Position Type:
Public Works/Water Treatment Operator
Date Posted:
7/20/2026
Location:
Water Treatment Plant
Public Works Department
Water Treatment Plant Operator
The City of Charleston Public Works Department is seeking candidates to fill a Water Treatment Operator position. This position is full-time with a starting wage of $21.81 - $23.10 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 Water Treatment Plant is a 24/7 operation. The new Operator needs to have availability to work shift work of 7am to 3pm Sunday through Thursday.
The successful candidate must complete a post offer physical, drug/alcohol test and background screening.
Within 3 year of hire, candidate must obtain Class C water operator license. Preference given to candidates with education and application of biology or chemistry.
Duties:
- Operates the water treatment plant including related subsystems and instrumentation according to set procedures and/or directions from a supervisor
- Monitors the treatment process from the control board /computer screen; monitors various treatment processes including coagulant feed, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection; monitors the addition of chemicals added for corrosion control and dental caries prevention
- Monitors water quality by performing laboratory tests at various stages in the treatment process; tests may include but are not limited to chlorine residual, fluoride residual, pH, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, odors, and other tests as necessary to maintain water quality; calibrates laboratory equipment; maintains laboratory records
- Determines chemical dosage based on preset directives and makes adjustments to plant processes as necessary
- Reads gauges and meters; interprets data to maintain the proper treatment process, proper distribution operation, security, and alarm status; makes flow adjustments
- Operates pumps, valves, and equipment manually or utilizing a SCADA system; monitors systems for alarms, make adjustments, and provides appropriate response; notifies water supervisors or other personnel as necessary to respond to problems
- Operates mechanical equipment including pumps and motors, chemical feed pumps and systems, air compressors, and manual, electrical, and pneumatically operated valves; operates hand and power tools; operates a light truck
- Monitors chemical feed equipment; reports problems and may perform maintenance on chemical piping system under direction of a supervisor; participates in calibration of chemical feed equipment
- Maintains operational logs and records
- Makes visual inspections; monitors facilities and grounds to insure adequate security
- Performs preventative and predictive maintenance on treatment plant equipment as assigned
- Operates the City's water distribution system including reservoirs/towers; ensures adequate availability and pressure to all service connection
- Performs appropriate procedures and responds to emergencies and spills including those involving hazardous materials as required
- Performs other duties as assigned
Desired Minimum Qualifications:
- Proven reliable and dependable
- Must be 18 years of age
- 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 math and chemistry
- Preferred education and application of biology or chemistry
- 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)
- Personal Leave Accruals - 24 hours per year
- Vacation Leave Accruals - 40 hours first year, 80 hours second year
- Sick Leave Accruals - 6 hours per month
- 11 Paid Holidays per year
- $100 Safety shoe allowance and uniforms provided
- Employee voluntary deferred compensation plan
- Employee voluntary flex spending and dependent care options
- BCBS PPO health insurance and HDHP health insurance
- Health Savings Account employer contributions - $500 single and $1,000 plus one or family
- Delta Dental - employee paid
- VSP Vision - employee paid
- Aflac options
Apply online at www.charlestonillinois.org. For free internet access, please visit Charleston Carnegie Library. EEO/AA.