System Operator III - Water/Wastewater Utility

Aqua America, Inc.; Poplar Grove (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive and comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Aqua America, Inc. is seeking a Systems Operator III in the Candlewick/Poplar Grove area. This role involves the installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment for water and wastewater treatment facilities while assisting with customer service.

The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma, valid driver's license, and relevant experience. A competitive wage of $36.25 and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Professional experience working with industrial mechanical systems and/or pumps preferred.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s Operator’s License; CDL is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain facilities and equipment related to wastewater treatment.
• Collect and analyze water and wastewater samples for compliance.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong customer service skills

Ability to read and follow operating instructions

Mathematical ability for calculations

Computer literate with database tools

Education

High School Diploma (or equivalent)

Class II Wastewater License

Class B Water License

Tools

Industrial mechanical systems knowledge

Pumps

Job description

Position Overview

Systems Operator III, Candlewick/Poplar Grove area. Under the direction of the Field Supervisor, this role performs installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment for water and wastewater treatment facilities, and assists with customer service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Operate and maintain facilities and equipment related to wastewater activated sludge treatment, lagoons, lift stations, and collection systems.
• Operate and maintain facilities and equipment related to wastewater and water treatment plants, well facilities, pumping, and storage facilities as needed.
• Operate and maintain vehicles and equipment used in water and wastewater facilities.
• Perform and record inspections and tests on system and facility operations; review associated data.
• Collect, analyze, and record water and wastewater samples for regulatory compliance and process control monitoring.
• Prepare reports required by the company, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Commerce Commission, or other jurisdictional entities.
• Respond to customer service, water distribution, and/or collection system work orders.
• Assist with other tasks or projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma (or equivalent).
• Professional experience working with industrial mechanical systems and/or pumps preferred.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s Operator’s License; CDL is a plus.
• Class II Wastewater License.
• Class B Water License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to read, understand, and accurately follow operating instructions.
• Mathematical ability to perform calculations for ratios, dosages, and volumetric calculations required for plant and system operation.
• Computer literate with database tools and ability to operate plant processes through computer‑controlled equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases, and/or poor ventilation atmospheric conditions.
• Must be able to lift and move equipment over 50 pounds and work in confined spaces; a lift test is required.
• Travel to work sites; company vehicle provided for business purposes only.
• Position participates in a weekly on‑call rotating schedule to staff a 24‑hour/7‑day operation.
• Must pass fit testing.

Union Position & Wages

Union position. Starting wage for System Operator III is $36.25. Employees with applicable water/wastewater license may receive a higher starting wage. Employees hired or entering the bargaining unit on or after Jan12023 will receive $3.00 per hour less than the classification wage rate; the wage reduction will be returned in $1.00 increases once a year over a three‑year period. Employees receive annual contract increases. Candidates with certification or license are eligible for higher‑level positions.

Benefits

Competitive and comprehensive benefits package.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, is an Equal Opportunity / Affiliated Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered‑veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law. Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012). To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and avoid conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply: family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate relationship; family members cannot work in the same department.