American Water
American Water

60 American Water Distribution Operator Jobs Hiring Near You

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American Water Jobs Information

What is it like to work at American Water?

American Water is a company that prioritizes a culture of safety, sustainability, and community involvement, emphasizing the importance of its employees' contributions to the environment and public health.

As a leading water and wastewater services provider, American Water operates a large network of treatment plants, distribution systems, and customer service teams, offering a diverse range of career opportunities in fields such as engineering, operations, and customer service. The company's mission is to provide clean water and wastewater services to millions of customers across the United States.

Working at American Water may appeal to candidates who are passionate about making a positive impact on their communities and the environment, as the company offers a range of career development opportunities, competitive compensation and benefits, and a chance to work on critical infrastructure projects that support public health and safety.

What makes American Water an attractive place to work?

American Water is a leading water and wastewater services provider in the United States, serving over 14 million people across 46 states and the District of Columbia. The company offers a dynamic work environment that values innovation, collaboration, and employee development, with opportunities for employees to work on complex projects and contribute to the company's mission of delivering safe and reliable water services. By joining American Water, professionals can pursue a career with a company that prioritizes customer satisfaction, community engagement, and environmental stewardship, while also offering opportunities for growth, professional development, and making a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.

Do workers at American Water get paid breaks?

Sometimes. Only some people get paid breaks.
51% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.
Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2026.

Does American Water pay people when they’re sick?

Yes. Most people get paid when they’re sick.
87% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 61 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2026.

At American Water, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?

Sick days and vacation days are separate paid time off.
70% of people say they don’t have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 27 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and June 2026.

Is the health insurance from American Water affordable enough for their workers?

Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
97% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and June 2026.

Do people get paid time off at American Water?

Most people get paid time off work.
93% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 29 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and June 2026.

How far ahead of time do people find out their work schedule?

Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.
  • 86% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
  • 14% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
  • 0% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
  • 0% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.

Based on data from 7 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.

Do workers at American Water worry about hours?

Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
93% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.

Do American Water workers get to choose the shifts they work?

Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
43% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.

How easy is it for American Water workers to change shifts?

Some people find it hard to change shifts.
43% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 21 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.

How easy is it to get time off at American Water?

Most people find it easy to get time off.
93% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 58 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2026.

Do American Water managers change schedules at the last minute?

Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
90% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and February 2026.

Do jobs at American Water spill into time workers aren’t paid for?

Rarely. The job doesn't usually spill into unpaid time.
16% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.
Based on data from 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.

How easy is it to take sick days at American Water?

Most people find it easy to take sick days.
90% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2026.

Is a American Water job good for students?

Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
80% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
Based on data from 5 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and June 2025.

Is working at American Water good if you’re a parent or caregiver?

Most parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
74% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.
Based on data from 23 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and March 2026.

Do people at American Water feel treated with respect by their managers?

Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
78% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2026.

Do people at American Water get to take their breaks without interruption?

Most people get breaks without interruption.
72% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 53 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2026.

Is it stressful to work at American Water?

Some people feel stressed out here.
52% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 61 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2026.

Do people at American Water enjoy their jobs?

Most people enjoy their job.
85% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2026.

Do people at American Water recommend working with their team?

Only some people recommend working with their team.
40% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 63 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2026.

Do people get enough training when they start at American Water?

Most people got enough training when they started.
67% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 61 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2026.

Do people get support to advance at American Water?

Most people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 67% of people report being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2026.

Do people think American Water’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
72% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2026.

Do workers feel well informed about how American Water is doing?

Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
74% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 61 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and June 2026.

What other companies are hiring for Distribution Operator jobs?

Infographic showing various Distribution Operator job openings at American Water in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution.

Backhoe Operator - $33.77/hour

American Water Works Service Company, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$33.77/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


American Water rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Requisition ID:  109380 

Share Our Purpose.  Be Yourself.  Feel Valued. 

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career.  Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!  Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people across 14 regulated jurisdictions and 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.


As one of the fastest growing utilities in the U.S., American Water expects to invest $40 to $42 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency and regulated acquisitions over the next 10 years. The company has a long-standing history of executing its core operations, aligned with sustainable best practices, through its commitments to safety, affordability, customer service, protecting the environment, an inclusive workforce and strengthening communities.


American Water has been recognized on the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year, ranked 18th on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2023 List, earned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act designation and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® Excellence Award, among additional state, local and national recognitions.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Primary Role

Operates various types of power construction equipment such as backhoe and front-end loaders, to excavate, move, grade and replace soils and miscellaneous backfill/restoration materials, and to load /unload pipe, fittings and materials. Assist other crewmembers with various duties in connection with the operation, maintenance and construction of the water distribution system.

This position requires strong experience operating a backhoe.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform all functions of the position in a safe and conscientious manner, with constant regard for the safety of fellow employees and the general public.
  • Operates earthmoving and construction equipment and vehicles.
  • Takes instructions and decides what needs to be done with the assigned equipment in order to complete the job.
  • Reads and understands schematics, blueprints or sketches of work to be done.
  • Understands Miss Utility marks and is familiar with the hazards associated with other below and above ground utilities including a general understanding of the Miss Utility laws and regulations and related company policies.
  • Performs safety/operational inspections and routine minor preventative maintenance to equipment.
  • Has a general understanding of Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act and company policies relating to same.
  • Assist with wet taps using large and small tapping machines, install repair sleeves, flare copper, and install meter settings and yokes.
  • Be familiar with the duties of Laborer, Truck Driver, and Utility Worker classifications.
  • Assists with erecting barricades and placing safety lights around worksites to protect workers from street traffic, may flag traffic as required.
  • Maneuvers pipe sections, valves and fittings into position.
  • Backfills excavations using compaction equipment on dirt, crushed stone and cold mixed asphalt.
  • Removes and installs water meters, reads meters after installation.
  • Work overtime as required.
  • Drive Company vehicles and pull trailers as required.
  • Performs maintenance work on Company property and grounds.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
  • Other duties may be assigned. 
Knowledge/Skills

Language Skills:

  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Mathematical Skills:

  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret graphs.

Reasoning Ability:

  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instruction furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
  • Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. 
Experience/Education
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
  • Two (2) years experience operating backhoe and other construction equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write simple reports and correspondence 
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
  • Valid motor vehicle operators license with acceptable driving record.
  • Confined Space Entry Certification (post-hire)
  • VDOT Flagging Certification (post-hire)
Work Environment
  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job in all weather conditions and is regularly exposed to vibration.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions.
  • The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently expose to toxic or caustic chemicals and extreme cold.
  • The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, extreme heat and risk of electrical shock.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Physical Demands:

  • The physical demands described here 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.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, talk or hear, and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or remove up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 
Competencies
Champions safety
Customer obsessed
Cultivates innovation
Nimble learning
Drives Results
Collaborates

Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.


What American Water employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Get the full story on Breakroom


American Water logo

About American Water

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Camden, NJ, US

Year founded

1886

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