WATCHMAN

Number of positions: 12 (possible additional vacancies pending budget approval). Applications accepted until 11:59 pm CDT on 10/09/2026. Open to the general public and current city employees covered under the City's collective bargaining agreement with Laborers International Union of North America, Local 1092, Bargaining Unit 53.

About the role

Under supervision, positions are located in the Department of Water Management (DWM) and are responsible for protecting and maintaining the security and safety of various DWM facilities, including water purification plants, pumping stations, and service yards, on a 24‑hour, seven‑days‑a‑week basis, working assigned shifts and weekends, and performing related duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor security cameras from a central location (i.e., Command Center), viewing departmental sites via cameras and responding to alarms system-wide to ensure premises are safe and secure from unauthorized entry, vandalism, and other security risks.
• Receive calls from Watchmen in the field reporting security and safety incidents, and initiate appropriate level of response by calling 911 for Police or Fire emergency response or contacting supervisors or other department managers.
• Patrol the interior and exterior of designated facilities and locations during work and non‑working hours, to protect premises from unauthorized entry, vandalism, fire, and other potential security and safety threats.
• Walk through the interior of facilities, ensuring that only authorized personnel are in the building.
• Walk to the exterior of buildings, checking that doors are secured, fence lines are intact, vehicle gates are secured, that exterior lighting is in working order, and other security checks.
• Man a guard post at the entrance of a facility or service yard, checking for proper identification of personnel seeking entry and monitoring the entry and exit of vehicles, supplies, materials, and personnel.
• Prepare incident reports documenting safety or security violations for review and use by management.
• Check in with the Command Center on an hourly basis as part of work procedures.
• Drive to various locations as part of a roving or mobile patrol, performing security and safety checks around the exterior of facilities, including service yards.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application; willingness and ability to perform the job duties; successful candidates must pass a drug screen, background investigation, and physical test; a valid State of Illinois driver’s license is required; selection is based on random lottery order and candidates must affirmatively respond to a willing and able questionnaire.

Pay

$28.27 per hour.