$32.16/hour Laborer

American Water Co.; Illinois; On-site; USD 67,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water in Madison, IL is seeking a Laborer to help maintain and repair the water collection system and its facilities. The role involves operating heavy equipment, following safety policies, and collaborating with on-site staff and contractors.

The position offers a union work environment with a starting rate of $32.16 per hour, plus benefits and opportunities for salary growth per the collective bargaining agreement.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to obtain Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement.
• Experience or ability to perform maintenance on water systems and operate heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and ensure reliable operation of the water collection system and its facilities.
• Perform repairs and preventive maintenance on water lines and related infrastructure.
• Assist with repair and installation of hydrants, water service lines, valves, and related tasks.
• Operate heavy equipment including forklift, backhoe, excavator, skid steer, dump truck, hydro vac, and jetter truck.
• Coordinate with contractors and customers and support on-site staff to ensure safety and quality.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Time management

Written and oral communication

Organizational skills

Mechanical skills

Independent decision making

Heavy equipment operation

Education

High school diploma

Tools

MapCall

GIS

Job description

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 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 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.

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.

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

Duties will include:

• 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.

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

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.