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Water Distribution Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Baxter and Woodman Inc

Water Utility Engineer I

Mokena, IL · On-site +1

$76K - $90K/yr

What your day-to-day will look like * Assist in the planning and design of municipal water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems improvements, including pipelines, pumping stations ...

Baxter & Woodman

Water Utility Engineer I

Naperville, IL · On-site +1

$76K - $90K/yr

What your day-to-day will look like * Assist in the planning and design of municipal water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems improvements, including pipelines, pumping stations ...

AECOM

Resident Engineer (Water)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $130K/yr

In this role, leading and supervising a consultant team, you'll contribute to rewarding water distribution construction projects. This position provides growth opportunities and the chance to make a ...

AECOM

Resident Engineer (Water)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $130K/yr

In this role, leading and supervising a consultant team, you'll contribute to rewarding water distribution construction projects. This position provides growth opportunities and the chance to make a ...

AECOM

Resident Engineer (Water)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $130K/yr

In this role, leading and supervising a consultant team, you'll contribute to rewarding water distribution construction projects. This position provides growth opportunities and the chance to make a ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsWater Distribution JobsWater Distribution Jobs in Chicago, IL

Water Distribution information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$26

$58

How much do water distribution jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution in Chicago, IL is $26.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.28 and $31.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water distribution worker?

Water distribution workers are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining the systems that deliver clean, safe water to homes and businesses. Their duties include monitoring water quality, repairing pipes and valves, ensuring proper water pressure, and responding to leaks or service disruptions. They play a crucial role in public health and infrastructure by making sure that water distribution systems comply with safety regulations and function efficiently. This job often requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and sometimes certification or licensing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water distribution operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Distribution Operator, you need a solid understanding of water systems, hydraulics, maintenance procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and GIS mapping software is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout operators apart. These skills ensure the safe and efficient delivery of clean water to communities, uphold regulatory standards, and minimize service disruptions.

What are some common challenges faced by water distribution professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Water distribution professionals often encounter challenges such as aging infrastructure, leak detection, maintaining water quality standards, and responding to emergency repairs. Addressing these issues requires strong problem-solving skills, familiarity with modern monitoring technologies, and close coordination with maintenance and engineering teams. Proactive maintenance, ongoing training, and clear communication with both colleagues and the public can help mitigate these challenges and ensure reliable water service.

What is the difference between Water Distribution vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater DistributionWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater Distribution Operator LicenseWater Treatment Operator License
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, pipelines, reservoirsPlant facilities, chemical handling
Industry UsageMunicipal water systems, pipelinesWater purification, treatment processes
Job FocusMaintaining and repairing water pipelines and infrastructureOperating and monitoring water treatment equipment

Water Distribution professionals focus on maintaining and repairing water pipelines and infrastructure, ensuring safe water delivery. Water Treatment Plant Operators manage water purification processes at treatment facilities. While both roles require similar certifications and work within the water industry, their primary responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What does water distribution do?

Water distribution workers are responsible for delivering clean, safe drinking water to homes, businesses, and public facilities through a network of pipes and pumps. They maintain and repair the infrastructure, monitor water quality, and ensure proper pressure and flow within the system. This role often requires knowledge of plumbing, safety procedures, and sometimes certifications in water system operations.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Water Distribution jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Water Distribution job openings:

Water Distribution jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Distribution job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,387 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Water Utility Engineer I

Baxter and Woodman Inc

Mokena, IL • On-site, Remote

$76K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Your future position: Water Utility Engineer I

Location: Chicago (O'Hare), Crystal Lake, Naperville, or Mokena, IL

Why you should join our team! Why Baxter & Woodman?

At Baxter & Woodman, both seasoned professionals and recent graduates find more than a job; they uncover a long-lasting, fulfilling career with a distinguished leader in technology and innovation. Our work environment is extraordinary and being honored as one of the 2026 Zweig Best Firms to Work For exemplifies our appreciation and respect for our dedicated staff.

About the role, Your Impact

Baxter & Woodman has a rewarding opportunity for a Water Utility Engineer I in our Infrastructure Department. The Water Utility Engineer I will be responsible for the design of drinking water, wastewater and other infrastructure projects for design-build in our Chicago (O'Hare), Crystal Lake, Naperville, or Mokena, IL office. A successful candidate will benefit from a unique opportunity to advance their career path tailored to their interest of technical design, project management, team management, or business development.

What your day-to-day will look like

  • Assist in the planning and design of municipal water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems improvements, including pipelines, pumping stations, valves, meters, manholes, and related infrastructure.
  • Prepare engineering plans, specifications, cost estimates, and technical reports for utility infrastructure improvement projects.
  • Design underground infrastructure improvements using Trenchless Technologies, such as horizontal directional drilling, jack and bore, or lining.
  • Support development and implementation of utility Capital Improvement Programs (CIP) through project evaluation, prioritization, budgeting, and infrastructure replacement planning.
  • Perform hydraulic analyses and modeling of water distribution systems to support improvement design, capacity evaluations, and master planning efforts.
  • Conduct field investigations such as sanitary sewer evaluation surveys (SSES), fire flow testing, condition assessments, and construction observations to support design and planning activities.
  • Prepare permit applications and coordinate with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to ensure project compliance.
  • Assist with Rate Studies, Funding Applications, GIS mapping, and large multidisciplinary projects (wastewater treatment plant, stormwater, and transportation projects).

Education/Certification Requirements

  • B.S. in Civil Engineering

Must-haves, what you will bring

  • Ability to lead themselves through project design.
  • Excellent technical writing skills.
  • Strong written, verbal, computer, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work in a team environment for both engineering design and contractors.

Compensation The pay range for this role is $76,000-$90,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, and certifications.

You matter! Our outstanding benefits - At our organization, we prioritize the holistic well-being of our employees through a comprehensive range of benefits. This commitment is evident in our healthcare offerings, including medical, dental, and vision plans, alongside an Employee Assistance Program and dedicated benefit advisors for personalized support. Financial well-being is enhanced through our financial planning program, life and disability insurance, tax savings plans, and coverage for accidents, cancer, and critical illnesses. Balancing work and life, we provide generous paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements, including the option to work from home and/or work a flexible schedule on eligible positions. Additionally, we lead the industry by offering 401k plans, supported by expert financial advisors, and an Employee Stock Ownership program, ensuring our employees are not just part of a workplace but a thriving, supportive community dedicated to their well-being, financial security, and happiness.
Baxter & Woodman is an equal opportunity - Vet/Disability employer