Water Operator

Des Plaines; Des Plaines, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

Paid time off (vacation, personal, and

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Employer-paid Life Insurance

Illinois Municipal Employee Retirement

Retirement Savings: IMRF/457/Roth IRA

Job summary

The City of Des Plaines is seeking a skilled maintenance worker for the water plant and related City facilities. You will monitor gauges and records, operate pumps, collect water samples, and assist with calibration of instrumentation.

The role involves heavy manual tasks, emergency response outside normal hours, and safety compliance. CDL- A with airbrake/tanker endorsement is required within 120 days; Class C Water Operator license within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Monitors equipment and records data at the water plant and related facilities; maintains, operates, repairs and replaces equipment as necessary.
• Operates, maintains and repairs pumps, gauges, filters and other controls.
• Collects samples and tests water quality to meet local, state and federal requirements.
• Assists with calibration and repair of instrumentation and control systems.
• Responds to emergencies and residential water service requests as needed.
• Performs maintenance on fire hydrants, valves and related equipment.

Job description

Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance and repair of water plant and distribution facilities and systems and a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work in the construction, operation, repair, and maintenance of City owned facilities, grounds, infrastructure, and equipment with a positive team orientated attitude toward success.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Works under supervision of a Crew Leader. May assist to coordinate, instruct, or supervise the work of new employees or other personnel as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors the performance of all equipment, gauges and charts in the water plant and related facilities; records statistical data concerning plant operations; maintains, operates, repairs and replaces equipment as necessary; charts lab test results for trend analysis and maintains accurate records of analyses and test results.
• Operates, maintains and repairs malfunctions at the water plant, water storage and pumping facilities and pressure monitoring points; repairs gauges, pumps, filters and other controls and equipment.
• Collects samples and identifies concentrations of chemical, physical or biological characteristics of water required in accordance with local, state and Federal clean water requirements; gathers and tests water samples for plant efficiency reports as required. Monitors water quality and turbidity, and checks chlorine and BAC-T levels.
• Performs quality control tests on lab equipment and lab analyses; evaluates procedures and results for accuracy and determines appropriate methods.
• Assists with training other personnel in acceptable lab methods and procedures to assure accuracy of test results.
• Assists with calibration, modification or repairs to instrumentation and control equipment including recorders, flowmeter and other water monitoring equipment.
• Monitors performance of electrical systems, circuits or equipment of the water plant and storage facilities.
• Responds to residential complaints and other requests for service during business and non-business hours.
• Performs the installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire hydrants, valves, and related equipment.
• Performs utility locations of all City utilities as part of Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators.
• Performs the turning on and off of water service as directed based upon leaks, emergencies or nonpayment of bills; the final readings of meters; and the delivery of pre-shutoff notices to homeowners.
• Responds to residential complaints and other requests for service in response to excessive water usage, discoloration, or low pressure.
• Responds to residential complaints and other requests for service.
• Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safely and security standards.
• Performs general carpentry and other construction-related activities in the repair and maintenance of City facilities. Repairs building systems including mechanical, electrical, fire/life safety, and custodial as needed.
• Responds to emergency events such as water main breaks, flooding, and snow removal.
• Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
• Assists with the oversight of contractors for various projects and repairs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED Equivalent. One to two years of experience in the repair & maintenance of facilities or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted provided the candidate has demonstrated the ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• This position requires employees to respond to emergency and non-emergency situations outside normal business hours.
• Expected hours of work upon successful orientation and training for the position shift will be as follows:
  • Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
  • Sunday, Monday: 11:00 pm – 7:00 am
• Some knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in maintenance, construction and repair activities.
• The skill to operate the listed tools and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time; ability to work safely; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in building system maintenance, construction and repair including carpentry, plumbing, HVAC systems and electrical maintenance of facilities.
• Some knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, method and procedures used in maintenance, construction and repair activities, some knowledge of municipal sewer and water systems.
• Knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods, and procedures used in maintenance, construction and repair activities.
• Basic knowledge of water meters and plumbing systems.
• Ability to train and supervise subordinate personnel in the duties of their position; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public; ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Skills in the use of a computer including software programs such as Word, Excel, PubWorks, GIS and email.
• State of Illinois Class "A" (CDL) Driver's License with Airbrake, Fifth Wheel and Tanker endorsement is required within 120 days of employment. The CDL License with the endorsement must be maintained by the position holder at all times.
• Class C Water Operator’s License, acquired within 1 year.

EQUIPMENT USED

Requires the frequent use of motorized vehicles and equipment, including tractor loader, dump truck, pickup truck, utility truck, skid steer with various attachments, tamper, plate compactor, saws, pumps, compressors, sanders, grinders, generators, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, and cellular phone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear.

The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions on uneven ground surfaces. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in confined areas and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud on occasion.

Check out our incredible benefits package!

• Comprehensive Healthcare: We’ve got you covered with medical, dental, and optical insurance options tailored to fit your needs—offering low deductibles, low premiums, and an overall low cost to you and your family.
• Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave for a balanced work-life experience
• Paid holidays to enjoy special moments throughout the year
• Employer-paid Life Insurance for peace of mind
• Participation in the prestigious Illinois Municipal Employee Retirement System (IMRF)

Plus, as a member of the City of Des Plaines team, you get access to exciting financial benefits:

• Retirement Health Savings Account
• Transportation Spending Account
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Roth IRA
• Optional additional Life Insurance

This benefits package ensures your well-being, security, and a bright future!