Water Treatment Technician

About the role

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, delivers safe, clean, reliable water and wastewater services to communities across eight states. This position is based at our water treatment plant in Kankakee, reporting to the Plant Manager. The Water Treatment Technician operates and maintains pumping and purification equipment, facilities, and grounds within the Aqua Illinois Kankakee/Will County Division. The role involves shift work, including overtime and emergency call-outs, to ensure continuous public water service.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water treatment plant facilities, well facilities, pumping and storage systems, and water distribution systems, including chemical feed equipment, sludge pumps, high/low service pumps, water pumps, and clarifiers.
• Operate valves, electrical switchgear, disconnects, and switches.
• Maintain vehicles and equipment used in water facilities.
• Perform and record inspections, tests, and operational data for systems and facilities.
• Operate, read, interpret, and record instrument data at company facilities.
• Backwash intakes and exercise judgment in changing intakes based on conditions.
• Record measurements, verify drawings, and maintain data for proper record-keeping and reporting.
• Monitor bulk chemical inventories, complete reports, and order chemicals.
• Prepare reports for the company, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Commerce Commission, and other entities.
• Operate laboratory equipment and perform water quality testing (raw, in-process, finished, and distribution water).
• Collect, analyze, and record water samples for regulatory compliance and process control.
• Perform preventative maintenance, emergency repairs, and troubleshoot operational problems on all equipment and facilities.
• Maintain office and grounds around company facilities.
• Perform various operating, maintenance, and custodial duties.
• Safeguard the public water supply and prevent pollution of surface waters.
• Respond to emergency call-outs to maintain continuous water service.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical school advanced study in mechanical and/or instrumentation control preferred.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly spreadsheet development and data manipulation.
• Technical, academic, and physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal operating instructions.
• Mathematical ability to perform calculations for ratios, dosages, and volumetric requirements.
• One-year experience at a water utility company preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills for preparing technical reports.
• Must obtain a Class A Public Water Supply Operator license issued by the IL Environmental Protection Agency within six months of employment or eligibility to take the examination.

Pay

$30.04 per hour.

This is a union position based at the Kankakee Water Plant.