System Operator Trainee Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Woodard & Curran is a national engineering, science and operations firm with a simple vision for clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities and happy people. As an employee-owned company, we strive to cultivate teams that encourage collaboration in an inclusive culture. We seek talented individuals from all backgrounds to help us address a broad range of water and environmental issues. We prioritize our people, offering opportunities for professional growth, ownership and flexibility. This commitment enables us to make a meaningful impact on our clients, communities and the planet.
Woodard & Curran draws on the experience of hundreds of certified operators across the country, backed by the knowledge and skills of hundreds of engineers, scientists, and regulatory experts, to quickly tackle the most challenging operational issues and keep treatment plants running efficiently and in full compliance. Woodard & Curran also promotes and aids employees in earning, upgrading, and keeping their certifications within the industry.
What will you be doing at Woodard & Curran?
The successful candidate regularly participates in the daily operations and maintenance of Maple Shade, NJ's Water and/or Wastewater Utility to include Treatment Plants and Collection and Distribution Systems as directed by Woodard & Curran's management. We are searching for a New Jersey certified wastewater operator, however, we are also interested in applicants who are newer to the industry and hoping to build a career in wastewater treatment.
The Maple Shade treatment facility is part of a Union. You will be required to pay Union dues whether or not you join the Union.
Schedule: The typical schedule is Tuesday - Saturday, day shift. You will be required to participate in an on-call rotation on weekends, holidays and outside normal shift hours for alarm call-outs and possible shift coverage.
What will you need to succeed?

• High School or trade school diploma is required.
• 2+ years of experience in a Water and/or wastewater treatment facility operation and maintenance; or any equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
• New Jersey S2, C2, T2, or W2 license is preferred but entry level candidates will be considered.
• Valid New Jersey CDL with tanker endorsement, or the ability to obtain within one year.
• Working knowledge of the principles, procedures, methods, equipment, materials, and tools employed in the operation' and maintenance of the Water and Wastewater Treatment, Collection and Distribution systems.
• Thorough knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions involved in water and wastewater treatment work.
• Knowledge of computer applications for water quality sample data and maintenance record keeping.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply instructions, drawings, and specifications for work assigned.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, other personnel, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Successful candidates will be required to complete a DOT background check, DOT pre-placement physical and DOT drug screen before employment.

$18 - $30 an hour
Note on Pay Scale: The rate of pay is dictated by the Union agreement. Those with no experience or license, or with experience but no license, will start at the entry-level end of the pay range. Those with a license and more experience will advance up the pay scale based on the parameters of the Union agreement.
Mutual Dispute Resolution (MDR)
As part of our commitment to a fair and respectful workplace, Woodard & Curran uses a Mutual Dispute Resolution (MDR) to help resolve most employment-related concerns efficiently and consistently.
What this means:

• MDR applies to both you and the Company
• Most workplace-related disputes are resolved through binding arbitration, rather than court proceedings
• Certain exceptions are outlined in the full agreement

If you are offered a position with Woodard & Curran, you will be asked to review and sign the MDR as part of your offer packet.
Review the full agreement here: Mutual Dispute Resolution Agreement
Employee Support & Benefits
Retirement Savings:

• 401(k) Pre-tax or Roth Contributions: The company matches 100% of the first 3% of salary contributed

Time away from work:

• Observed holidays: Choose up to 8 holidays to observe annually
• Vacation: Accrued based on years of experience and calculated on hours worked
• Sick time: Paid sick time for non-work-related illness or injury.
• Parental leave: Up to 80 hours of Paid Parental Leave for child bonding

Coverage and support for your needs and well-being:

• Disability: Paid short- and long-term disability
• Health: Medical plan options; plus dental and vision plans.
• Life: Basic employee group life insurance and AD&D benefits; additional voluntary life insurance for employees and families is available through Sun Life.
• Wellbeing: DarioMind assistance program combined with personalized mental health and wellbeing resources.

Workplace Information
E-Verify Participation
Woodard & Curran participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. As part of this process, we display the required Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters.
View required Right to Work and E-Verify posters here.
Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility
Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non-discrimination and make employment decisions based on job-related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer.
View our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
View the "Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster
Inclusion & Belonging
We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and believe diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to serve clients and communities.
As an employee-owned company, we are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment where employees can grow, contribute fully, and deliver meaningful impact.
Recruitment Agency Policy
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Submissions without a signed agreement in place will be considered unsolicited and not eligible for referral fees.
Text Message Communication Notice:
To support an efficient hiring process, we may send brief SMS updates or reminders. You may opt out at any time by replying "STOP."
Terms, Privacy & Use of AI in Hiring
Woodard & Curran Terms of Use
Woodard & Curran Privacy Statement
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support aspects of the hiring process (e.g., application review or resume screening). These tools assist our team but do not replace human decision-making. All final hiring decisions are made by people.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.