Water Plant Operator

American Water Works Association; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water Works Association seeks a dedicated Pump Station Operator to manage a potable water pumping station serving approximately 285,000 people. This full-time role requires working 12-hour shifts (Noon-Midnight, Midnight-Noon) with four days on, four days off.

The job entails operating pumps, monitoring SCADA, recording data, and addressing public and vendor inquiries while maintaining safety and reliability at the facility in Des Plaines, IL.

Qualifications

• Associate degree (or equivalent) preferred, compensation based on blend of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate Main Pump Station and Main Control Room controls.
• Read meters and record data from computers and charts.
• Respond to inquiries from members, customers and vendors.
• Train other operators as needed.
• Diagnose problems in instrumentation, pumping, heating and electrical systems.

Skills

SCADA operation

Pumps & valves

Communication

Public inquiries

Education

Associate degree

Tools

SCADA

Digital input switches

Printer/Copier

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the operation of a Potable Water Pumping Station that provides water to approximately 285,000 people. The position requires working 12-hour shifts for four days followed by four days off. Shifts are from Noon to Midnight and Midnight to Noon. Good communication skills, a pleasant and professional demeanor along with understanding the needs and expectations of our members, customers and vendors are critical.

This position is full-time (up to 48 hours per week)

Compensation range begins at $34.75 per hour during the probationary period.

This position specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential functions of this position will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Strong knowledge of the methods, materials, and equipment used in the operation of the Commission and has the ability to provide support to other employees with skills and knowledge of the Commission and its systems. Assists in new employee orientation and training.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate degree (or equivalent) is preferred. Compensation will be determined based on the blend of education and experience possessed by the candidate.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Position requires sitting, walking, talking, seeing, standing, hearing, lifting/carrying frequently 10 pounds, and occasionally 50 pounds. Position also requires bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, reaching, twisting, pushing/pulling, confined workspace, grasping or fine manipulation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Generally responsible for controlling the discharge flows of the Main Pump Station to remote metering sites from the Main Control Room located in the Main Pump Station. The operator is responsible for the following tasks:

1. Start and Stop Water Booster Pumps using electrical start/stop buttons or switches.
2. Reading and recording information from computers, meters and recording charts located in the Main Pump Station.
3. Analyzing water flow needs and controlling water flow to remote metering sites by varying valve positions using digital input thumbwheel switches located on the Main Instrumentation Panel.
4. Adding oil to equipment from quart oil containers. Maximum weight of approximately 10 pounds.
5. Operate instrumentation computer system (SCADA). Add paper to a laser printer and copying machines.
6. Make copies of operational and J.U.L.I.E. reports or requests.
7. Process J.U.L.I.E. requests by using computer map search programs. Tabulation of information in a logbook and file in monthly logbook.
8. Office filing of information.
9. Operate chlorine feed system and perform chlorine residual tests using a portable chlorine residual tester. Approximately one (1) pound in weight.
10. Start and Stop electrical generator using Start/Stop switches on a control panel and lifting a lever safety switch on the generator by hand.
11. Empty water from dehumidifiers, residential type units. Approximately 30 pounds.
12. Start and Stop Remote Booster Station from Main Control Room located in the Main Pump Station.
13. Operate chlorine residual analyzer and calibrate as necessary.
14. Check the Main Pump Station Fire Extinguishers for availability and perform visual inspection of the building for fire hazards.
15. Manually open and close water valves as needed.
16. Diagnose problems in instrumentation, pumping, heating and electrical systems.
17. Answer telephones.
18. Record data in computer and manual logbooks.
19. Sit at a desk for long periods of time.
20. Train other operators as needed.
21. Walk up and down staircases as needed.
22. Climb step ladders, be able to move and position, and climb step ladders to a 10' (foot) height.
23. Perform building cleaning duties such as the following:
    • Wipe and clean desktops
    • Dispose of garbage from garbage containers
    • Discard or put away catalogs, magazines and newspapers
    • Vacuum office carpets
    • Sweep and wet mop and rinse building floors
    • Refill paper towel dispensers and toilet paper dispensers
    • Clean sinks and toilets
    • Clean mirrors