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Water Utility Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Directs flow of material to/from operating units * Works with materials and equipment necessary to ... Water, Lubricants. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are ...

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ... Water, Lubricants. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are ...

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ... Water, Lubricants. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are ...

Utility

Elgin, IL · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

The role requires adherence to safety guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures, along with ... Maintains consumables (paper ink water etc.) during production Essential Functions and ...

Utility

Elgin, IL

$20 - $24/hr

The role requires adherence to safety guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures, along with ... Maintains consumables (paper ink water etc.) during production Essential Functions and ...

The role requires adherence to safety guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures, along with ... Maintains consumables (paper ink water etc.) during production Essential Functions and ...

We look at the entire facility-inside and out-and can impact 70% of what a building operator ... Perform engineering evaluations of energy, water, utility, and infrastructure systems to identify ...

Project Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

We look at the entire facility--inside and out--and can impact 70% of what a building operator ... Perform engineering evaluations of energy, water, utility, and infrastructure systems to identify ...

We look at the entire facility-inside and out-and can impact 70% of what a building operator ... Perform engineering evaluations of energy, water, utility, and infrastructure systems to identify ...

Director of Finance

Naperville, IL · On-site

$189K - $208K/yr

... operating and capital budget approaching $700 million. The position oversees budgeting, financial ... and water utility. As a member of the executive leadership team, the Director aligns financial ...

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Water Utility Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$26

$38

How much do water utility operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for water utility operator in Chicago, IL is $26.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.54 and $31.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Water Utility Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often accompanied by state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water testing equipment, and maintenance tools is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe and efficient operation of water facilities, compliance with regulations, and the consistent delivery of clean water to communities.

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

AspectWater Utility OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater operator licenses, state-specific certificationsWater treatment operator licenses, state-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentWater distribution systems, reservoirs, pump stationsWater treatment facilities, filtration systems, chemical handling
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal water departments, utility companiesWater treatment plants, municipal water facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles require similar certifications and work within the water industry, but Water Utility Operators focus on maintaining water distribution systems, while Water Treatment Plant Operators specialize in treating water at treatment facilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position aligned with their skills and certifications.

What is a water utility operator?

Water Utility Operators are professionals responsible for managing and maintaining the systems that treat and distribute water to communities and businesses. They monitor equipment, test water quality, adjust chemical levels, and ensure that water meets safety and regulatory standards. Operators also troubleshoot issues, perform routine maintenance, and keep detailed records of plant operations to ensure safe and reliable water delivery.

What are some common challenges water utility operators face in maintaining water quality standards?

Water Utility Operators often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected equipment malfunctions, responding to sudden changes in water demand, and ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standards. They must monitor water treatment processes continuously, troubleshoot technical issues, and perform regular maintenance to prevent contamination. Effective communication with team members and quick decision-making are essential to address these challenges and maintain safe, high-quality water for the community.
Infographic showing various Water Utility Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,912 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Utility Operator

SunCoke Energy

East Chicago, IN • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


SunCoke Energy rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

Summary: Performs various labor/clean-up duties throughout the coke plant and facility. Assists maintenance crew as needed to facilitate repairs and preventative maintenance functions. Uses various mobile equipment in performance of duties. Loads railroad cars as required, performs oven repairs and changes bag filters

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following, but not intended to be an all inclusive list. Other duties may be assigned. * Performs all work to support operations necessary to assure all functions of the producing unit to maximize production within quality, safety/health and environmental requirements. * Operates various types of plant mobile equipment including but not limited to - trucks, heavy equipment, dozers, front-end loaders, boom trucks, mobile cranes and/or platforms. If required, Class A CDL and/or powered equipment license as required endorsements in plants. * Fuels, inspects and performs preventative maintenance on all types of mobile and/or powered equipment. * Communicates with maintenance to assure maximum production, safe working conditions and quality product(s). * Directs flow of material to/from operating units * Works with materials and equipment necessary to transport and process products and materials. * Operates various mobile equipment, including but not limited to, bobcat, forklift, cherry picker, front-end loader and dump truck. * Operates equipment in conformance with established standard operating procedures, with respect to safety, quality and environmental requirements. * Supports and assists maintenance activities. Reads work order or follows oral instructions to ascertain materials or containers to be moved. Clean, wash down and shovel spillage from walkways, conveyor belts, transfer points and /or anywhere spillage may occur. Clean and maintain locker rooms/showers, restrooms and lunchrooms. Lifts heavy objects by hand or with power hoist, and cleans work area, machines, and equipment to assist machine operators. Loads trucks or railcars as needed. Starts/stops hydraulic pumps, motors and conveyors as required. Performs specific oven maintenance such as changing doors and damper blocks. Perform equipment inspection and completes reports as needed. Responsible for functioning as a team member to meet or exceed coking production schedules. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience: High School diploma and/or GED required. One year certificate from college or technical school preferred. Three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Language Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Math Ability: Ability to add, subtract, using whole numbers. Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Tools & Equipment: Front-end loader, Bobcat, Dump truck, Forklift, Cherry picker, various handtools, Brooms, Shovels, Water/Air hoses, Conveyor belts, Cleaning Agents, Water, Lubricants.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); work near moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles and outdoor weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to work in high, precarious places; extreme heat (non-weather); and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate with noise level in some areas high. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. This document does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed within this position and is subject to modification.


Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.


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