What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Person position at American Water?
Job Title: Utility Person
Posting Start Date: 3/16/26
Job Description:
Work Information
Join a great company with an exciting Utility Person opportunity in Champaign, Illinois
This position is a union position with Illinois American Water and the starting pay rate is $25.94 per hour.
This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and contracted increases as determined by the collective bargaining agreement, and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth. In addition to compensation, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!
American Water employees also receive learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally.
Primary Role
Performs activities for the safe operation of water treatment plants of the IAW Champaign Division including operating pumping and treatment equipment, handling chemicals, setting chemical feed equipment at the proper dosage rates, performing water quality sampling and analysis, adjusting plant flow rates to meet system demands, operating remote facilities, backwashing of filters, recording hourly readings, maintaining plant cleanliness, performing minor plant maintenance, and performing other duties as assigned by management. Follows all work and safety rules established by the company.
Key Accountabilities
- Operates all pumping and treatment equipment such as high service pumps, chemical feeders, slakers, basin equipment, filters, standby generators, etc.
- Receives and handles all water treatment chemicals and operates all chemical feeders (lime, carbon dioxide, chlorine, fluoride, etc.)
- Performs water quality sample collection and all required chemical analysis.
- Determines and maintains proper rates of flow according to customer demands.
- Operates remote storage and pumping facilities.
- Operates and regulates sludge valves and pumps for controlled sludge removal.
- Operates well pumps and maintains proper basin levels.
- Operates and properly backwashes filters.
- Reads meters and keeps accurate treatment plant records, utilizing programmable logical controllers and personal computers.
- Performs minor plant maintenance.
- Sends and receives instructions by email and telephone. Performs housekeeping duties.
Knowledge/Skills
- Strong work ethic, time management, and organizational and team membership skills.
Experience/Education
- Mechanical background
- Shift work independently
- Chemical handling water or wastewater
- Utility experience
- Laboratory experience
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Illinois Class A preferred or ability to obtain
Travel Requirements
- Some travel Champaign District service area
Other
- Must be available for after-hours and other emergencies.
- Floating shift work required for coverage on evenings and weekends.
Work Environment
- Subject to weather, variable temperatures, exposure to noise, dust, gas, and fumes.
- Will occasionally work at heights and around moving machinery.
Competencies
Champions safety
Customer obsessed
Cultivates innovation
Nimble learning
Drives Results
Collaborates
Salary : $26