Water Plant Operator - Union - Water Utility

Essential Utilities, Inc.

113d • $35

About The Position

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we’re delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you’re looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team! This role is under the direction of the Plant Manager and is responsible for the operation and preventative maintenance of pumping and purification equipment, instruments, buildings and grounds, and facilities as are or may be in use at the Vermilion County Division for the treatment and pumping of water.

Requirements

• Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent.
• Have the technical ability to perform the duties of this classification.
• Be able to readily read, understand and accurately follow operating instructions both written and verbal.
• Mathematical ability to perform calculations to determine various ratios, dosages, and volumetric calculations that are required for the operation of the Treatment Facility.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate in writing and accurately prepare technical reports.
• Have demonstrated reliable performance in previous jobs and/or school.
• Must be conscientious in respect for the responsibility to safeguard the public water supply and prevent pollution of area surface waters.
• Must be computer literate in database, spreadsheet and word processing capabilities and possess the ability to operate plant processes through computer controlled equipment.
• Ability to understand technical drawings, schematics and manuals of water facilities and equipment is also required.

Nice To Haves

• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Class 'A' Water Operators Certification within five (5) years of the date of appointment.
• Pass the IDPH certification for bacteria testing at the closest available laboratory certification examination within six (6) months from date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Performs a wide variety of operating, maintenance and custodial duties.
• Operation and control of all chemical feed equipment, sludge pumps, high and low service pumps, wash water pumps and clarifiers.
• Operates valves, electrical switchgear, electrical disconnects and switches.
• Control and wash filters by operation of appurtenant equipment.
• Backwash intakes and exercise individual judgment in changing intakes when conditions indicate the desirability of a change.
• Perform routine lab and bacteriological tests as directed.
• Operate, read, interpret and record as directed all instruments at the plant.
• Maintain records and charts.
• Report operational difficulties and irregularities and equipment malfunctions or damage to succeeding shift operator and/or supervisor.
• During freezing weather, make regular inspections at all points in the plant subject to freeze damage.
• Maintenance and housekeeping duties as assigned.
• Assists and trains under Production Manager and other operators as directed.
• Instruct and assign work to employees assigned to assist and/or train.
• Perform other duties in connection with the above.
• Enter shift tasks for that day into Maintenance Connection.
• Make call outs for union personnel after hours, on weekends and holidays.

Benefits

• Competitive and comprehensive benefits package.
• Annual contract increases.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED