Wastewater Field Operations Technician
American Water · New Cumberland, PA · Yesterday
HybridFull-time
Posting Start Date: 7/31/26
Schedule
Monday–Friday: 7 AM–3:30 PM. Overtime and on-call rotation required.
Responsibilities
- Drive and operate company vehicles and equipment, including dump truck, backhoe, and other field-service machinery; use hand and power tools.
- Break asphalt and concrete with pneumatic tools; excavate valves and curb boxes; position pipes, valves, fittings, and related infrastructure.
- Tap into pressurized water mains, install repair clamps, flare and connect service piping, and operate valves, hydrants, and related appurtenances.
- Operate pneumatic and/or hydraulic boring equipment for line installation and repair activities.
- Complete and maintain forms, sketches, field notes, and documentation using maps and system records.
- Read meters as required by daily schedules; perform work in meter boxes, confined spaces, trenches, and excavations.
- Obtain and record water meter readings to ensure accurate customer billing within established timeframes.
- Measure pressure and flow at meters to detect leaks.
- Perform service turn-ons, turn-offs, and other customer-facing operational tasks in accordance with company procedures.
- Investigate and resolve customer service issues with professional communication and timely response.
- All other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent; technical school coursework in industrial maintenance, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or a related field preferred.
- 0–2 years’ experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work; prior water or wastewater treatment experience desirable.
- Local travel to various worksites.
- Valid Driver’s License; Class B CDL with tanker endorsement or ability to obtain; DOT Medical Card or ability to obtain.
- Must obtain state-specific license within designated timeframe.
Skills
- Ability to learn and understand water distribution system components (mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and related appurtenances).
- Ability to learn and apply safe work practices, including PPE requirements, traffic control, trenching and excavation hazards, confined space awareness, and equipment safety.
- Basic familiarity with mechanical equipment used in field service activities (valves, meters, hand and power tools, construction equipment).
- Awareness of emergency response procedures and importance of timely reporting and escalation.
- Ability to perform basic measurements and calculations and accurately record field data.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills for reporting equipment issues, safety concerns, and customer service matters.
- Ability to work collaboratively with operations, maintenance personnel, supervisors, and external contractors.
- Ability to read and interpret basic maps, plans, and utility drawings.
- Basic understanding of piping systems and mechanical principles related to water distribution work, with awareness of electrical safety practices.
- Basic computer proficiency, including use of mobile devices and software for work orders, meter reading, and field documentation.
- Ability to follow established procedures and escalate abnormal conditions or emergencies according to company protocols.
Work Environment
- Work performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, and varying weather conditions.
- Potential exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, and sewage.
- Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- May work in buildings, pits, manholes, on scaffoldings, or in confined spaces.
- May be exposed to fumes, caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces, water/wastewater hazards, and electrical equipment.
- Must be able to stand, climb stairs, walk, and/or sit for long periods of time.
- Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and move tools, equipment, and materials up to 80 lbs.
- Involves crouching, stooping, and kneeling for extended or repeated periods.
- Must be able to safely drive a company vehicle for extended or intermittent periods in varying conditions; frequent entry and exit of vehicles.
- Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments required depending on operational needs.
Competencies
- Champions safety
- Collaborates
- Cultivates innovation
- Customer obsessed
- Drives Results
- Nimble learning