This is a regular, full-time position at the City’s Water Treatment Plant in the Water Division of the Public Works Department. The Shift Operator is responsible for assigned duties related to the operation and maintenance of the City's Water Treatment Plant and Systems. Duties are usually routine but can vary from day to day. This position requires the ability to respond quickly to emergency and changing situations and environments, to think critically, and to problem-solve. The Shift Operator reports to and is evaluated by the Water Treatment Plant Superintendent or his designee.

1. Perform Water Plant Operator duties, including observing the appearance of the raw water entering the plant for color and odor; performing bench tests of the water from various treatment points, including turbidity, pH, chlorine, and other parameters; exercising independent judgment to regulate treatment and chemical feed depending on changing conditions; preventive maintenance checks/rounds of the complete plant complex every two (2) hours regardless of weather conditions. These checks/rounds include walking to floors of different levels, opening and closing heavy doors and gates, going up and down stairways, entering confined spaces, climbing up and down entrance ladders, reading and recording numbers from various meters and gauges and using standard mathematical calculations in this process, and checking operating machinery and equipment for unusual noises. Manually enter findings and notes in a Log Book. Use a personal computer to operate, monitor, and record plant systems, flow rates, operational information, and the like.
2. Proficiently use plant computerized and SCADA (Supervised Control and Data Acquisition) systems; comprehend, understand, and adjust treatment processes based on information and feedback from the SCADA system and personal observations of treatment plant conditions. Operate variable frequency drives (VFDs) both automatically and manually.
3. Monitor and respond to the Inter-Plant Safety Call System and the Water & Sewer Hotline.
a. The Inter-Plant Safety Call System includes making and receiving telephone calls at designated times between the two (2) Wastewater Treatment Plants or Police Dispatch Center and the Water Treatment Plant to help ensure the safety of the on-duty operators.
b. The W&S Hotline is a 24-hour emergency phone number for use by the public for reporting W&S emergencies and loss of service. Record the customer’s information and call the W&S Foreman on duty or Water Operations Manager to respond to the call and/or report to the site.
c. 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 immediately inspect the troubled areas.
4. Pick up liquid samples from various areas of the plant for testing in the Central Laboratory, which may require walking around open tanks on grating walkways and entering confined spaces. Perform laboratory tests as required, using various laboratory instruments and chemicals and recording the results in writing and/or computer. Using a self-contained air-breathing unit may also be necessary when handling chlorine and/or entering a confined space.
5. Manually handle bulk and other chemicals, etc., in containers and bags weighing fifty (50) pounds or more.
6. Be knowledgeable of and practice good safety procedures, use proper PPE, and use good judgment.
7. Comprehend and follow oral and/or written instructions. Verbally operate two-way base, mobile, and portable radios. Legibly document and fill out log books and maintenance records as required and directed by your supervisor.
8. Use tact and good judgment and use strong and effective interpersonal skills to interact with co-workers and the public. Work effectively both independently and as a team member.
9. Possess relevant computer skills and be experienced in using and operating Microsoft Office Software Suite.
10. Arrive at work on time every day and be prepared to begin work at the start of your shift. Respond to overtime calls and be regularly available for overtime and emergency work as needed and required. Overtime work is a necessary and expected part of this position.
Other Duties: Perform all other tasks as and duties as assigned to carry out the mission of the Water & Sewer Department.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications: Must have a high school diploma or equivalent; an applicable associate or technical degree is preferred; must possess or obtain and maintain a valid CDL Class B Illinois driver’s license with air-brake and tank endorsements within sixty (60) days of employment. Must pass pre-employment and ongoing random drug screening tests, a pre-employment background check, and a pre-employment job duty evaluation

Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and Outlook) and computer aptitude is required. Maintenance experience applicable to the job duties enumerated herein and an excellent mechanical aptitude are desired.
The employee 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.

The position is open until filled; the initial application deadline is 4:00 PM on Friday, March 15, 2024.