Water Plant Operator I

ISAWWA; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

ISAWWA in Rockford, IL seeks a Water Plant Operator to operate wells and pumping facilities, ensuring safe drinking water in conformity with Illinois and Federal regulations. You will monitor SCADA, manage chemical dosing, collect samples, log readings, and keep detailed records for regulatory compliance.

The role requires a High School Diploma or GED, familiarity with chemistry and safety practices, and ability to work with MS Office and standard testing equipment.

Qualifications

• Completion of a High School Diploma or GED.
• Two years of experience in water/wastewater utility or related field may be considered.
• Preference for courses in chemistry, biology, electrical, mechanical, or AWWA-approved Water Treatment Plant Operator training.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate pumping stations and SCADA systems to maintain storage levels and pressures.
• Inspect equipment, perform basic repairs, and manage chemical dosing and testing.
• Collect samples, log readings, prepare regulatory paperwork, and ensure compliance with IEPA/IDPH rules.
• Maintain records, perform routine vehicle and equipment maintenance, and ensure site safety.

Skills

Chemistry & biology knowledge

Math & measurements

Safety procedures

SCADA understanding

Reading charts & meters

MS Office Suite

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, performs work of varying degrees of complexity and difficulty in the operation and maintenance of the City’s wells and pumping facilities to ensure the delivery of safe, reliable and plentiful drinking water in compliance with Illinois and Federal Drinking Water Regulations.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

1. Proper utilization of safe work practices related to all work performed, including personal protective equipment (PPE), confined spaces and other related equipment and procedures.
2. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
3. Monitor and oversee the operations of the pumping stations including the equipment required to maintain proper elevated storage and reservoir levels, flow from the individual pumping stations, system pressure and proper use of disinfection chemicals to assure effective chlorination thereby maintaining potable water integrity.
4. The ability to regulate the flow of water from the City of Rockford’s reservoirs into the distribution system via an effective understanding of the operation of the SCADA system.
5. Inspect, monitor, and use all equipment that supplements the delivery of potable water to the distribution system, including but not limited to hand tools, electric motors, portable generators, valve turners, ventilators, air monitors, pneumatic systems, electrical testers, and water testing equipment: pH, phosphate, fluoride, turbidity and other required testing.
6. Operates and maintains the equipment of the water system including pump station turbines, chemical pumps/feed equipment, electrical control panels, lights, motors, float switches, high capacity centrifugal water pumps, fuel pumps, gauges, chemical scales, and all other necessary equipment.
7. Cleans, paints, maintains, and is responsible for all minor repairs on water system equipment, pump stations, and well houses as needed.
8. Observes and adjusts chemical dosage levels, refills chemical as needed and orders necessary chemicals.
9. Performs a variety of testing and/or sample collecting in order to comply with all Federal and State of Illinois EPA regulations and requirements. Prepares and submits paperwork for regulatory compliance.
10. Collects and logs meter readings on equipment, maintains well charts, well performance levels, monthly and daily pumpage reports and enters data and readings into the appropriate reporting systems or work order management systems.
11. Keeps work logs, checks appearance of buildings for cleanliness, heat-control and other conditions.
12. Responsible for the safe operations of City vehicles, forklifts, and other machinery.
13. Performs snow removal and ice control duties as required at Water Division properties and may participate in snow removal operations of the City streets, crosswalks, and parking lots.
14. Responsible for daily job assignments including completing all required work orders, performing general labor, and ensuring that assigned job site has been cleaned and left without safety hazards.
15. Responsible for the daily maintenance of assigned City vehicle, including checking and maintaining fluid levels, checking vehicle safety features, and washing and cleaning interiors and exteriors.
16. Maintains the overall security of the pumping stations/water system and other City-owned property
17. Performs mandatory standby duty; receives and responds to emergency after-hours calls.
18. Follows and adheres to all rules, regulations, principles, practices and methods related to and governing water plant operation.
19. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
20. Ability to troubleshoot, assess problems, and determine course of actions.
21. Assists in training of new Water Plant Operators.
22. Observes and adheres to basic safety practices and requirements, and participates in various jobsite trainings including: chlorine safety, radium safety, work zone safety, forklift certifications, OSHA compliance training, flagger training, and other pertinent training coursework as needed.
23. Makes every reasonable effort to continually improve the manner in which the job is performed and increase the quality of service to the public.
24. Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
25. Performs related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge in chemistry, biology, mathematics, mechanics, electricity, and of current water treatment methods. Knowledge of OSHA safety standards and other occupational safety precautions. Skills in performing mechanical operations, in reading charts, meters, and gauges, in comprehending, defining, and solving problems, and in making basic decisions on use of equipment. Knowledge of MS Office Suite or other word processing, spreadsheet and database software. Knowledge of the rules, regulations, principles, practices and methods related to water plant operation. Knowledge of water quality standards for water plant operation. Knowledge of safety standards and precautions connected with water plant operations. Knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures and practices necessary for testing water in compliance with IEPA and IDPH regulations.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Completion of a High School Diploma or GED. College level courses in chemistry, biology, electrical, mechanical, construction, plumbing, mathematics, and/or American Water Works Association (AWWA) approved Water Treatment Plant Operator courses preferred but not required. Two (2) years experience within the last 5 (five) years of working for or in a water and/or wastewater utility, electrical or power plant, process production, or an equivalent combination of acceptable training, education, and experience may be accepted.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work involves frequent walking, standing, and driving; as well as lifting and carrying of moderate objects (up to 50 pounds) and exposure to hazardous chemicals and high voltage. Applicants must possess adequate respiratory function to utilize an air-purifying respirator while working on chlorine feed systems and/or performing routine chlorine cylinder change(s). Work is conducted both inside and outside and may involve regular exposure to adverse conditions and exposure to the rough and uneven terrain. Work involves climbing to heights of 130 feet or more, entering manholes, and water storage tanks. Ability to detect small, distant objects; detect odors; bend, crawl, lift, and climb around machinery, distinguish colors, and operate power tools. Ability to hear, see and converse about machinery problems. Ability to manually operate large valves. Frequent exposure to chemicals, loud noise levels, dangerous equipment, humidity and odors. Ability to climb ladders and other equipment throughout the plant.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Obtain Class “C” Illinois Water Supply Operator in Training Certificate within 18 months of hire and obtain a Class “C” Illinois Water Supply Operator Certification within 24 months of hire.

**Obtaining or holding a Class "B" Illinois Water Supply Operator in Training Certificate qualifies employees for a labor grade increase from Range 28 to Range 29, as well as priority in shift bidding.**

In accordance to OSHA respirator standard 29 CFR 1910.134, employees required to wear an air-purifying respirator must complete a medical evaluation (OSHA questionnaire and physician or other licensed health care professional visit) and respirator fit test as required per all applicable laws. Employment for this position is contingent upon the employee’s ability to pass the medical evaluation and complete the fit testing as outlined above.

Able to enter a manhole or vault structure.

Able to climb 50 feet or more.

Possession and maintenance of a valid Class B Illinois Commercial Driver's License within six (6) months of hire.

Forklift certification within one (1) year of hire.

Ability to work courteously with the general public.