Water Plant Operator I
: Job Details :

Salary: $24.81 HourlyLocation : Decatur, ILJob Type: Full-Time Benefited EmployeeJob Number: 18-00326Department: Public Works - UnionOpening Date: 09/27/2024Closing Date: 10/10/2024 11:59 PM CentralJob SummaryDive into a Rewarding Career as a Water Plant Operator I!Are you ready to play a vital role in providing clean, safe water to over 70,000 residents? The City of Decatur's Water Production Division is seeking a dedicated Water Plant Operator I to join our team at the South Water Treatment Plant. With a state-of-the-art treatment plant, we focus on innovation, efficiency, and compliance with the latest health and safety standards. This is your chance to be a part of this essential service! Why Choose the City of Decatur?

• Earn a competitive starting salary of $24.81 per hour, with a bump to $26.01 after your first six months.
• Join a team that's been delivering clean, affordable water for over a century.
• Play an essential role in operating and maintaining a vast water system that includes multiple treatment facilities, pump stations, and water storage tanks.
• Enjoy comprehensive health benefits, paid vacation, sick leave, and an excellent retirement pension.
• Check out the free check-ups/physicals, chronic condition management, bloodwork, immunizations, and numerous free prescriptions for employees and dependents at a dedicated health center.
• Grow with hands-on learning and career opportunities in a stable environment.
• Benefit from union membership with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), offering job security and collective bargaining benefits.

This position is at the South Water Treatment Plant, and candidates MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK ANY SHIFT, including weekends and holidays. Key Responsibilities

• Adjust water chemical levels and regulate water flow rates.
• Perform titration tests to determine water softness, alkalinity, and acidity.
• Calibrate feeders to ensure proper chemical dosage and maintain water quality.
• Assist in unloading chemicals, changing chlorine tanks, and washing filters.
• Inspect pumping stations and water treatment facilities to ensure smooth operation.
• Mix chemicals for water compounds and monitor grease and oil levels in service pumps.
• Perform routine maintenance on buildings, equipment, and sludge removal systems.
• Operate valves to remove sludge and ensure tanks are clean and functioning properly.
• Clean and paint facilities and equipment as needed.
• Maintain operational records and logs with accuracy.
• Perform other related tasks and duties as assigned.

Needed Knowledge & Skills

• Valid Illinois driver's license
• Understanding of water pumping processes and safety protocols in water treatment operations.
• Basic computer skills for monitoring and data entry.
• Ability to read meters, gauges, and make quick decisions in emergencies.
• Capable of following both detailed and general instructions.
• Proficient in maintaining operating records and performing basic mechanical repairs on equipment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs. and push/pull up to 100 lbs.
• Must possess a grip strength of 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb steps while carrying 45 pounds.
• Comfortable climbing stairs, ladders, and working at heights.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, walk, and stand for extended periods.
• Must pass a color blindness test.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• One year of experience in water treatment or related labor work is preferred.

Certifications:

• Must obtain an IEPA Class C Water Treatment Certificate within three years of hire.
• Must maintainrespirator certification throughout employment.

More DetailsExamination ProcessApplicants must successfully complete all portions of the selection process:

Written Examination. Applicants must obtain a passing score of at least 70.00%.

Oral Interview. Applicants passing the written test must pass an oral interview with a minimum score of 70.00%.

Veteran Points: Applicants passing the written test and oral interview may be eligible to receive 5.00 veteran preference points added to their final examination score.

Seniority Points. Applicable persons passing the written test and oral interview will receive 0.50 seniority preference points for each full year of continuous City of Decatur AFSCME service. A maximum of 10.0 points may be added to the final examination score.

Physical Examination: Applicants placed on the eligible register must pass a physical examination including a drug screen.

ResidencyThe Water Plant Operator I position is covered under the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) collective bargaining agreement. AFSCME employees shall reside within the corporate limits of Macon County or any municipality extending into Macon County. An appointee may reside outside said limits but must comply no later than 90 days after the completion of the six-month probationary period. To Apply: Join our team and help keep Decatur's water flowing! Apply by October 10, 2024, to be part of our mission to provide essential services to our community while staying at the forefront of water treatment technology. Submit your application at the link below withall requested relevant information. Incomplete applications will be rejected. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana. Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical and background check post offer. SICK LEAVE: 1 day per month granted, accumulative to 240 days. VACATION: 10 days after 1 year of service; 15 days after 7 years of service; 20 days after 14 years of service; 25 days after 20 years of service; 1 additional duty day per year after 25 years of service (to a maximum of 30 duty days)HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day Labor Day Martin Luther King's Birthday Veterans Day Presidents' Day Thanksgiving Day Good Friday Day After Thanksgiving Juneteenth Christmas Day Memorial Day Independence Day Two Unscheduled Holidays PENSION: Employees of the City of Decatur contribute to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) at the rate of 4.5% per pay. The City of Decatur also contributes a percentage for the employee each pay. Employee contributions are refundable if employment ends before retirement. OTHER: The City offers a three-tier health insurance plan for employees and their dependents. Employees contribute toward the monthly premium for single coverage and/or family coverage through payroll deduction. The City provides group life insurance in the amount of $20,000 for each employee at no cost to the employee. Dependent coverage is offered. Employees may purchase additional term life on a voluntary basis.Employees may also purchase additional term life insurance sponsored by IMRF. Employees may participate in a voluntary group dental and vision insurance plan. Deferred compensation is also available.To learn more details click to view AFSCME Local 268 collective bargaining agreement.