Municipal Water System Operator

American Water Works Association; Summit, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water Works Association in Illinois seeks a dedicated Water System Operator to run and monitor municipal water facilities, ensure proper chemical feed and disinfection, and maintain regulatory compliance.

You will perform sampling, recordkeeping, preventive maintenance, on-call rotations, and respond to emergencies while upholding safety standards and quality of service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Certification through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency as a Public Water Supply Operator is required or obtainable.
• Minimum Class C Public Water Supply Operator License required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor municipal water facilities.
• Maintain proper chemical feed rates and disinfection levels.
• Monitor and adjust operational parameters (chlorine residual, pH levels, water pressure, flow rates).
• Adjust processes to maintain water quality standards.
• Operate and maintain the municipal water distribution system including mains, valves, hydrants, and service connections.
• Perform hydrant flushing and valve exercising; assist with leak detection and maintain pressures and storage levels.
• Conduct sampling and testing per state/federal regulations; ensure proper sample handling and reporting to labs.
• Maintain required operational logs; complete monthly and annual reporting; participate in IEPA surveys and regulatory compliance.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Illinois EPA Public Water Supply Operator Certification

Class C Public Water Supply Operator License

Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Water System Operation

Operate and monitor municipal water facilities including meters, pumps, motors, chemical feed systems and storage facilities.

• Maintain proper chemical feed rates and disinfection levels to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Monitor operational parameters including:
• Chlorine residual
• PH levels
• Water pressure
• Flow rates
• Tank levels
• Adjust all processes as required to maintain water quality standards.

Distribution System Operation

Operate and maintain the municipal water distribution system including:

• Water mains
• Valves
• Hydrants
• Service connections
• Meters
• Perform hydrant flushing programs and valve exercising.
• Assist with leak detection.
• Maintain proper distribution system pressures and storage levels.

Water Quality Monitoring and Sampling

Conduct sampling and testing in accordance with current state and federal regulations including but not limited to:

• Routine bacteriological sampling
• Disinfection byproduct monitoring
• Lead and copper sampling
• Nitrate and nitrite testing
• Volatile organic compound sampling when required
• Additional monitoring required by the IEPA
• Ensure proper sample handling, documentation, and submission to certified laboratories.

Regulatory Compliance

Maintain compliance with all applicable regulations including:

• Safe Drinking Water Act
• Illinois Environmental Protection Act
• Illinois Administrative Code Title 35 Part 681

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining required operational logs
• Completing monthly and annual reporting
• Assisting during IEPA sanitary surveys
• Maintaining system compliance with monitoring schedules
• Implementing corrective actions when water quality standards are exceeded
• Anything required by state and federal regulations as they change.

Recordkeeping and Reporting

Maintain accurate operational records including:

• daily treatment logs
• chlorine residual records
• sampling results
• maintenance records
• chemical usage
• Prepare reports required by regulatory agencies.
• Maintain documentation necessary for inspections and regulatory review.

Preventive Maintenance

Perform routine inspection and maintenance of:

• Pumps and motors
• Generators
• Treatment equipment
• Storage tanks
• Chemical feed systems
• Instrumentation and monitoring equipment
• Maintain equipment in proper working order and coordinate repairs when necessary.

Emergency Response

Respond to water system emergencies including:

• Water main breaks
• System pressure loss
• Contamination events
• Treatment failures
• Participate in emergency response and public notification procedures including boil orders when necessary

Participate in on-call rotation for after-hours emergencies

Minimum Qualifications

Education - High school diploma or equivalent required.

Certification - Must possess or obtain certification through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency as a Public Water Supply Operator.

License - Minimum Class C Public Water Supply Operator License required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in water treatment or distribution systems

Utility, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical maintenance experience

Construction or public works experience

Valid Illinois Driver’s License required.