Plant Operator (S/L/V)

About the role

This is a regular, full-time position at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Sewer Division of the Public Works Department. The Plant Maintenance Operator is responsible for assigned duties related to the operation and maintenance of the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant and Systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform regular maintenance of all treatment plant facilities, equipment, pumps, motors, hoists, control panels and systems, valves, actuators, water and sewer lines, electrical systems, remote pumping stations, and other plant wastewater treatment and distribution appurtenances.
• Use miscellaneous hand tools to diagnose and make repairs and perform maintenance as needed, including minor electrical repairs.
• Use various power tools such as drills, saws, weed eaters, lawn mowers, buffers, and the like to perform maintenance, repairs, and all phases of janitorial work.
• Work in and around raw water and sludge on a daily basis; enter tanks, manholes, and the like to perform duties as assigned, sometimes requiring hip waders/boots to walk in or through raw or processed water.
• Safely and effectively operate vehicles, equipment, and tools, including lifting, carrying, and operating machinery, tools, pumps, generators, and other items weighing 75 to 150 pounds or more.
• Conduct pre-operation visual and manual checks of vehicles, tools, and equipment before use; remedy and promptly report problems and/or issues to supervisor.
• Visually read and record information in writing on maintenance records.
• Perform preventative maintenance on valves, drives, motors, pumps, handrails, equipment, and the like.
• Manually operate gate, plug, butterfly, sluice gates, and other standard valves using hand wheels, bars, chains, or wrenches.
• Exercise independent judgment to regulate treatment and chemical feed depending on changing conditions.
• Observe the appearance of the raw water entering the plant for color, odor, and temperature; perform bench tests of the water from various treatment points, including turbidity, pH, chlorine, and other parameters.
• Manually enter findings and notes in a Logbook.
• Operate variable frequency drives (VFD’s) both automatically and manually.
• Monitor and respond to the Inter-Plant Safety Call System and the Water & Sewer Hotline.
• Visually observe indicator lights (red, green, yellow, etc.) and listen for sound/buzzer alarms to be notified when problems arise with the monitored equipment and the treatment process.
• Properly acknowledge indicator lights, alarms, and the like, and perform an immediate inspection of the troubled area.
• Pick up liquid samples from various areas of the plant for the purpose of testing in either the plant laboratory or the Central Laboratory, which requires walking around open tanks on grating walkways and entering confined spaces.
• Perform laboratory tests as required, using various laboratory instruments and chemicals, and record the results in writing and/or in a computer.
• Handle bulk and other chemicals, etc. in containers and bags weighing fifty (50) pounds or more.
• Operate two-way base, mobile and portable radios.
• Legibly document and fill out logbooks and maintenance records as required and directed by your supervisor.
• Employ strong, effective interpersonal skills when interacting with co-workers and the public.
• Work effectively both independently and as a team member.
• Use tact and good judgment.
• Comprehend and follow oral and/or written instructions.
• Be knowledgeable of and practice good safety procedures at all times, use proper PPE and good judgement.

Requirements

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, an applicable associate's or technical degree is preferred;
• Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid CDL Class B Illinois driver’s license with airbrake and tank endorsements within sixty (90) days of employment.
• Must pass pre-employment and ongoing random drug screening tests;
• Must pass a pre-employment background check;
• Must pass a pre-employment job duty physical evaluation.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and Outlook) and computer aptitude is required.
• Maintenance and electrical experience applicable to the job duties enumerated herein, and a good mechanical aptitude are desired.
• Must obtain and maintain a Class “C” water license from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) within four (4) years of employment; obtaining and maintaining this license is a condition of employment.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, an applicable associate's or technical degree is preferred;
• Must have a valid CDL Class B Illinois driver’s license with airbrake and tank endorsements within sixty (90) days of employment;
• Must pass pre-employment and ongoing random drug screening tests;
• Must pass a pre-employment background check;
• Must pass a pre-employment job duty physical evaluation;
• Must have experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and Outlook) and computer aptitude;
• Must have maintenance and electrical experience applicable to the job duties enumerated herein, and a good mechanical aptitude;
• Must obtain and maintain a Class “C” water license from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) within four (4) years of employment.

Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and Outlook)
• Computer aptitude
• Maintenance and electrical experience applicable to the job duties enumerated herein
• Adequate mechanical aptitude

Benefits

• Health care
• Dental
• Vision
• Retirement
• Deferred compensation plans
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Supplemental insurance
• Holidays
• Vacation
• Sick leave

Pay

$21.59/hour (after 6 months of satisfactory probationary employment, the employee may be moved to the Plumber’s Union first six-month apprentice wage, which is currently $23.35/hour; this position has a 4-year (2-year opportunity to advance) apprenticeship period with a graduated salary scale with annual raises to the Journeyman rate, which is currently $31.13/hour.)

Schedule

Normal work hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Friday, 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (Saturday); however, work hours will vary to cover employees on sick leave or vacation, or should it become necessary to cover other shifts due to employee absence. Depending on seasonal demand and water production rates, the Friday shift will be adjusted to 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the discretion of the Water Operations Superintendent. Overtime work is mandatory for this position and will include tasks such as special projects, training, after-hours emergencies, holidays, and other work as necessary for Wastewater Plant Operations and to meet the Department of Public Works' mission.

Residency Boundary Requirement

Residency within the City’s “20-mile boundary” is required within six months of employment.