Position Type: Public Works/Water Treatment Operator
Date Posted: 2/12/2026
Location: Water Treatment Plant
Permanent Part Time Plant OperatorPublic Works Department - Water Treatment Plant Operator
The City of Charleston Public Works Department is seeking candidates to fill a long term, part time Water Treatment Operator position. This position is part-time with a starting wage of $18.00 per hour. This posting will remain open until the position is filled.
The Water Treatment Plant is a 24/7 operation. The part-time Operator will work 3rd shift Friday and Saturday 11pm-7am.
The successful candidate must complete a post offer drug/alcohol test and background screening.
Duties:
- 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 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
- Ability to read and interpret gauges, recording devices and related monitoring systems
- Troubleshooting skills, eager to learn
- Possess safety awareness
Benefits:
- Personal Leave Accruals - 1 hours per 40 hours worked
Apply online at www.charlestonillinois.org. For free internet access, please visit Charleston Carnegie Library. EEO/AA.