Water Treatment Plant Operator 1 (Assistant)

Company Overview

The Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency operates a municipal drinking water treatment facility dedicated to providing safe and reliable water to the community. Committed to environmental stewardship and operational excellence, the agency offers a dynamic environment for dedicated professionals passionate about water quality and public health.

Position Summary

This hands-on position supports plant operations, laboratory testing, and equipment maintenance. You will work under the supervision of the Operations Manager and Chief Operator, with guidance from Senior Operators, to develop the skills needed to operate the plant safely and reliably.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor treatment processes to meet water quality and production goals
• Adjust plant flows and equipment settings to meet changing customer demand
• Verify chemical dosing and ensure treatment systems remain within required parameters
• Collect and analyze laboratory samples and perform routine testing
• Assist with maintenance work orders, calibration, troubleshooting, and minor repairs
• Maintain plant security and clean assigned areas
• Maintain accurate computer-based logs, operating data, and reports
• Support the operations team by communicating issues and responding to process questions

QualificationsMinimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license
• Comfort working a night shift (6:00 pm – 6:00 am)
• Ability to periodically switch to day shifts to accommodate training and operational needs
• Ability to perform moderate physical work including lifting, turning heavy valves, and climbing
• Basic math skills (simple algebra) and ability to learn water treatment chemistry
• Comfortable using computers for data entry and learning new software systems

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree, technical certificate, or related coursework
• Experience in process operations, mechanical maintenance, industrial work, utilities, or manufacturing
• Relevant military experience as Army Water Treatment Specialist, Navy Utilitiesman, Air Force Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance, and Coast Guard Machinery Technician
• We value accuracy, thoroughness, and the ability to make sound decisions independently.

Certification Path & Training

New hires receive on-the-job training and CLCJAWA support to obtain and maintain IEPA Water Plant Operator certification, starting as an Operator-in-Training and advancing to a Class A Operator License upon meeting IEPA certification and experience requirements. This position provides a clear path towards higher operator classification, increased responsibility and long-term career growth.

Working Conditions and Safety

• Begin on day shift for training, then transition to the primary night-shift assignment. Be available for day-shift coverage and other schedule adjustments as operational needs require.
• Ability to work overtime when needed.
• Perform moderate physical work, including lifting and carrying heavy objects, turning heavy valves, walking, standing, bending, crouching, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and climbing.
• Work primarily indoors, with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and moving machinery, and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• A valid driver’s license appropriate for the vehicles operated is required. This position requires driving Agency vehicles to inspect, operate, and maintain water system facilities, transport tools and equipment, and respond to operational emergencies. Driving is an essential function of the position and is necessary to perform these duties. Must possess a valid driver's license at all times.
• Understand and follow safety precautions, including confined space entry, lockout/tagout, and chemical handling safety and wear required protective equipment.

Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality water services while advancing your career in a rewarding environment!

Notice of Artificial Intelligence in Employment-Related Decisions

Effective January 1, 2026, the Illinois Human Rights Act requires notice of artificial intelligence (“AI”) use for covered employment purposes and prohibits AI use that results in unlawful discrimination. This notice describes CLCJAWA’s use of AI to assist with recruitment and hiring.

The following information explains the AI system, its purpose, the information analyzed, and the role of human review.

1. Overview of AI Use

Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency (CLCJAWA) may use ChatGPT to extract and organize information from résumés and applications and to assist staff in comparing an applicant’s stated qualifications with the requirements of a position. Authorized Agency personnel review the information and make all recruitment and hiring decisions.

AI is defined under Illinois law as a machine‑based system that infers how to generate outputs (predictions, recommendations, or decisions), including generative AI systems.

2. AI Systems Used

We currently use the following AI system(s):

Product: ChatGPT
Vendor and developer: OpenAI

Purpose and Function:

· Extract and summarize job-related information from résumés and applications.

· Organize education, employment history, skills, licenses, certifications, and other stated qualifications in a consistent format for staff review.

· Assist staff in comparing applicant qualifications with the job description and identifying items that need clarification or verification.

Data Collected or Analyzed:

Written résumés, applications, and related applicant-provided materials, including education, work experience, skills, licenses, and certifications. The applicable job description and job-related selection criteria may also be provided to the system.

The use described in this notice is limited to written materials; it does not include AI analysis of video interviews, facial expressions, voice recordings, or biometric data.

3. Covered Employment Decisions Affected

This notice covers AI assistance with the following employment activities for positions recruited by CLCJAWA:

· Recruitment

· Hiring

4. How the AI System Affects Decision‑Making

For recruitment and hiring, AI tools may:

· Extract, summarize, and organize applicant-provided information.

· Compare stated qualifications with relevant job requirements.

· Identify apparent gaps or ambiguities for staff to review with the applicant or verify against source materials.

· Generate comparison tables or written summaries for human review.

AI outputs may contain errors or omit relevant information. Agency personnel review the outputs against the original materials before relying on them. AI does not independently select or reject applicants. All final recruitment and hiring decisions are made by authorized CLCJAWA personnel.

5. Non‑Discrimination Statement

CLCJAWA is committed to equal employment opportunity. Illinois law prohibits AI use that results in discrimination based on protected characteristics and prohibits using zip codes as a proxy for protected classes. Applicant information will be evaluated using lawful, job-related criteria.

CLCJAWA will review AI-assisted comparisons for accuracy, relevance to the position, and potential discriminatory effects.

6. Employee and Applicant Rights

· You may request additional information about how AI is used in your evaluation or in a particular decision-making process.

· You may request a reasonable accommodation or ask whether an alternative review process is available. Requests will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

· You have the right to be free from discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Illinois Human Rights Act and any other applicable law.

To request additional information or an accommodation, contact the Executive Director using the information below.

7. Timing and Distribution of This Notice

CLCJAWA will provide this notice to applicants in job postings or application materials before using AI to assist with their evaluation. The notice will be updated when the described AI system or its use materially changes and distributed as required by applicable law.

8. Contact Information

If you have questions about this notice, our use of AI in recruitment and hiring, or a request for reasonable accommodation, please contact:

Executive Director
Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency

Mailing address: 200 Rockland Road, Lake Bluff, IL 60044

Telephone: 847-295-7788

Pay: $34.12 - $43.52 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Drivers License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Lake Bluff, IL 60044 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $34 - $44