$32.16/hour Laborer

American Water; Granite City (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water in Madison, IL is seeking a Laborer to support water collections system operations. This union role starts at $32.16 per hour and includes opportunities for incentive pay and wage increases under the collective bargaining agreement.

The role involves maintenance and repairs on water lines, hydrants, and service lines, plus operating heavy equipment such as forklift, backhoe, excavator, skid steer, and jetter truck. Safety, teamwork, and on-call duties are part of the job.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong work ethic and time management are essential.
• Able to lift up to 75 lbs and operate basic equipment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and ensure reliable operation of the water collection system and facilities.
• Perform repairs and preventive maintenance on water lines and related components.
• Assist with installation and repair of hydrants, service lines, valves; perform locates.
• Operate heavy equipment as assigned (forklift, backhoe, excavator, skid steer, dump truck, hydro vac, jetter truck).

Skills

Work ethic

Time management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Independent decision making

Minimal supervision

Mechanical skills

Lifting 75 lbs

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Information

Join a great company with an exciting Laborer opportunity in Madison, IL. This position is a union position with Illinois American Water and the starting pay rate is $32.16 per hour.

Posting Start Date: 9/28/26

Job Title: $32.16/hour Laborer

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and contracted increases as determined by the collective bargaining agreement, and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth. In addition to compensation, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water employees also receive learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally.

Schedule

• The regular hours of work each day will be consecutive except that they may be interrupted by lunch hour. Work hours are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday with a rotational On-Call responsibility. Emergencies and extenuating circumstances may require overtime.

Primary Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for the task necessary to maintain and ensure reliable operation of the water collections system and its facilities. General maintenance tasks will include repairs and preventive maintenance on water lines and all other work primarily done in the water system. Helping with repair and installation of fire hydrants, water service lines, valves, and performing Julie locates.The successful candidate will be given tasks that require water collection system knowledge in addition to operating of heavy equipment including a forklift, backhoe, excavator, skid steer, dump truck, hydro vac equipment, jetter truck and any other duties as assigned by management.

Key Accountabilities

• Having a strong knowledge of safety and operations policies and procedures including ensuring adherence to same by on-site staff.
• Oversee on-site staff, to include work assignments however, without authorization to hire, fire or discipline.
• Working cohesively in a team environment.
• Administrative duties in both written and oral formats.
• Working directly with contractors, customers and local business interactions.
• Use of system of records such as MapCall, GIS, etc.
• Adherence to IEPA and company wastewater regulator guidelines.

Knowledge/Skills

Strong work ethics, time management, written and oral communication skills, organizational skills.

• Independent decision making and acceptance of accountability for related actions.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Good mechanical skills.
• Position requires the ability to lift 75lbs.
• Computer literacy required.

Experience/Education

• 2-3 years minimum in water industry a plus but not required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Certification/Licenses

• Valid Driver’s license and the ability to obtain a Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement

Competencies

• Plans & Aligns
• Decision Making
• Communicates Effectively
• Builds Networks
• Action Oriented