Water Worker I - Distribution and Sewer

City-of-Evansto; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 49,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Evanston is hiring a Water Worker I for Distribution and Sewer. This entry-level role performs maintenance on municipal water and sewer systems, assists in leak detection, and participates in repairs with on-the-job training.

Safety gear is provided as part of daily operations, and overtime may be required during holidays, evenings, and weekends. Ideal candidates hold a high school diploma or GED, have basic tool experience, and are prepared to obtain NIMS certifications within 18

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year experience with water or sewer utilities or other public utilities.
• Must obtain NIMS ISIS 100, 200, 700, & 800 within 18 months of hire.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• Commercial driver’s license permit required at hire; CDL obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Experience with safety practices for water/sewer work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists in repair of water mains, service lines, valves and hydrants using hand and power tools.
• Assists in installation, repair and maintenance of sewer conveyance systems using hand and power tools.
• Repairs and restores streets, sidewalks, alleys and parkways.
• Breaks asphalt and other pavement with hydraulic breaker, air hammer, pick and shovel.
• Performs excavation work including back-fill and temporary patching.
• Operates backhoe and other heavy equipment in learning capacity; uses power and hand tools.

Skills

Water utilities

NIMS certifications

CDL/permits

Safety awareness

Truck operation

Reading and writing

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Water Worker I - Distribution and Sewer (AFSCME) JobID: 1438

• Position Type:
  Public Works/ Water Worker I- Distribution & Sewer
• Date Posted:
  10/7/2026
• Location:
  Water Plant
• Closing Date:
  10/23/2026

Salary range: $35.799 - $48.85

*Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

NATURE OF WORK

This is entry-level manual labor involving on-the-job training to perform maintenance and repair on the municipal water distribution and sewer conveyance systems. Work involves participating in the detection of water/sewer line leaks, maintenance and repair of the water/sewer system and maintenance on other water/sewer system facilities. Employees may be assigned tasks of a similar or higher-level classification to gain experience and training in preparation for advancement. Safety equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, reflective vests, gloves and steel-toed shoes and other protective equipment are worn.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

• Assists in the repair of water mains, water service lines, valves and fire hydrants using hand and power tools.
• Assists in the installation, repair and maintenance of the municipal sewer conveyance system including pipelines, manholes and catch basins using hand and power tools.
• Repairs and restores streets, sidewalks, alleys and parkways.
• Breaks asphalt and other pavement, using hydraulic pavement breaker, air hammer, pick and shovel.
• Performs work as needed in the excavation of streets, alleys, curbs and sidewalks, including back-fill and temporary patching.
• In a learning capacity, operates and maintains backhoe and heavy equipment, power tools and hand tools.
• Drives various trucks to transport crew, materials, equipment, and spoils. Loads and unloads trucks as appropriate to work assignment.
• Services, adjusts and makes minor repairs to equipment, such as pumps, compressors and small gasoline engines and attachments.
• Compacts excavation trenches using air, gasoline and hydraulic powered compactors.
• Plows snow and spreads salt on City streets, parking lots and sidewalks.
• Measures distances of excavation sites using tape measure and marks outline of areas to be trenched according to direction of supervisor.
• Assists in providing information to update distribution and sewer atlas maps.
• Performs utility locations.
• Works in conjunction with a pipeline/catch basin cleaning company or any City contractor, which is contracted by the City; acts as an inspector/recorder and assists the contractor in performing the needed cleaning.
• Communicates with supervisor and other workers using radio and telephone.
• Provides information showing actions taken, manpower and equipment utilization and disposition of materials.
• Posts and removes temporary street signs and notifies residents of water service disruptions.
• Assists other divisions as directed.
• Cleans and maintains City property and facilities.
• Erects, repairs and maintains fences and other small structures.
• Will be required to work occasional overtime (holidays, evenings and weekends).
• Responsible for snow plowing and removal of snow and ice from streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and other city locations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

Possession of high school diploma or GED and some experience handling tools or equipment; or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the following

• One (1) year experience with a water or sewer utility or other public utilities and/or heavy construction.
• Must obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) ISIS 100, 200, 700, & 800 Certification within 18 months of hire.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record
• Possession of a commercial driver's license permit required at time of hire; and a valid commercial driver's license obtained within 6 months of the date of hire.
• Prior experience requiring knowledge of standard practices, methods, tools, materials and equipment used in water/sewer line repairs perferred.
• Prior experience requiring knowledge of safety standards and precautions connected with water/sewer line activities & the ability to use and maintain tools and equipment associated with water/sewer lines preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS

• Ability to visually and audibly detect water/sewer line problems and respond appropriately.
• Ability to operate City trucks.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• Ability to read and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the public.
• Ability to follow instructions and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to utilize the computerized maintenance management system to complete work orders using a tablet or similar technology.

SUPERVISION:

Work is performed under the general supervision of a crew leader with reporting responsibility to a supervisor. Work assignments are given daily and weekly, either verbally or in writing, with the employee responsible for completing the work according to City work rules and safety regulations. Work is reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communications, meetings, and feedback from the supervisor and from other department employees. Guidance is provided through rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Unified Work Rules, Union Contract, Personnel Rules and IDOL. Additional guidance is provided through the Illinois EPA.Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled operation of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with classification standard.

PUBLIC CONTACT:

The employee has regular contact with other City employees, Commonwealth Edison, Nicor and other utilities to locate mains, and the general public to notify of problems.

SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities.Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact the Human Resources Office at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-448-8052 (TTY).