Water Operator

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Career Opportunities with City of Des Plaines

Careers At City of Des Plaines

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Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance and repair of water plant and distribution facilities and systems and a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work in the construction, operation, repair, and maintenance of City owned facilities, grounds, infrastructure, and equipment with a positive team orientated attitude toward success.

Works under supervision of a Crew Leader. May assist to coordinate, instruct, or supervise the work of new employees or other personnel as assigned.

• Monitors the performance of all equipment, gauges and charts in the water plant and related facilities; records statistical data concerning plant operations; maintains, operates, repairs and replaces equipment as necessary; charts lab test results for trend analysis and maintains accurate records of analyses and test results.
• Operates, maintains and repairs malfunctions at the water plant, water storage and pumping facilities and pressure monitoring points; repairs gauges, pumps, filters and other controls and equipment.
• Collects samples and identifies concentrations of chemical, physical or biological characteristics of water required in accordance with local, state and Federal clean water requirements; gathers and tests water samples for plant efficiency reports as required. Monitors water quality and turbidity, and checks chlorine and BAC-T levels.
• Performs quality control tests on lab equipment and lab analyses; evaluates procedures and results for accuracy and determines appropriate methods.
• Assists with training other personnel in acceptable lab methods and procedures to assure accuracy of test results.
• Assists with calibration, modification or repairs to instrumentation and control equipment including recorders, flowmeter and other water monitoring equipment.
• Monitors performance of electrical systems, circuits or equipment of the water plant and storage facilities.
• Responds to residential complaints and other requests for service during business and non-business hours.
• Performs the installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire hydrants, valves, and related equipment.
• Performs utility locations of all City utilities as part of Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators.
• Performs the turning on and off of water service as directed based upon leaks, emergencies or nonpayment of bills; the final readings of meters; and the delivery of pre-shutoff notices to homeowners.
• Responds to residential complaints and other requests for service in response to excessive water usage, discoloration, or low pressure.
• Responds to residential complaints and other requests for service.
• Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safely and security standards.
• Performs general carpentry and other construction-related activities in the repair and maintenance of City facilities. Repairs building systems including mechanical, electrical, fire/life safety, and custodial as needed.
• Responds to emergency events such as water main breaks, flooding, and snow removal.
• Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
• Assists with the oversight of contractors for various projects and repairs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

High school diploma or GED Equivalent. One to two years of experience in the repair & maintenance of facilities or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted provided the candidate has demonstrated the ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• This position requires employees to respond to emergency and non-emergency situations outside normal business hours.
• Expected hours of work upon successful orientation and training for the position shift will be as follows:
  • Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
  • Sunday, Monday: 11:00 pm – 7:00 am

however, may require the ability to work shifts outside normal working hours as needed.

• Some knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in maintenance, construction and repair activities.
• The skill to operate the listed tools and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time; ability to work safely; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in building system maintenance, construction and repair including carpentry, plumbing, HVAC systems and electrical maintenance of facilities.
• Some knowledge of…