Facility Operator III at Essential Utilities

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we’re delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities.  If you’re looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.

We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. 

Are you looking for a fantastic career at Aqua? We have a great opportunity for a Facility Operator III.  This role is under the direction of the Plant Manager and is responsible for the operation and preventative maintenance of pumping and purification equipment, instruments, buildings and grounds, and facilities for the treatment and pumping of water.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Performs a wide variety of operating, maintenance, and custodial duties.  Tasks of the incumbent include, but are not limited to:

• Operation and control of all water treatment and distribution system assets.
• Operates and maintains distribution system including mains, valves, hydrants, and service lines.
• Operates valves, electrical switchgear, electrical disconnects and switches.
• Troubleshoots and repairs service piping and other related equipment.
• Performs routine water quality analysis in accordance with established processes and procedures.
• Makes operational adjustments as needed to comply with state and federal water quality standards.
• Control and wash filters by operation of appurtenant equipment.
• Perform routine collection of bacteriological samples.
• Operate, read, interpret, and record as directed all instruments at the plant.
• Maintain records and charts.
• During freezing weather, make regular inspections at all points in the plant subject to freeze damage.
• Maintenance and housekeeping duties as assigned.
• Assists and trains under Production Manager and other operators as directed.
• Perform other duties in connection with the above.
• Completes customer service work orders, updates, and maintains appropriate system documentation of activities, and closes work orders in accordance with department policies and procedures.
• Performs all tasks safely, professionally and in accordance with company policies and procedures as well as local, state, and federal laws, rules, and guidelines.
• Respond to emergencies as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL OR REGISTRATION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent. 
• Have the technical ability to perform the duties of this classification. 
• Be able to readily read, understand and accurately follow operating instructions both written and verbal. 
• Mathematical ability to perform calculations to determine various ratios, dosages, and volumetric calculations that are required for the operation of the Treatment Facility. 
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate in writing and accurately prepare technical reports.  Have demonstrated reliable performance in previous jobs and/or school.
• Must be computer literate in database, spreadsheet and word processing capabilities and possess the ability to operate plant processes through computer-controlled equipment. 
• Ability to understand technical drawings, schematics and manuals of water facilities and equipment is also required.
• A valid U.S. driver’s license.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• The selected candidate must obtain an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Class “B” Water Operators Certification within three (3) years of the date of appointment, to remain in the employ of Aqua Illinois, Inc.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases and/or poor ventilation atmospheric conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Must be available to be on-call nights and on weekends to adequately staff a 24 hour/7 day operation.

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.  If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).  
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:

• Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
• Family members cannot work in the same department.