Water Plant Operator: Hands-on Lab & Field Ops

City of Des Plaines; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Healthcare

Paid vacation and holidays

Life Insurance

IMRFPlus retirement benefits

Roth IRA and deferred compensation

Job summary

The City of Des Plaines is seeking a skilled Maintenance Technician to operate and repair water plant and distribution facilities, and to support city facilities, grounds, and equipment. The role emphasizes teamwork and safety to keep critical systems performing reliably.

Responsibilities include monitoring equipment, collecting samples, performing tests, and supervising crew members. CDL and water-operator licenses are required or pursued as part of the job.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years’ experience in repair & maintenance of facilities or equivalent.
• CDL with Airbrake/Tanker endorsements within 120 days.
• Water operator license (Class C) within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and repair water plant equipment and facilities.
• Perform routine and emergency maintenance of city buildings and grounds.
• Respond to water service issues, leaks, and disturbances.
• Operate and calibrate instruments, collect samples, and test water quality.
• Train and supervise subordinate personnel as needed.

Skills

Heavy manual tasks

Verbal and written communication

Teamwork and coordination

Water plant operations

Troubleshooting electrical/mechanical

Computer skills (Word, Excel, GIS)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Word

Excel

PubWorks

GIS

Job description

The City of Des Plaines is seeking a skilled Maintenance Technician to operate and repair water plant and distribution facilities, and to support city facilities, grounds, and equipment. The role emphasizes teamwork and safety to keep critical systems performing reliably.

Responsibilities include monitoring equipment, collecting samples, performing tests, and supervising crew members. CDL and water-operator licenses are required or pursued as part of the job.