Facility Operator Trainee at Essential Utilities

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. 

Are you looking for a fantastic career at Aqua? We have a great opportunity for a Facility Operator Trainee. This role is under the direction of the Field Supervisor and will perform a variety of activities to support the operation of water production facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, lift stations, booster stations, distribution system, and the wastewater collection system.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (Primary Duties and Responsibilities): 
• Maintains equipment at the assigned water production facilities and booster stations.
• Operates and maintains distribution systems including mains, valves, hydrants and service lines.
• Maintains equipment at the wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations.
• Operates and maintains sewer collection systems including collections mains and pump stations.
• Troubleshoots and repairs service piping and other related equipment .
• Performs routine water quality analysis in accordance with established processes and procedures.
• Makes operational adjustments as needed to comply with state and federal water quality standards.
• Adjusts chemical treatment to ensure water quality meets standards. Calculates various ratios and dosages.
• Completes customer service work orders, updates and maintains appropriate system documentation of activities and closes work orders in accordance with department policies and procedures.
• Performs all tasks safely, professionally and in accordance with company policies and procedures as well as local, state and federal laws, rules and guidelines.
• Assists with other tasks or projects as assigned  

QUALIFICATIONS (Required Experience, Education, Licenses, and Certifications):
• A high school diploma or GED.
• No previous experience required.
• A valid U.S. Driver’s License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  
• Familiarity with computers / tablets and the basic operation of database, spreadsheet and word processing programs preferred
• Ability to read, understand and accurately follow operating instructions both written and verbal
• Mathematical ability to perform calculations to determine various ratios, dosages, volumetric calculations that are required for the operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plants and Water Treatment Plants
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate in writing
• Familiarity with and understanding of the need to prevent wastewater pollution of area waters
• Understand and maintain plan processes through computer-controlled equipment
• A team player able to work effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environment                       

Career Progression Schedule:
FO Trainee – Will be required to get either a C Well or Grade I waste water license within 18 months of employment.
FO I – Minimum license requirement of C Well or Grade I.
FO II – Must meet dual licensing requirements and have either a B Well or a Grade II.   
FO III - Must meet dual licensing requirements of at least a B Well and Grade II plus have an A Well or Grade III.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases and /or poor ventilation atmospheric conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Working conditions include travel to work sites of Essential Utilities and/or other constituents.
• Typical work hours are M-F 7:30am-4pm. Must be available to be on-call nights and on weekends to adequately staff a 24 hour/7day operation.            

Hourly Rate for Facility Operator Trainee: $ 20.16 per hour. This is a non-union position.     

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.  If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).  
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:

• Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
• Family members cannot work in the same department.