Public Water Supply Operator

City of Crystal Lake; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Crystal Lake is seeking a knowledgeable Public Works Public Water Supply Operator to join the Public Works Department. This role focuses on the City’s drinking water treatment, storage, and distribution operations, overseeing a system with multiple wells, treatment plants, tanks, and miles of main lines.

Responsibilities include plant operations, equipment troubleshooting and repair, water sampling and analysis, regulatory compliance, preventive maintenance, recordkeeping, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; coursework in water treatment or environmental sciences preferred.
• Experience in water treatment plant operations, maintenance, or related mechanical trades, or equivalent education/experience.
• Familiarity with PCs, Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, email, GIS mapping, and SCADA systems is desirable.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, solve problems, and maintain accurate records.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and repair the City’s water treatment plants, deep and shallow wells, and related infrastructure.
• Perform water sampling and analysis to ensure regulatory compliance and quality.
• Carry out preventive maintenance and recordkeeping; respond to emergencies as needed.
• Report results and maintenance activity under supervision of Water & Sewer Superintendent/Manager.
• Engage in on-call rotations for after-hours emergencies and weather-related events.

Skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Independent work

Education

High school diploma

Water treatment coursework

Illinois EPA Class B Public Water Supply Operator Certification

CDL Class A or B with air/tanker endorsements

Tools

GIS mapping

SCADA systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

The City of Crystal Lake is seeking a knowledgeable, motivated, and safety-conscious Public Works Public Water Supply Operator to join our Public Works Department. This position focuses primarily on the City’s drinking water treatment, storage, and distribution operations, helping to oversee and maintain a system that includes:

Production & treatment of ˜3.9 million gallons per day on average
6 active shallow aquifer wells
5 active deep aquifer wells
5 drinking water treatment plants
4 elevated storage tanks
4 ground storage tanks
4 pressure reducing valves
Over 250 miles of water main
3,200 hydrants
14,000 services
If you enjoy hands‑on technical work, problem‑solving, and working both independently and as part of a team, we encourage you to apply.

Position Summary:

This is technical work involving the operation, maintenance, monitoring, and repair of the City’s water treatment plants, deep and shallow wells, and related infrastructure. Responsibilities include plant operations, equipment troubleshooting and repair, water sampling and analysis, regulatory compliance, preventive maintenance, recordkeeping, and responding to emergency situations.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Water & Sewer Supervisor or Superintendent, who reviews work through observation, reports, and operational results.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent.
Coursework in water treatment, environmental sciences, or a related field is preferred.
Experience in water treatment plant operations, maintenance, or related mechanical trades; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Familiarity with personal computers, Microsoft Office applications, spreadsheets, email, GIS mapping, and SCADA systems is highly desirable.
Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, solve problems effectively, and maintain accurate records.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills.
Required Certifications and Licenses

Required Certifications and Licenses

Candidates must possess:

Illinois EPA Class B Public Water Supply Operator Certification or Class B Operator‑in‑Training Certification.
Ability to wear a respirator.
Candidates must also possess, or obtain within six (6) months of hire:

Illinois Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A or B with Air Brake Endorsement and Tanker Endorsement. The City will provide training as needed.

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday
7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This position requires:

Participation in an on‑call rotation for after‑hours emergencies.
Weekend, evening, and holiday work as needed.
Emergency response during severe weather, utility outages, and other Public Works emergencies.
Participation in snow and ice control operations.