Treatment Plant Operator I
Description
Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I – Night Shift
At Lehigh County Authority, your role as a Treatment Plant Operator I directly protects public health and the environment by keeping clean water flowing and wastewater safely treated.
If you’re curious, hands-on, and interested in building a career in water treatment, wastewater operations, or environmental services, this is your opportunity to learn, grow, and make a real impact - every single shift!
What the Job Looks Like
In this role, you’ll work alongside experienced operators to keep our water filtration and wastewater treatment systems running safely and efficiently:
- Operate and monitor treatment systems across water and wastewater plants, helping ensure safe, compliant operations that serve the community.
- Adjust pumps, valves, and controls to maintain proper flow and treatment levels, directly impacting water quality and environmental safety.
- Collect and analyze samples at various stages of the treatment process to support accurate testing and regulatory compliance.
- Read gauges, meters, and control panels (including computerized systems) to identify trends, prevent issues, and keep operations running smoothly.
- Add and adjust treatment chemicals according to established standards, supporting safe and effective purification processes.
- Identify equipment issues and support troubleshooting, escalating complex maintenance needs to senior operators when needed.
- Document readings and maintain logs, ensuring accurate reporting and continuity between shifts.
- You’ll rotate between our facilities as needed, gaining exposure to a variety of systems and expanding your technical skill set.
What We’re Looking For
This role is a great fit if you enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and understanding how systems work. There are multiple paths into this career - but candidates should bring relevant training, education, or experience in water, wastewater, or technical operations.
You’ll need at least one of the following:
- High school or GED diploma + training in water treatment or wastewater treatment
- Completion of Sacramento State Water or Wastewater Treatment coursework (Volumes I & II)
- 2 years of college-level coursework in biology, chemistry, civil engineering, or a related field
- 2 years of hands-on experience in a water/wastewater plant at the maintenance worker level
Additional Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physical tasks (climbing stairs/ladders, handling equipment)
- Willingness to obtain a PA Class A Water or Wastewater Operator Certification within 2 years
- Work a night shift schedule (6:00 PM – 6:00 AM) on a rotating cycle of 48 hours one week and 36 hours the next, including weekends and holidays
About Us and What We Offer You
Since 1966, we've provided high-quality, affordable water and sewer services to our community. LCA isn't just a service provider; it's a vibrant and dynamic place to work. We offer an exciting and busy environment where our employees are the heart of our operations. By joining our team, you'll play a key role in ensuring that our public services are valuable, affordable, and high-quality. If you're passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and service, LCA is the place for you!
Since 1966, we've provided high-quality, affordable water and sewer services to our community. LCA isn't just a service provider; it's a vibrant and dynamic place to work. We offer an exciting and busy environment where our employees are the heart of our operations. By joining our team, you'll play a key role in ensuring that our public services are valuable, affordable, and high-quality. If you're passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and service, LCA is the place for you!
Benefits and Perks
At LCA, we take care of our team so they can take care of the communities we serve. This union role offers stability along with a strong foundation of benefits, including:
At LCA, we take care of our team so they can take care of the communities we serve. This union role offers stability along with a strong foundation of benefits, including:
- Starting pay: $24.53/hour
- $0 Healthcare Costs: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage fully paid for you AND your eligible dependents with no employee paid premiums. That means no deductions from your paycheck for coverage, which can save you hundreds per month compared to most employers.
- More Money in Your Pocket: Because you’re not paying insurance premiums, your take-home pay can be significantly higher than roles with a higher hourly rate with costly benefit deductions.
- Time to Recharge: Generous paid vacation, sick time, personal days, and holidays so you can rest and take care of life outside of work.
- Long-Term Security: Company-paid life and disability insurance plus access to two retirement plans - a pension through the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement Plan and a 457 plan - helping you build real financial stability over time.
- Additional Support: Flexible Spending Accounts and voluntary benefits available to fit your individual needs.
I’m interested; how do I get started?
Apply to:
We’re excited that you’re considering joining the Lehigh County Authority (LCA) team! To make the hiring process smooth and efficient, we've partnered with myHR Partner. Rest assured, they’re not a staffing service or recruiter – they’re here to help us find the best fit for our organization. Your resume will be reviewed specifically for opportunities with LCA.
We’re excited that you’re considering joining the Lehigh County Authority (LCA) team! To make the hiring process smooth and efficient, we've partnered with myHR Partner. Rest assured, they’re not a staffing service or recruiter – they’re here to help us find the best fit for our organization. Your resume will be reviewed specifically for opportunities with LCA.
At LCA, we pride ourselves on being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected status. Employment decisions at LCA are based on your qualifications, merit, and the needs of our business.
Thank you for considering LCA as your next career move. We look forward to learning more about you!