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. 

JOB SUMMARY:

If you are you looking for a fantastic career that provides a competitive salary, great benefits upon hire, on the job training and a company supplied vehicle, a Facility Operator position with Aqua Virginia / Essential Utilities may be the place for you. You will have the opportunity to learn and/or advance your skills necessary to operate/maintain water and wastewater treatment facilities and distribution systems with an industry leader, while working to work toward obtaining your Class 4 license. Already certified? We will work with you to place you in the appropriate career progression based on your skills and qualifications. All training, safety equipment, tools, uniforms, boots and company vehicle are provided.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• • Performs scheduled plant inspections and serves as Operator in Responsible Charge of assigned systems.
  • Monitors gauges, meters and control panels; and controls variations and operating conditions of the treatment process; records readings.
  • Maintains all records pertaining to production, maintenance and treatment as required including reading charts, flow meters, and gauges to detect equipment malfunctions.
  • Collects samples and performs necessary chemical analysis in accordance with system sampling requirements.
  • Extracts samples and performs routine laboratory tests, documenting and certifying test results.
  • Performs other duties or special projects as requested related to the area of responsibility.
  • Must be available to work overtime and “on call” responsibilities as scheduled.
  • Responsible for addressing service orders pertaining to customer service, water distribution and/or collections system calls.

  QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school graduate or GED equivalent.
  • Water/Wastewater Certification not required; Class 6 water or higher license a plus
  • A valid U.S. Driver’s License

  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills; communicate effectively with customers
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • A team player able to work effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environment

  CAREER PROGRESSION:

  • FO Trainee – Will be required to get a Class 4 water license within 18 months of employment.
  • FO I – Minimum license requirement of Class 4 water.
  • FO II – Must meet dual licensing requirements and have minimum of either a Class 4 water and Class 4 wastewater license
  • FO III – Must meet dual licensing requirements and have minimum of either a Class 3 water and Class 3 wastewater license

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) is required; Associates degree in Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, Computer Programming, or a related technical field of study is preferred.
• 2 years of professional experience working with Industrial Electrical systems.
• Professional experience with water and/or wastewater process control technology is a plus!
• Valid Electrical Contractor License in VA is a plus!
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.

NICE TO HAVE:

• Familiar with the latest edition of National Electrical Code [NEC].
• Familiarity with the National Fire Protection Association [NFPA], especially as it applies to safety and NFPA 70E.
• Must be able to work at heights and on roofs, using a ladder or scaffolding.
• Working knowledge of 120/208V and 277/480V 3 Phase, 4 wire voltage systems.
• Ability to assist on medium voltage applications (up to 7200V), as required.
• Working experience with general wiring practices as they apply to single & three-phase motors, transformers, lighting fixtures, receptacles, and instrumentation.
• Ability to work with outside contractors, utility crews (electrical and telephone), and other company departments to solve problems.
• Understanding of small air compressor systems as well as associated Instruments & Controls.
• A familiarity with satellite & radio communications equipment as well as SCADA systems.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Perform sedentary work - exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time                
• See, hear, talk, and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity.
• Operate standard office equipment.
• Working conditions include travel to work sites of Aqua,VA; occasional overnight travel may be required.

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.