Water/Wastewater Operator

Water/Wastewater Operator

Are we RIGHT for you?

The word RIGHT stands for what we VALUE: Respect, Invest, Growth, Honesty and Teamwork.

Why join our team?

Tidewater Utilities, Inc. has been Delaware’s premiere water company since 1964. We have created a work environment that promotes professional development and finding your passion. We understand the importance of our services and the individuals who uphold our reputation.

Joining our team means that you have a multitude of benefits that support you in and out of the workplace such as- full medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401k, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and more. To learn more, please visit www.middlesexwater.com/tidewater-utilities.

Job Summary:

The Water/Wastewater Operator reports to the District Senior Operator and District Manager. This position operates company owned and contractually operated water/wastewater treatment facilities and supply plants within the service District(s).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain municipal and industrial water and wastewater treatment facilities, collection systems, distribution systems, pump stations, and related infrastructure.
• Monitor, inspect, troubleshoot, and repair treatment equipment, pumps, motors, instrumentation, and system components to ensure reliable operation and regulatory compliance.
• Enter operational and process data into company databases using field computing equipment and electronic reporting systems.
• Review, prepare, and sign monthly and annual regulatory reports, including Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs), as required by applicable state and federal regulations.
• Respond to customer inquiries and complaints in a professional and timely manner and coordinate resolutions with other departments as needed.
• Provide field support for billing, meter reading, and collection activities.
• Assist the Senior Operator with daily operational, maintenance, compliance, and reporting activities.
• Conduct water and wastewater analyses utilizing laboratory and field-testing equipment.
• Perform microscopic evaluations of wastewater samples to monitor biological treatment processes.
• Complete preventive and corrective maintenance activities, including calibrating instrumentation, chart recorders, analyzers, and related equipment.
• Program and troubleshoot Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and associated control systems.
• Respond to Miss Utility locate requests and utilize the Company GIS system to identify and verify utility locations.
• Troubleshoot and repair minor mechanical, piping, electrical, instrumentation, and control system issues.
• Evaluate operational data and implement process adjustments to optimize biological, chemical, and physical treatment processes.
• Collect bacteriological and compliance samples as directed by the Senior Operator or District Manager.
• Monitor and operate treatment and distribution systems using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Safely handle treatment chemicals and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Maintain compliance with all Company safety policies, customer safety requirements, and personal protective equipment (PPE) standards.
• Work on-call rotations, weekends, holidays, shift assignments, emergency responses, and unscheduled overtime as required.
• May be required to work in multiple states and obtain licenses or certifications required by the applicable jurisdiction.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Education and Licensing

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must possess a Delaware Base-Level Drinking Water Operator License.
• Must possess a Delaware Level II Wastewater Operator License for multi-plant operations or obtain the license within one year of hire or promotion.
• Must obtain and maintain all water and wastewater treatment endorsements required for the assigned district.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of SCADA systems, water and wastewater treatment processes, laboratory procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and other computer-based reporting systems.
• Ability to safely use basic hand tools and maintenance equipment.
• Ability to operate electrical testing equipment, including a digital multimeter.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret numerical and operational data.
• Ability to perform basic algebraic calculations related to treatment process control and system operations.
• Ability to analyze operational data and make sound decisions regarding treatment process adjustments.

Communication and Work Habits

• Strong reading, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hourly Range: $23.50 - $35.24 hourly, based on experience and qualifications.
• Total Rewards Package Includes: - Medical, dental, and vision coverage (effective first of the month after hire).
• 401(k) with company match.
• Company paid life and disability insurance.
• Paid time off and 12 paid holidays.
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, and reach throughout the workday.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull equipment, tools, materials, and chemical containers weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate tools, testing equipment, instrumentation, keyboards, and other equipment associated with water and wastewater operations.
• Ability to distinguish colors for process monitoring, laboratory testing, electrical work, instrumentation, and safety-related tasks.
• Ability to detect odors associated with treatment processes, equipment conditions, chemical systems, and potential safety hazards.
• Ability to safely access and work around treatment facilities, pump stations, tanks, confined spaces, and other utility infrastructure.
• Work is performed in a variety of environmental conditions, including exposure to heat, cold, rain, snow, humidity, dust, dirt, noise, vibration, chemicals, biological materials, and moving mechanical equipment.
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, wastewater, treatment byproducts, and other occupational hazards associated with utility operations.
• Required to wear and properly utilize personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, protective footwear, hard hats, respirators, and other safety equipment as required.
• Must be able to respond to emergency situations, work on-call assignments, and perform duties outside normal business hours as required.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

• Climbing ability.
• Visual acuity.
• Manual dexterity
• Normal hearing.
• Walking ability.
• Must be able to smell.

Work Authorization & Pre-Employment Requirements

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. All candidates must successfully pass a drug screen, pre-employment physical, background check, and possess a valid driver’s license in good standing (if required for the position). Additionally, must be cleared by Department of Defense to access government facility.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Positions

For positions requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the use of marijuana (including medical marijuana) or any controlled substances, whether prescribed or otherwise, is strictly prohibited under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Such use is a violation of federal law and will disqualify candidates from CDL-required positions.

Pay Transparency

This job posting complies with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Law (effective June 1, 2025), which requires employers to disclose salary ranges, benefits, and other compensation in job advertisements.

Recruitment Fraud Alert

We have noticed an increase in recruiting impersonations across the industry, where scammers attempt to obtain candidates’ personal or financial information through fake interviews and offers.
All legitimate communications from Middlesex Water Company and its subsidiaries will originate from the following email domains: @msg.clrco.com or @clearcompany.com.
Any outreach claiming to be from Middlesex Water Company or its subsidiaries that does not come from these domains should be ignored.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Middlesex Water Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applicant Communication

Please note: No phone calls, please.
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.