Position Type:
Public Works/Waste Water Treatment Operator

Date Posted:
4/14/2025

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

The City of Charleston Public Works Department is seeking candidates to fill a Waste 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 City offers a comprehensive benefits package, including an IMRF defined pension plan. This posting will remain open until the position is filled.

The position is 1st shift with hours 7am - 3:30pm Monday - Friday.

The successful candidate must complete a post offer physical, drug/alcohol test and background screening.
Within 1 year of hire, candidate must write for the Class 4 Waste Water Exam and within 18 months of hire obtain at least the Class 4 Waste Water Treatment Certificate.

Duties:

• Operates the waste water treatment plant including related subsystems and instrumentation according to set procedures and/or directions from a supervisor
• Monitors the performance of all equipment, gauges and charts in the treatment plant and pump stations
• Records statistical data concerning plant operations
• Maintains, operates, repairs and replaces equipment as necessary
• Operates, maintains, and repairs malfunctions at the wastewater treatment plant; repairs gauges, pumps, filters and other controls and equipment
• Maintains, modifies or repairs instrumentation and control equipment including recorders, flowmeter and other water quality monitoring equipment
• Operates and maintains sewage pump stations
• Cleans wet wells and operates pumps and valves to control and adjust flow and treatment process
• Maintains accurate records of analyses and test results
• Evaluates data and writes reports as required
• Collects samples and identifies concentrations of chemical, physical or biological characteristics of wastewater required in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements
• Gathers and tests wastewater samples for plant efficiency reports as required in accordance with Local, State, and Federal requirements
• Performs quality control tests on lab equipment and lab analyses
• Evaluates procedures and results for accuracy and determines appropriate methods
• Assures that the plant operates within required standards, practices, and regulations
• Communicates all pertinent information to supervision and coworkers as required to ensure the proper performance of the facility and associated appurtenances
• May train other operators in acceptable operations and lab methods and procedures as needed
• Maintains drawings and schematics of electrical and other systems in the treatment plant
• Monitors performance of electrical systems, circuits or equipment of the treatment plant
• 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 biology, environmental science, chemistry or closely related field
• 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.