Wastewater System Operator I

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we’re delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities.  If you’re looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.

We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. 

Essential Duties:
•    Monitor Operations of all wastewater facilities, conduct testing and analysis required for proper operation and reporting for the facilities in compliance with regulatory permits. 
•    Responsible for making and implementing recommendations regarding process changes and facility adjustments to improve operational performance.
•    Monitor collection system performance and pump stations. Make recommendations on improvements and upgrades as needed.
•    Record on plant logs, spreadsheets, and electronically all required test results, measurements, equipment readings, and observations as specified and required by permits, standard operating procedures, and as directed by the Supervisor.
•    Coordinate the removal of sludge and delivery of all chemicals, fuel, parts, and supplies necessary for the proper operation of the facilities.
•    Assist with on-call responsibilities during the work week and weekends, including answering alarm calls and reporting to the facility as necessary to diagnose and address the cause of the alarms Monday through Sunday. Must be available 24 hours daily to respond to plant and system problems.
•    Maintain facility records, prints, equipment manufacture manuals, and all operating data. 
•    As required, assist managers and supervisors in developing and administering applicable safety procedures at facilities.
•    Capable of monitoring the PLC network to review the automated operation of all water and wastewater facilities, monitor alarms and review computer-generated data for proper PADEP and DMR reports, and assist in training new employees in computer automation systems.
•    The position requires good mechanical skills as needed for the repair/replacement of all plant equipment, including but not limited to pumps, instruments, chemical feed equipment, etc.
•    Must be able to make mathematical calculations to determine chemical doses required for flow rates and proper treatment.
•    Required to meet and follow all Aqua safety requirements for hazardous chemical handling and PPE requirements.
•    Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
•    Must be willing to be trained and able to provide additional operational support to other wastewater systems covered under the CBA.

Qualifications:
•    As a minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. 

•    Must either possess or have the ability to obtain, within 24 months of the hire date, the required license for the employees’ primary assignment. 

•    The required licenses for an employee with a primary wastewater assignment are: Class C and E wastewater with subclasses 1,3,4. 

Preferred applicants will have been actively involved in the operation and maintenance of wastewater or water facilities for at least two (2) years and have a current working knowledge of wastewater or water treatment systems.

Must diagnose and correct process problems and upsets reactively and proact