Water-Wastewater Operator I

Nexus Water Group; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Water-Wastewater Operator I to join their team in Rockford, IL. This role involves operating and maintaining essential water treatment equipment while ensuring compliance with environmental standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical background, a commitment to safety, and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks. With a focus on professional development and comprehensive benefits, this position offers a unique opportunity to grow within a vital sector that serves millions. If you’re ready to make a difference in your community, this could be the perfect fit for you.

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Comprehensive Health Benefits

401(k) Program

Professional Development Opportunities

Employee Resource Groups

Qualifications

• 2+ years of mechanical work experience required.
• High school diploma and ability to attain operator license within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water/wastewater treatment equipment.
• Prepare reports and maintain logs on meter readings and tests.
• Clean and maintain treatment plant and pumping stations.

Skills

Mechanical Work Experience

Chemical Treatment Knowledge

Recordkeeping Skills

Safety Protocol Adherence

Physical Demands Handling

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma

First-Level Operator License

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Tablet and Mobile Device Applications

Job description

Who We Are

Nexus Water Group is a leading regulated water and wastewater utility serving more than 1.3 million people across 20 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces.

"Nexus" means connection. Through the essential water and wastewater services we deliver, we have a very personal connection to the people, businesses, and communities we serve. This is why our operations are locally led and managed. Every day, over 1,300 professionals deliver vital, safe, and reliable service through over 670 water systems and 360 wastewater systems.

What We Offer

• Paid Time Off and Holidays: Starting at 3 weeks annually and paid company holidays
• Comprehensive Benefits: The first day of the month after your start, you'll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well. Other great benefits include company provided life insurance and Employee Assistance Program just to name a few.
• 401(k) Program: Employer contribution. Employer contribution made to the 401(k) plan are vested at 100% and start 30 days after your start.
• Grow with us: Professionally development opportunities through training, professional certifications, and education allowance
• Employee Resource Groups (ERG): ERGs are voluntary employee groups that form based on shared characteristics or backgrounds and are sponsored by the organization.

Overview

The Nexus Water Group team has an opportunity for a Water-Wastewater Operator I. This role is under direct supervision, performs routine tasks related to the operation of water and/or wastewater treatment facilities. Assists with maintaining plant compliance with EPA standards and state water Commission. Performs general cleaning of grounds and buildings. Ensures plant safety and sanitary requirements.

Work Location and Schedule

This position will travel between service areas near Rockford, IL. Schedule is Monday through Friday. After-hour and weekend on-call support may be required. Must be available to work shift work; weekend scheduling may be required.

What you'll do

• Operate and maintain water and/or wastewater treatment equipment, ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental protection limits. and adherence to Company policies and standards.
• Conduct ongoing repairs to equipment or shut down equipment for more extensive maintenance and repair, activating alternate equipment as needed. Requests services of outside maintenance vendor for major repairs and overhauls.
• Assist Lead Operator with emergency procedures in the event of overflow or spill of chemicals or unpurified water. Follows safety protocol.
• Prepare reports and maintain logs on meter readings, tests, chemical and equipment usage, and all other recordkeeping requirements; maintains various Company records and other reports as required by the state.
• Clean and maintain treatment plant, pumping stations and wells; prepare and paint equipment, walls, and floors.
• Maintain a safe working environment and report safety concerns to Area Manager.
• Complete facility and vehicle inspections, along with related follow-up.
• Forward customer inquiries on to Operator II or Lead Operator.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What you'll bring

Experience

• Requires at least 2 years of mechanical work experience

Education and Certification

• High school Diploma and the ability to attain First-Level operator license per state regulation within 1 year of employment; may be in the process of obtaining second-level license; must maintain a valid driver's license.

Nice to Have

• Currently holds first-level operator license per state regulation preferred.
• 1 year specializing in chemical treatment of water and/or wastewater and/or a minimum of 1 year in water and/or wastewater utility field with experience in the operation and maintenance of ground-water supplied water systems and associated distribution system preferred.

Physical and Technical Skills

• Ability to frequently perform moderate to heavy physical demands, including lifting (75 lbs.), walking (10+ miles daily), climbing and mechanical repair.
• Ability to read meters, charts and gauges and accurately maintain records of plant operations.
• Ability to read and comprehend written technical information and to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize and/or analyze data.
• Ability to perform mathematical equations to determine chemical doses required for flow rates and proper treatment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers and regulatory agencies.
• Familiarity with computer applications MS Word, Excel and utilizing tablet and mobile device; ability to learn internal software programs Ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Work Environment

• Company vehicle provided.
• Extreme physical demands, including lifting (75 lbs.), walking (10+ miles daily), climbing and mechanical repair. You will be expected to work in all weather conditions: rain, snow, extreme heat and cold, etc; you may encounter various potential hazards in the field

About Our Company

We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state, or local law.

We are an E-Verify participating employer.