Press Operator (Water Treatment)

Job Description

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Job Title: Press Operator (Water Treatment)

Posting Start Date: 4/20/26

Job Description:

Primary Role

Kentucky American Water is seeking a Press Operator to join our Production operations in Owenton, KY. This role works directly with our plant operators and lead the press operation. You will perform routine equipment checks, load and dispose of material into trucks and trailers, and light groundskeeping. The Press Operator will also train on operating the plant and fill in for the plant operator as needed. The ideal candidate will be mechanically inclined and have knowledge of water and/or wastewater treatment and production.

The Press Operator operates and maintains the water treatment, as well as handles processing, disposal, and tests equipment in the facility to permit and operational requirements. The Press Operator is fully qualified to perform the most complex functions and lead the work of others.

• LI-BR1
• LI-On-site

Key Accountabilities

• Safety - demonstrate and enforce practices that are consistent with a goal of zero accidents and injuries; adhere to all safety policies and procedures; assist in operations of office with required focus on all aspects of safety. (15%)
• Training - employee orientation, departmental operating procedures, Safety, OSHA and Quality Training; team leader/supervisory training;
• Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Level I and II. (10%)
• Perform field tests to pace chemical dosages for process controls or alter unit processes; Collects samples according to schedule; prepares chemical solutions and services automatic samplers; monitors process chemical supplies and recommends reorder. (15%)
• Efficiently operate all equipment in facility - pumps, engines, centrifuge, generators, valves, conveyors, blowers, belt presses, processing filters, etc. (15%)
• Ensure all operating personnel implement standard operating procedures for all associated plant process; takes corrective action when test results are outside acceptable ranges, including changing process control, biological system, and feed rates of chemicals. (20%)
• Responds to requests, inquiries, or complaints; promptly inform Area or Facility Manager of potential risk situations.
• Tasks performed by subordinates are periodically checked for quality and accuracy. (25%)

Knowledge/Skills

• Extensive knowledge of the objectives, equipment, and operations of modern water and wastewater treatment plants
• Extensive knowledge of methods and materials of water and/or wastewater systems
• Thorough knowledge of the layout, location and equipment characteristics of water and wastewater systems and of the treatment plants
• Knowledge of the regulatory and legal environment of modern water and wastewater systems and water and wastewater treatment, including environmental law and contract law as applicable
• Must have broad knowledge of MS Office products, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access
• Must understand the working principle behind a computerized maintenance management program

Experience/Education

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• At least five (5) years water and/or wastewater systems and treatment

Work Schedule

• Full-time, on-site
• Monday-Friday, day shift
• On-call responsibility and overtime as needed

Certifications/Licenses

• Kentucky Class IV-A Water Treatment Operators license preferred
• Valid state driver's license

Work Environment

• May be required to work indoor or outdoor work during seasonal heat and cold or other adverse weather conditions
• Standing 25%; walking 75% for as many as 5 miles per shift; Required to occasionally stoop, kneel or crouch and enter confined spaces; may be required to use ladders or stairs
• Able to lift or move up to 50-60 pounds
• May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces, water/wastewater hazards and electrical equipment

Travel Requirements

• Local travel within service territory may be required

Competencies

Champions safety

Customer obsessed

Cultivates innovation

Nimble learning

Drives Results

Collaborates

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