Maintenance Operator

About the role

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles across our eight-state footprint — from field workers and customer service representatives on the front lines to scientists and engineers ensuring reliable water and wastewater services. Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states under the Aqua (water and wastewater) and Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status, including a competitive benefits package and career growth opportunities. We protect more than 7,600 acres of forests and habitats and are one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater, and natural gas providers in the U.S.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Maintenance Operator at the Shenango Valley Division Water Treatment Plant. Primary duties include operation and maintenance of pumping, storage, and purification equipment; chemical feed and belt filter press equipment; instruments and sensors; SCADA systems monitoring; routine building and grounds work; daily sampling and laboratory work; installation, dismantling, repair, maintenance, and record keeping of assigned facilities. The position may also require reporting to other Water Treatment Plants or Well Stations within the Division.

Responsibilities

• Safely and effectively operate, maintain, monitor, and control all treatment plant equipment and processes and various distribution system equipment and processes.
• Operate, maintain, read, interpret, and record all instruments at the plant as directed.
• Make decisions and adjustments to maintain water quality standards through computer control systems.
• Communicate, record, and maintain relevant treatment plant operations information in Maintenance Connection and other electronic databases.
• Record measurements and data to verify and maintain drawings for proper record keeping and reporting.
• Perform assigned sampling and lab testing; compile thorough laboratory records with excellent organizational skills (electronic and hard copy).
• Prepare reports required by the Company, Pennsylvania DEP, Pennsylvania PUC, and other jurisdictional entities.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills; meet internal and external customer requirements; serve as after-hours dispatch for emergencies, diagnosing issues appropriately.
• Communicate effectively with division staff during all assigned work hours.
• Perform housekeeping duties; assure security of filter plant structures and property.
• Perform inspections, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and corrective maintenance of water treatment plant apparatus and equipment as directed.
• Assist other personnel with routine and emergency maintenance of facilities as required.
• Apply basic knowledge of electronic theory; check and repair electronic circuits; read and understand wiring diagrams and schematics for troubleshooting.
• Understand variable frequency drives, motor starters, motors, DC drives, programmable logic controllers; diagnose and repair equipment where feasible.
• Experience with actuated valves is a plus.
• Follow Arc Flash, Lock-out Tag-out, and all safety policies and procedures without exception.
• Safeguard the public water supply conscientiously.
• Perform all other duties as assigned; increase skills with experience and proper instruction.
• Be physically capable of lifting up to 75 lbs (lift assessment conducted during onboarding).

Qualifications

• Must meet all licensing requirements within time-frames outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement:
  • Pennsylvania DEP Class A Water Operators Certification with subclasses 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 within 3 years of hire date.
  • Pennsylvania DEP Operational Laboratory Certification within 2 months of hire.
  • Ohio EPA Operational Laboratory Certification within 2 months of hire.
• Associate’s Degree or Trade School Diploma in a technical, mechanical, math, or science-based field of study plus 2 years of workplace experience.
• In lieu of degree/diploma: 4 years of documented experience in waterworks operations or similar field requiring mechanical, treatment, and/or mathematical skills, with the condition that electronics, electrical, mechanical, chemistry, or science-based coursework is completed within 2 years. Failure to obtain the degree/diploma within 2 years results in termination.
• Technical, academic, and physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to read, understand, and accurately follow written and verbal operating instructions.
• Mathematical ability to perform calculations for ratios, dosages, volumetric calculations required for plant and system operation.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent at time of hire.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license at time of hire.
• Achieve satisfactory score on Personnel Tests (may include written examination).
• Achieve medium range score (currently 65) on Customer Service Skills Assessment Program test.
• Satisfactory work record (currently no more than one disciplinary occurrence in last three years).
• Adhere to all provisions of the prevailing Articles of Agreement between Aqua PA Shenango Valley Division and the Utility Workers Union of America AFL-CIO Local No. 285.
• Proficiency in computer database, word processing, and spreadsheet programs.

Pay

Rate: $31.10 per hour. Employees hired or entering the collective bargaining unit after May 2013 initially receive $3.00 per hour less than the applicable rate for all positions held. The reduced starting wage increases by $1.00 per hour each year until the employee reaches the full posted rate.

Schedule

12-hour shifts in accordance with the prevailing Union Collective Bargaining Agreement. Must be able to work days, nights, weekends, holidays, and be available for emergency work after regular hours and scheduled overtime as needed per the Water Treatment Plant Schedule.