Job Details

Operator-In Training Position

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!

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 $40 to $42 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency, and regulated acquisitions over the next 10 years. The company 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.

Position Information

Posted Range: $29.32/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 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!

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 $29.32 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, and health and wellness programs and much more! American Water employees also receive learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally.

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.
• 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. 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. 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.

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.