive workforce and strengthening communities.

American Water has been recognized on the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year, ranked 18th on Barron's 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2023 List, earned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act designation and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense® Excellence Award, among additional state, local and national recognitions.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About our Career Opportunity

Primary Role

The Operator-in Training (OIT) performs semi-skilled to skilled labor in the operation and maintenance of a 5.2 MGD, activated sludge, and wastewater treatment plant. Assists other operators with operation and preventive maintenance duties. Assists plant superintendent with process controls and performs plant operational duties including monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing treatment performance.

This position is a union position with Hawaii American Water and the starting pay rate is $28.54 per hour.

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and contracted increases as determined by the collective bargaining agreement, and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth. In addition to compensation, you will receive 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 employees also receive learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally.

Licensed operators in the State of Hawaii are encouraged and welcome to apply as well. Job duties and compensation will be commensurate with the individual's level of certification and experience.

Key Accountabilities

• Completes tasks assigned by the plant superintendent in a timely and professional manner.
• Following completion of on-the-job training and instruction, the OIT will perform the following duties:
• The OIT will complete process control tests and basic laboratory analyses such as: pH, dissolved oxygen, SVI, total/volatile solids, total suspended/volatile solids, nutrients analyses, biological oxygen demand (BOD), bacterial test and other lab analyses.
• The OIT will monitor and maintain the following treatment processes: screening, sedimentation, activated sludge treatment, sludge digestion, UV disinfection and sludge thickening/dewatering.
• The OIT will also operate and maintain all supporting equipment including valves, flow meter, pumps, compressors, chemical feeders, and blowers.
• The OIT will assist the plant superintendent and staff with the ordering of bulk chemicals, the scheduling of sludge hauling, data collection and record keeping.
• The OIT is expected to attend all safety training in order to learn, and vigorously apply, safe work practices at all times.
• The OIT must be willing to work shifts (6am to 2:30pm and 2pm to 10:30pm) that will include one "weekend" day and able to work a flexible schedule, when necessary, to substitute for absent operators or lab technicians.
• Periodically the OIT must serve as the "on-call" operator and respond to after hour emergencies such as sewage spills, storm water runoff, power failures, chemical leakages, etc.
  

Knowledge/Skills

• A basic understanding of mechanics and hydraulics.
• Knowledge of the operation, methods, practices, techniques, and maintenance requirements of wastewater treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of safety practices in the operation of electrical and mechanical equipment used in industrial facilities.
• Knowledge of procedures, materials, tools, equipment and safety hazards and precautions common to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Ability to deal effectively and courteously with internal and external customers as well as the general public. Ability to determine what equipment, tools and materials will be needed to complete assigned projects.
• Ability to safely use both hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in operational duties, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal associates, supervisory personnel, management personnel, and vendors.
• Ability to read and interpret gauges, recording devices and general plant instrumentation. Ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date maintenance records.
• Ability to write legibly and make simple mathematical calculations accurately. Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, shovel, sweep, walk and climb status. Ability to safely operate company motor vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors under all weather conditions including summer heat. Ability to use computer/mobile devices tools to analyze and report plant data.
  

Experience/Education

• At least a high school graduation diploma is required.
• Years of experience vary depending upon level of position open and must be in wastewater utility industry as follows:
  • Operator OIT: required to obtain operator certificate within State mandated guidelines Operator 1: 1-3 years experience.
  • Operator 2: 3-5 years experience.
  • Operator 3: 5-8 years experience Sr. Operator: 8+ years experience.
    

Additional Key Accountabilities

• Position has the potential for exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, water, and sewage.
• Requires valid Hawaii Driver's License with excellent driving record.
• CDL license is preferred.
  

Competencies

Champions safety

Customer obsessed

Cultivates innovation

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.

Nearest Major Market: Honolulu
Nearest Secondary Market: Hawaii

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