Water Plant Operator

The Water Plant Operator operates and maintains the Ultra-Filtration Membrane Water Treatment Plant to ensure the safe provision of potable water to approximately 60,000 residents. This role involves working on assigned shifts (6AM-2PM, 2PM-10PM, or 10PM-6AM) and performing routine maintenance, sampling, and regulatory compliance activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plant Operations: Monitor and control the plant and remote pumping facilities to ensure water quality and regulatory compliance.
• Maintenance: Perform routine and preventive maintenance tasks, including cleaning, repairing, and maintaining equipment such as membrane fibers, lab equipment, and pumping systems.
• Chemical Handling: Receive and handle bulk chemical deliveries; calibrate lab equipment and perform chemical/biological tests to ensure water quality.
• Sample Collection: Collect water samples for routine and emergency analysis.
• Reporting & Documentation: Maintain accurate records of plant operations, maintenance activities, and water quality test results.
• Customer Interaction: Provide customer service, including responding to inquiries from the public and wholesale water customers.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow safety policies and procedures; ensure the safe operation of the plant and related facilities.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Additional coursework in water treatment, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or related fields preferred.
• Experience: At least two years of experience in water/wastewater treatment processes or a related mechanical/technical field.
• Certification/License:
  • Valid driver’s license required.
  • Illinois EPA Water Plant Operator Certification, Class A (preferred).
• Skills & Proficiencies:
  • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve plant issues independently.
  • Knowledge of telemetry systems and water treatment processes.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure and in emergency situations.

Work Environment:

• Primarily based at the Water Treatment Plant, with occasional work at outlying reservoirs and monitoring stations.
• May require outdoor work in varying weather conditions (rain, snow, extreme heat, etc.).
• Works in both quiet and moderate noise environments.
• May be required to work alone during shifts.

Safety Functions:

• Ensure all safety policies and procedures are followed.
• Report any unsafe conditions immediately and maintain a clean, hazard-free work environment.
• Maintain physical fitness to meet the demands of the job.

Tools & Equipment Used:

• Pumps, process instrumentation, PLC-based control and telemetry system, motors, valves, chemical feed equipment, laboratory test instruments, and general maintenance tools.

Benefits:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Pension Programs
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Longevity Pay
• Paid Vacation Time (80 hours per year)
• Paid Personal Time (40 hours per year, prorated in year one)
• Paid Sick Time (96 hours per year)