Position Type:
Public Works/Water Treatment Operator

Date Posted:
3/18/2025

Location:
Water Treatment PlantCITY OF CHARLESTON
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS - WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR

The City of Charleston Public Works Department is seeking candidates to fill a Water Treatment Operator position. This position is full-time with a starting wage of $19.79 per hour and an increase to $20.96 per hour after 6 months. Wages incrementally increase as defined by union contract. The position is 3rd shift with hours 11pm - 7am Sunday - Thursday. Class C water operator license is required within 3 years of hire.

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, including an IMRF defined pension plan. This posting will remain open until the position is filled. The successful candidate must reside within 20 miles of Charleston, IL City Hall after hire and complete a post offer physical, drug/alcohol test and background screening.

Duties:

• Operates the water treatment plant including related subsystems and instrumentation according to set procedures and/or directions from a supervisor.
• Monitors the treatment process from the control board /computer screen; monitors various treatment processes including coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection; monitors the addition of chemicals added for corrosion control and dental caries prevention.
• Monitors water quality by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process; tests may include but are not limited to chlorine residual, fluoride residual, pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, odors, and other tests as necessary to maintain water quality; calibrates laboratory equipment; maintains laboratory records.
• Determines chemical dosage based on preset directives and makes adjustments to plant processes as necessary.
• Reads gauges and meters; interprets data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper distribution operation, security, and alarm status; makes flow adjustments.
• Operates pumps, valves, and equipment manually or utilizing a SCADA system; monitors systems for alarms, make adjustments, and provides appropriate response; notifies water supervisors or other personnel as necessary to respond to problems.
• Operates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves; operates hand and power tools; operates a light truck.
• Monitors chemical feed equipment; reports problems and may perform maintenance on chemical piping system under direction of a supervisor; participates in calibration of chemical feed equipment.
• Maintains operational logs and records.
• Makes visual inspections; monitors facilities and grounds to insure adequate security.
• Performs preventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment as assigned.
• Operates the City's water distribution system including reservoirs/towers; ensures adequate availability and pressure to all service connection.
• Performs appropriate procedures and responds to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Desired Minimum Qualifications:

• Proven reliable and dependable
• Must be 18 years of age
• Possess a valid Illinois driver's license
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Pass an extensive background investigation and drug screen
• Knowledge in methods of basic maintenance and repair principles and practices including preventative maintenance
• Knowledge of basic principles of math and chemistry
• Ability to read and interpret gauges, recording devices and related monitoring systems
• Troubleshooting skills, eager to learn
• Possess safety awareness

Benefits:

• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance
• Delta Dental
• VSP Vision
• Securian Life Insurance ($50,000 benefit)
• OneAmerica deferred compensation plan
• Vacation and Sick accruals
• Annual Personal Leave
• Uniform program

Apply online at www.charlestonillinois.org. For free internet access, please visit Charleston Carnegie Library. EEO/AA.