Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator

Woodardcurran; Robinson (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodard & Curran is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator to support a food and beverage facility in Crawford County, Illinois. You will help ensure safe, compliant operation of the plant's wastewater treatment system, with hands-on responsibilities and opportunities to learn and grow in an industrial environment.

This role offers a rotating shift schedule with day and evening work, weekend and holiday coverage, and overtime opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to work safely and follow established operating procedures.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Monitor treatment processes and equipment in the field and via SCADA systems.
• Adjust operational processes to maintain optimal plant performance.
• Collect water quality samples and perform lab testing for regulatory compliance.
• Operate, inspect, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance on treatment equipment.
• Assist with equipment repairs and preventive maintenance.
• Record operational data and use maintenance software to document activities.
• Perform facility upkeep such as cleaning, pressure washing, grounds work, and painting.

Skills

Hands-on work

Problem-solving

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Woodard & Curran is an employee-owned engineering, science, and operations firm dedicated to clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. We foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports professional growth, flexibility, and meaningful work, empowering our employees to make a lasting impact on our clients, communities, and the planet.

Build Your Career While Protecting One of Our Most Valuable Resources

At Woodard & Curran, you'll join a team of hundreds of certified operators nationwide, supported by engineers, scientists, and environmental experts who are passionate about solving complex challenges and protecting essential water resources. We are committed to helping our employees grow by supporting industry certifications, professional development, and long-term career advancement.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to support the wastewater treatment operations of a leading food and beverage manufacturing facility in Crawford County, Illinois. Whether you already have wastewater experience or are looking to build your technical skills in a hands‑on industrial environment, you'll have the chance to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact every day.

No two days are exactly alike. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, develop valuable operational and maintenance skills, and contribute to environmental compliance and sustainability efforts that help protect local waterways and communities.

What You'll Do

As a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, you'll help ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the facility's wastewater treatment system. Your responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring treatment processes and equipment both in the field and through SCADA automation systems
• Adjusting operational processes to maintain optimal plant performance
• Collecting water quality samples and performing laboratory testing to support regulatory compliance
• Operating, inspecting, troubleshooting, and performing routine maintenance on treatment equipment
• Assisting with equipment repairs and preventive maintenance activities
• Recording operational data and utilizing maintenance management software to document work activities
• Performing facility upkeep activities such as cleaning equipment and work areas, pressure washing, grounds maintenance, painting, and general housekeeping

Compensation

Pay Range: $25-$27 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.

Schedule

This position follows a rotating shift schedule that provides opportunities to maximize your time off when planned in advance. Schedules may include:

• Day shifts and evening shifts
• Weekends and holidays
• Overtime opportunities with additional pay!

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who enjoys hands‑on work, problem‑solving, and working as part of a team in a dynamic industrial environment.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
• Ability to work safely and follow established operating procedures
• Ability to regularly lift up to 40 pounds

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years of wastewater treatment, industrial operations, manufacturing, mechanical, or related experience
• Basic understanding of wastewater treatment processes, equipment, and maintenance practices
• Experience using computers and learning new software applications
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools and equipment
• Ability to make sound operational decisions and troubleshoot equipment issues

Training & Certification Support

Prior wastewater licensing is not required. An Industrial Site-Specific Certification must be obtained within six months of employment, and Woodard & Curran will provide support and training to help you achieve this certification.

Work Environment

This is an active, hands‑on position that may include:

• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Working at heights
• Entering and working in confined spaces in accordance with safety procedures

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Background check
• Pre-employment physical examination
• Drug screening

Woodard & Curran offers a comprehensive benefits package. For more information about our benefits & workplace policies visit Benefit & Policy Information - Woodard & Curran.

E-Verify Participation: Woodard & Curran participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. As part of this process, we provide access to Right to Work & E-Verify postings.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility: Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non-discrimination and make employment decisions based on job-related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer.

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